Kubayi welcomes Leonard Lekgetho as permanent SIU head

Justice minister praises new SIU leadership as fight against corruption continues

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has welcomed the appointment of Leonard Lekgetho as the permanent head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), saying she is confident he will hold people who misuse public funds accountable.

Appointment confirmed

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Lekgetho as head of the SIU, effective 1 September. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the appointment on Monday and said the president acted in terms of Section 3(1)(a) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996.

Kubayi on Lekgetho’s experience

Kubayi said Lekgetho’s career reflects extensive experience in investigations, forensic work and organisational leadership, developed over nearly two decades within the SIU. She noted that “he has progressed through various levels of the institution, gaining experience in both operational and senior management responsibilities.”

She also highlighted Lekgetho’s earlier service: “His service as an investigator in the former Directorate of Special Operations further adds to his experience in complex investigations and the broader fight against corruption.”

Kubayi described the appointment as timely, saying it comes “at a crucial time as the government continues to strengthen its efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance.”

Acting role and background

Before his permanent appointment, Lekgetho had served as acting head of the SIU since February 2026, following the departure of Advocate Andy Mothibi to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Magwenya said Lekgetho’s permanent appointment would help secure the stability of the unit and its continued impact in the fight against crime.

The IOL report states Lekgetho has served for more than 19 years in the SIU and held several portfolios. He also served as an investigator with the now-defunct Directorate of Special Operations, commonly known as the Scorpions.

Qualifications and mandate

According to the report, Lekgetho holds degrees in law, education and science, a diploma in forensic auditing and a postgraduate diploma in cyber law.

The SIU is described as “an independent statutory body established in terms of the SIU Act.” Its primary mandate is to investigate serious allegations of corruption, malpractice and maladministration in state institutions, state assets and public money, and to recover financial losses suffered by state institutions through civil litigation.

Messages from state officials

Magwenya said President Ramaphosa “wishes Mr Lekgetho and the leadership and staff of the SIU well as Mr Lekgetho assumes leadership of an agency that is a critical component of the criminal justice architecture against crime and corruption.”

Kubayi wished Lekgetho well as he assumes responsibility and expressed confidence that his experience and institutional knowledge would serve him in leading the SIU and advancing its mandate.