Ramaphosa appoints Leonard Lekgetho as new SIU head
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho as the permanent head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), effective today, 1 September 2026.
Lekgetho takes over the leadership of the anti-corruption agency after serving as its acting head since February.
He succeeds Advocate Andy Mothibi, who left the position on 1 February to take up the role of National Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Presidency says Lekgetho’s permanent appointment is intended to provide stability to the SIU and strengthen its ongoing work in the fight against corruption and serious financial misconduct.
Ramaphosa made the appointment in terms of Section 3(1)(a) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says Lekgetho’s appointment will provide continuity at the SIU.
The SIU is an independent statutory body established in terms of the SIU Act, with the primary mandate is to investigate serious allegations of corruption, malpractice and maladministration involving state institutions, state assets and public funds.
The unit can also investigate conduct that may seriously harm the interests of the public and recover financial losses suffered by state institutions through civil litigation.
The Presidency says the SIU is empowered to take civil action when wrongdoing is uncovered.
Magwenya says Lekgetho brings extensive experience to the position, which will be important as he assumes permanent leadership of the unit.
"Mr Lekgetho's experience spans 19 years from 2007 to the present in the SIU, during which he served in diverse portfolios, from investigation to his current portfolio of Chief Operations Officer."
Lekgetho holds degrees in law, education and science, as well as a diploma in forensic auditing and a postgraduate diploma in cyber law.
His appointment comes as the SIU continues to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration and the misuse of public resources across government institutions.
The unit has powers to institute civil proceedings to recover money or assets lost by the state as a result of unlawful conduct.
The Presidency says Lekgetho is taking charge of an agency that remains central to the fight against corruption.
"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."
