Ramaphosa appoints Leonard Lekgetho as new SIU head

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho as the new head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), effective Tuesday, 1 September 2026.

The appointment was made in terms of Section 3(1)(a) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996.

Lekgetho succeeds Advocate Andy Mothibi, who left the position on 1 February after being appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions.

Lekgetho had been serving as acting head of the SIU and will now take up the position permanently, with the Presidency saying the appointment is aimed at ensuring stability and continuity within the unit.

The SIU is an independent statutory body mandated to investigate serious allegations of corruption, malpractice and maladministration involving state institutions, state assets and public funds.

The unit can also institute civil proceedings to recover financial losses suffered by state institutions and to address wrongdoing uncovered through its investigations.

Lekgetho has 19 years of experience at the SIU, having joined the organisation in 2007. During his career, he has served in various roles, including investigations, and most recently as Chief Operations Officer.

He also previously served as an investigator in the former Directorate of Special Operations.

The incoming SIU head holds degrees in law, education and science, as well as a diploma in forensic auditing and a postgraduate diploma in cyber law.

Ramaphosa wished Lekgetho, along with the SIU's leadership and staff, well as he assumes responsibility for the agency, which the Presidency described as a critical component of South Africa's criminal justice system in the fight against crime and corruption.