Special Investigating Unit
The Special Investigating Unit is a South African statutory anti-corruption body established to investigate serious maladministration, malpractice and corruption in state institutions. The unit operates under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996 and reports to the President of South Africa. It is headed by a director who is appointed by the President and has the powers to investigate allegations of unlawful conduct, recover state assets and refer matters for criminal prosecution. The SIU conducts investigations only when authorised by presidential proclamation, which defines the scope and subject matter of each probe. Its mandate covers government departments, state-owned enterprises, public entities and municipalities. The unit works closely with law enforcement agencies such as the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure that findings lead to accountability. It also has civil litigation powers and can approach the Special Tribunal to recover financial losses suffered by the state. The SIU has investigated high-profile cases involving procurement irregularities, tender fraud and misuse of public funds. It plays a central role in South Africa's efforts to combat corruption and strengthen governance in the public sector.
Special Investigating Unit Updates
DA believes Ramaphosa is delaying Daybreak Foods investigation
26th October 2026 The DA wrote again to the Presidency last week to follow up on the additional Daybreak State Capture evidence submitted in September for referral... →
DA demands answers from Ekurhuleni City Manager over property and travel allegations
22nd October 2026 The DA in Ekurhuleni is calling for a comprehensive lifestyle audit of City Manager Kagiso Lerutla after allegations circulating on social media... →
SA: Paul Mashatile: Address by Deputy President, at the 8th National Congress of the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA), Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Ekurhuleni (14/10/2026)
16th October 2026 Allow me to convey the greetings of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who had intended to join this important occasion. Unfortunately, due to prior... →
Lesufi fails to hold officials accountable for R197m Gauteng Airwing contract scandal
15th October 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng will write to Premier Panyaza Lesufi requesting that he immediately put the officials implicated in the R197... →
DA launches online portal to report dodgy tenders
14th October 2026 Today, the DA launched a new whistle blower portal where members of the public can submit information about corrupt, fraudulent and suspicious... →
South Africa need not wait for corruption convictions
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 12th October 2026 The country has several powerful tools to prevent corruption before more damage is done. Why aren’t they being used? For many South Africans,... →
Ministerial Committee warns of fake news as ConCourt ruling triggers influx at refugee centres 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 8th October 2026 The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration has expressed concerns over what it says is the deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation... →
Correctional Services damning Disclaimed audit, under Min. Groenewald includes R1.9-billion unauthorised spend
6th October 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) strongly condemns the collapse of financial management and executive integrity at the Department of Correctional... →
SA: Dr Leon Schreiber: Address by Minister of Home Affairs, at the Home Affairs Quantum Leap: A Vision for the Future of Government at Constitution Hill (01/10/2026)
2nd October 2026 More than any other department, Home Affairs had become synonymous with public sector failure. Millions of South Africans associated it with taking... →
Special Investigating Unit welcomes arrest of former Rural Development and Land Reform official
1st October 2026 The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the arrest of a 50 -year-old former Deputy Director of Finance at the Department of Rural Development... →
