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
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... →
New report shows housing, energy stalled despite GNU’s upward trajectory, but no promises broken
By: Thabi Shomolekae 30th September 2026 As South Africa’s Government of National Unity enters its third year, its central challenge has fundamentally shifted, with the initial phase of... →
Alleged exorbitant spending on NHI marketing is yet another reason why the proposed system is heading for failure – AfriForum
30th September 2026 AfriForum believes that concerns regarding the nature and scale of spending on marketing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) constitute another... →
ActionSA demands full accountability over R182 million health department contracts
29th September 2026 ActionSA is deeply concerned by reports that two National Department of Health communication contracts have ballooned to approximately R182... →
PSA alarmed by R2 Billion Defence scandal exposed by Special Investigating Unit
28th September 2026 The Public Servants Association (PSA), representing more than 250,000 public sector employees has noted with grave concern the Special... →
RISE Mzansi calls for urgent public sector ethics reset, fully resourced justice system, and mandatory lifestyle audits
22nd September 2026 Corruption is not a victimless crime. It steals directly from those in need, robbing our communities of essential public services, crippling... →
Can South Africa catch the next state capture early?
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 21st September 2026 A new ISS anti-corruption tracker uses AI to identify patterns and warning signs in a wide range of government institutions. South Africa knows the... →
