The public protector of South Africa has concluded an investigation into the appointment of Leonard Lekgetho as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). The probe was initiated following a complaint by a person known as P Maharaj, who alleged that the recruitment process for the position was flawed. Maharaj, who had applied for the COO role, claimed that Lekgetho did not meet the minimum qualification requirements. The public protector's office has now found no evidence of irregularities in Lekgetho's appointment.
Lekgetho was officially appointed as the head of the SIU by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September, after serving in an acting capacity since February. His appointment followed the resignation of the former head, advocate Andy Mothibi, who was appointed as the national director of public prosecutions. The SIU advertised the COO vacancy in February 2023, and Maharaj was among the applicants who were shortlisted for the position. However, Maharaj alleged that Lekgetho did not possess the required postgraduate qualification in management or equivalent.
The public protector's investigation considered Maharaj's allegations and found that the SIU's recruitment process was lawful and procedurally fair. The investigation revealed that the job advertisement did specify a requirement for a relevant postgraduate qualification in management or equivalent. The public protector, advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, found that this provision was applied consistently to all candidates during the shortlisting process. As a result, the investigation concluded that the allegation of irregularities in Lekgetho's appointment was unsubstantiated.
According to the public protector, the SIU's decision to appoint Lekgetho was lawful, rational, and properly exercised within the discretion conferred by law and policy. The investigation found that Lekgetho's appointment did not amount to improper conduct under the constitution or maladministration under the Public Protector Act. The public protector's office has therefore cleared Lekgetho's appointment of any irregularities.
Maharaj had claimed that Lekgetho's appointment was fatally defective and unfair to all other applicants, including himself. However, the public protector's investigation found no evidence to support this claim. The investigation's findings have confirmed that Lekgetho's appointment as COO of the SIU was valid and in accordance with the relevant laws and policies.
The public protector's report has significant implications for the SIU and its operations. The SIU is a critical institution in South Africa, responsible for investigating corruption and maladministration in the public sector. The findings of the investigation will help to reinforce confidence in the SIU's recruitment processes and its leadership.
The investigation's outcome also highlights the importance of thorough and transparent recruitment processes in ensuring the integrity of public institutions. The public protector's office has demonstrated its commitment to upholding the principles of good governance and accountability in the public sector.
Key points
- The public protector found no irregularities in Leonard Lekgetho's appointment as COO of the SIU.
- The investigation revealed that the SIU's recruitment process was lawful and procedurally fair.
- Lekgetho's appointment was confirmed to be in accordance with the relevant laws and policies.
