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.
According to Maharaj's complaint, the SIU advertised the vacancy in February 2023, and he was shortlisted for the position. He alleged that Lekgetho lacked a relevant postgraduate qualification in management or equivalent, which was a requirement for the COO post. Maharaj believed that Lekgetho's appointment was therefore fatally defective and unfair to him and other applicants. The public protector's investigation examined these allegations to determine if there were any irregularities in the recruitment and selection process.
The public protector, advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, found that the SIU's decision to appoint Lekgetho was lawful, rational, and procedurally fair. Gcaleka's investigation considered whether the SIU officials followed due process in recruiting and selecting Lekgetho. The public protector's office determined that the requirement for a relevant postgraduate qualification allowed for equivalent qualifications, and this provision was applied consistently to all candidates during the shortlisting process.
Lekgetho was officially appointed as the COO of the SIU in September 2023, after acting in the role since February 2023, when the former head, advocate Andy Mothibi, was appointed national director of public prosecutions. President Cyril Ramaphosa made the official appointment. The public protector's findings have confirmed that Lekgetho's appointment was valid and not tainted by any irregularities.
The investigation by the public protector's office was thorough and considered all relevant evidence. The probe included an examination of the SIU's recruitment and selection process, as well as the qualifications and experience of Lekgetho and other applicants. The public protector's report concluded that the SIU officials acted properly and within their discretion in appointing Lekgetho as COO.
The public protector's findings have 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 appointment of a qualified and experienced COO like Lekgetho is essential to the effective functioning of the SIU. The public protector's confirmation of Lekgetho's appointment provides assurance that the SIU is being led by capable and competent officials.
In response to the public protector's findings, it is clear that the SIU's decision to appoint Lekgetho as COO was justified. The public protector's investigation has provided a thorough and transparent assessment of the recruitment and selection process. The findings have confirmed that Lekgetho's appointment was lawful and fair, and that the SIU officials acted with integrity and professionalism in making the appointment.
Key points
- The public protector found no irregularities in the appointment of Leonard Lekgetho as COO of the SIU.
- The investigation considered whether the SIU officials followed due process in recruiting and selecting Lekgetho.
- Lekgetho was officially appointed as the COO of the SIU in September 2023, after acting in the role since February 2023.
