The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) of South Africa has made significant strides in its fight against corruption, recovering approximately R28.536 billion during the 2025/26 financial year. This recovery includes R1.9 billion in potential losses prevented for the state and R936 million in cash and/or assets recovered. The unit's efforts also led to the setting aside of contracts valued at over R25.7 billion through legal proceedings.
The SIU's investigations remain the backbone of its work, with 5917 investigations closed and conducted under published proclamations during the 2025/26 financial year. Forty-eight reports were submitted to the Presidency outlining the outcomes of investigations. These reports cover various investigations, including those involving the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, Ithala Development Finance Corporation, and the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality's Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works.
The SIU referred matters involving evidence of civil wrongdoing valued at R10.7 billion for civil proceedings. Notably, the PRASA investigation was the largest contributor to the overall amount, with the SIU instituting and conducting civil proceedings valued at R6.9 billion. The unit's efforts aim to protect public funds from unlawful spending and recover and redirect them toward their intended public purposes.
SIU Head Leonard Lekgetho emphasized that fighting corruption requires a whole-of-society approach involving government, law-enforcement agencies, investigative and oversight institutions, whistleblowers, civil society, the media, businesses, and every citizen. He stressed that if South Africa is serious about ending corruption, it needs to ensure that opportunities to commit corruption are reduced and that those responsible face consequences.
The SIU conducted lifestyle audits at various departments and entities, including the Community Schemes Ombud Service, Housing Development Agency, and Independent Police Investigative Directorate. The unit also made 761 criminal referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) relating to matters involving officials, private entities, and individuals suspected of criminal wrongdoing.
In addition to its investigations, the SIU referred 460 officials to their respective State institutions for disciplinary action. The unit will continue to safeguard the public purse, protect State resources, and support efforts to ensure that public funds are used for their intended purposes and for the benefit of all South Africans.
The Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act provides for the establishment of Special Investigating Units to investigate serious malpractices or maladministration in connection with the administration of State institutions, State assets, and public money. The SIU's work is crucial in promoting good governance and accountability in South Africa.
Key points
- The SIU recovered approximately R28.536 billion during the 2025/26 financial year.
- The unit referred matters involving evidence of civil wrongdoing valued at R10.7 billion for civil proceedings.
- The SIU made 761 criminal referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) relating to matters involving officials, private entities, and individuals suspected of criminal wrongdoing.
