SIU welcomes establishment of overarching anti-corruption body in SA
The SIU is currently playing host to the 15th Commonwealth regional conference for heads of anti-corruption agencies in Africa.
CAPE TOWN - Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Andy Mothibi supports the establishment of an independent, anti-corruption body for the country.
While the Democratic Alliance (DA) has already tabled legislation in Parliament to this effect, Mothibi said the preliminary recommendation of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council appears to be leaning in this direction.
The SIU is currently playing host to the 15th Commonwealth regional conference for heads of anti-corruption agencies in Africa.
The meeting is in Cape Town this week.
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In 2022, the president established the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council to advise him on strengthening South Africa’s anti-corruption framework.
SIU head Andy Mothibi said while he thinks the country’s current anti-corruption architecture should not be tampered with, an overarching body would be a welcome addition.
"They are also recommending a consolidation of some sort, and particularly around prevention, systemic investigations, and, of course, the reactive investigations," said Mothibi.
It’s been mooted that an independent agency be referred to as the Office of Public Integrity against Corruption.
Several of the countries attending this week’s summit have independent anti-corruption commissions.
"It’s really going to almost restructure the anti-corruption architecture in the country, and strengthen its capability," he added.
The conference continues on Tuesday with an expected opening address from the former Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo, who chaired the commission into State capture.