{
  "id": 4754925,
  "title": "Ramaphosa appoints SIU powerhouse Leonard Lekgetho as unit’s permanent head",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/ramaphosa-appoints-siu-powerhouse-leonard-lekgetho-as-units-permanent",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T01:03:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/ramaphosa-appoints-leonard-lekgetho-as-units-permanent-head/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Leonard Lekgetho, a seasoned Special Investigating Unit (SIU) official, as the permanent head of the SIU. The decision, announced on August 31, 2026, aims to bolster stability within the unit, which plays a crucial role in combating corruption and wrongdoing in South Africa. Lekgetho replaces Advocate Andy Mothibi, who moved on to become the National Director of Public Prosecutions. Lekgetho has dedicated 19 years to the SIU, serving in various capacities ranging from chief forensic investigator to chief operations officer. His extensive experience includes high-profile corruption investigations, forensic audits, and cybercrime-related probes. Holding degrees in law, education, and science, along with specialized diplomas in forensic auditing and cyber law, Lekgetho is well-qualified to lead the SIU, an independent statutory body mandated to investigate serious allegations of corruption, malpractice, and maladministration in state institutions and public money.",
  "summary": "He has been acting SIU head since February, when advocate Andy Mothibi left the SIU to become National Director of Public Prosecutions.",
  "key_points": [
    "President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Leonard Lekgetho as SIU's permanent head.",
    "Lekgetho served 19 years in SIU, holding various key positions.",
    "Lekgetho's qualifications include law, education, science degrees and forensic certifications."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The appointment of Leonard Lekgetho as the permanent head of the SIU brings stability and continuity to the unit, leveraging his 19 years of experience in high-profile corruption investigations and forensic audits.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}