Special Investigating Unit
SIU
Summary
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is an independent statutory body established under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act 74 of 1996). The Head of the SIU is appointed by the President and must be a fit and proper South African citizen; no fixed term is prescribed in the Act. The SIU investigates corruption, fraud, and maladministration in state institutions, but only upon a Presidential Proclamation authorising each specific investigation. This proclamation-based activation model differs from standing oversight bodies. The SIU may subpoena witnesses, obtain bank records, and conduct searches and seizures; civil asset recovery actions are pursued in the Special Tribunal established alongside it. The SIU played a central role in state capture investigations and COVID-19 procurement irregularity cases.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act 74 of 1996)
- Citation
- Act 74 of 1996
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Any matter referred by Presidential Proclamation; investigates corruption, maladministration, and state capture in public bodies; recovers state assets through civil proceedings before the Special Tribunal