When Leonard Lekgetho speaks about justice, it is not as an abstract ideal but as a lifelong calling. Appointed as acting head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) by President Cyril Ramaphosa, this North-West University (NWU) alumnus carries with him more than two decades of experience in the fight against corruption, and the values shaped during his years as a student.
Roots in Taung, rise to national leadership
Leonard was born and raised in Taung in North West, and his journey to national leadership is defined by discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to public service. His appointment as acting head marks not a new beginning, but a continuation of a career dedicated to protecting public assets and strengthening accountability.
His professional path began on the front lines as a special investigator with the Directorate of Special Operations – which was widely known as the Scorpions – where he honed his expertise in investigating fraud, organised crime and cybercrime. When the Scorpions were disbanded, his mission remained unchanged. He transitioned to the SIU, an institution symbolised by the cobra. From Scorpion to Cobra, his evolution was one of growth in service of the same cause.
Over more than 20 years at the SIU, Leonard rose through the ranks, from chief forensic investigator to projects director, chief national investigations officer, chief operations officer, and now acting head. Having served at the operational heart of numerous high-profile investigations, he steps into his new role with deep institutional knowledge and strategic insight.
“I have grown with the institution. To now lead it, even in an acting capacity, is both an honour and a profound responsibility,” he says.
Academic foundations at the NWU
Leonards’s leadership is grounded in strong academic preparation. At the NWU, he obtained a BEd and a BSc Hons in geographic information systems. He later completed an LLB, diplomas in criminal justice, a postgraduate diploma in cyber law, one in advanced project management, and other specialised qualifications.
His learning extended beyond South Africa’s borders. Training at the FBI Academy and the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre provided him with a global perspective on anti-corruption strategies and institutional governance.
He credits the NWU for instilling in him a commitment to lifelong learning. “Staying curious and continuously updating my knowledge has shaped my leadership approach,” he reflects. “It drives me to foster a culture of learning, innovation and adaptability within the SIU.”
The SIU’s mandate: protecting the public interest
Established under the SIU Act 74 of 1996, the SIU is an independent statutory body mandated to investigate serious allegations of corruption, malpractice and maladministration in state institutions.
Its core functions include investigating state institutions to probe corruption and misuse of public funds, civil litigation to recover financial losses through the special tribunal or High Court, referral of criminal evidence to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and recommendations for disciplinary action, and systemic improvements to strengthen governance and prevent future corruption.
Under Leonard’s stewardship, the SIU continues its “Striking Against Corruption” approach, which is proactive, prevention-driven and impact-focused.
Key priorities: innovation, collaboration and accountability
As acting head, Leonard’s priorities reflect both continuity and innovation. He envisions transforming the SIU into an agile, technology-driven hub that accelerates turnaround times and maximises impact.
“We must deepen our focus on complex, high-profile investigations while ensuring that our work translates into real consequences, whether through civil recovery or criminal prosecution,” he says.
A strategic partnership with the NWU
The relationship between the SIU and the NWU is both strategic and forward-looking. In May 2022, the SIU partnered with the NWU and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants to train forensic accountants capable of tackling increasingly complex corruption cases.
The collaboration includes a bursary fund, curriculum support for forensic accounting, recruitment pipelines, and opportunities for vacation work and employment at the SIU. Through initiatives such as the Thuthuka Bursary Fund, the partnership strengthens investigative capacity, while addressing youth unemployment.
“Universities play a critical role in strengthening institutions like the SIU. By equipping students with scarce skills such as forensic accounting, the NWU is directly contributing to the fight against corruption and helping to reduce youth unemployment,” says Leonard.
For him, this collaboration demonstrates how universities can contribute directly to national integrity systems by equipping graduates with scarce and critical skills.
Lessons from the NWU that still guide him
Reflecting on his student years, Leonard highlights several enduring lessons such as resilience through challenge, which involved navigating academic demands, preparing him for high-pressure investigative work.
Another lesson learnt was critical thinking, which mostly taught him to analyse complex issues and remains central to effective investigations. He learnt the value of diverse perspectives, which lead to collaboration and open communication to drive better outcomes. Through the habit of lifelong learning he acquired, he learnt that adaptability is essential in a rapidly evolving investigative landscape.
Being part of the NWU community, he says, means belonging to a network committed to excellence and societal impact.
Advice to students and young professionals
To students and recent graduates preparing to enter the world of work, his advice is practical and grounded. They should not place undue emphasis on securing a “dream job” immediately, as every role is a stepping stone.
They should cultivate discipline, strong personal habits and time management, build resilience and healthy coping mechanisms for stress. Lastly, but most importantly, they should manage their finances wisely and live within their means.
“Employers value self-starters who take the initiative and embrace growth opportunities,” he says.
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, Leonard’s vision is bold: to position the SIU as a pioneering force against corruption through agile, innovative and technologically advanced procedures. By integrating artificial intelligence into investigative processes and strengthening partnerships, he aims to enhance efficiency and broaden impact.
For NWU alumni, his journey stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when academic grounding meets purpose-driven leadership. From the lecture halls of the NWU to the helm of one of South Africa’s most critical accountability institutions, Leonard exemplifies how alumni can shape not only industries, but the integrity of a nation.
NWU alumnus Leonard Lekgetho is the acting head of the Special Investigating Unit.
