After a decade of delays, South Africa's anti-corruption reforms propose establishing the Office of Public Integrity to address graft more effectively. The National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council recommends transitioning the Special Investigating Unit into this new independent body. President Cyril Ramaphosa must act swiftly to implement these vital changes amid global youth concerns over corruption.
South Africa's fight against corruption has progressed slowly over the past 10 years, culminating in comprehensive proposals for a new anti-corruption agency. The National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2020-2030 was developed through collaboration between government officials and civil society organisations. In 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, which included experts from academia, non-governmental organisations, trade unions, legal professions, and traditional leaders. This council researched anti-corruption models from Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The council's final report, released on 28 August 2025, calls for an independent Office of Public Integrity (OPI) to be enshrined in Chapter 9 of the constitution, akin to the Office of the Public Protector. This placement would protect it from easy dissolution by Parliament, unlike the Scorpions, disbanded in 2009 following an African National Congress resolution to shield senior politicians from investigation.
The OPI's primary focus would be preventing corruption, fulfilling South Africa's obligations under Article 6 of the UN Convention Against Corruption. It would not supplant existing bodies like the National Prosecuting Authority's Investigating Directorate Against Corruption or the Hawks, but rather strengthen them, including making the NPA independent from the Department of Justice.
The report highlights the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) as ideal for evolution into the OPI, absorbing its functions such as forensic investigations, asset recovery, systemic reforms, and prevention initiatives using data analytics. The SIU already operates across the accountability chain, including referrals for prosecution and disciplinary action.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is now tasked with drafting legislation and consulting stakeholders for Cabinet presentation, as directed in Ramaphosa's February 2025 State of the Nation Address. The department stated: “Processes are under way to engage other government departments and constitutional institutions to also gather their views on the [advisory council] recommendations, in preparation for its tabling in Cabinet... The [department] regards the [council report] recommendations as vital tools in combatting corruption.”
Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development received the recommendations on 14 May 2025, with Chairperson Xola Nqola committing to oversee executive support for implementation. Amid global youth surveys showing corruption as a top issue—80% in Africa—and uprisings in countries like Kenya and Tanzania, these steps are crucial for South Africa's Government of National Unity to build public trust.
Associate Professor Firoz Khan from Stellenbosch University noted: “The recent Gen Z uprisings in Nepal, Tanzania, Kenya, Bangladesh and Madagascar are about both the rejection of corrupt leaders and corrupted political systems.”