Summary
The NPA Amendment Bill to establish the IDC was fast-tracked after being introduced in parliament in September 2023 by the Department of Justice and Correctional Services and is now on the president's desk for signature. It is likely to be enacted into law before the general election in May. Once enacted, reforms within the unit are expected. While this is a positive move, doubts remain as to whether it will be truly outside the sphere of political influence, given that the unit will be housed within the NPA, a government body, and that the president selects the head of both the NPA and IDC. Underfunding of the NPA and the IDC remains a problem.
View DetailsIs it working?
It's still early to say whether the IDC will be truly independent. If it performs its intended function (successfully solving complex corruption cases, functions independently and free of undue influence), it will be a clear anti-corruption commitment by government in terms of the Zondo Commission's recommendations. There is still risk. Once operational, the president will still be appointing the head of the NPA as well as this new body which leaves scope for political influence. The current head of the ID, Andrea Johnson, was appointed by the president.
Actions
The NPA Amendment Bill awaits the president's signature for assent after approval by both the NA and NCOP.
Are there plans?
Once approved and enacted into law, the legislation provides for the IDC to appoint its investigators and operate independently of government. It is hoped this will lead to a higher number of successful prosecutions, particularly in complex corruption cases.
Is it on the agenda?
Such an independent anti-corruption agency was recommended by the Zondo Commission after its investigations into state capture corruption and President Cyril Ramaphosa also promised to establish such a body in every one of his Sonas from 2019 to 2024. The temporary Independent Directorate was established in 2019 and the legislation to make it a permanent body awaits the president's signature for enactment.
Goals
The temporary body, the Investigating Directorate (ID), must become permanent and independent, through legislative amendments, as the disbanded Scorpions were. The ID was set up in 2019 as a specialised and? ?multidisciplinary unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) mandated to investigate and prosecute high-level and complex corruption. The permanent body will be known as the Investigating Directorate against Corruption (IDC). It is important that the genuine independence (ie, financial and administrative independence) of the proposed IDC be guaranteed as a way to avoid political influence.
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA Amendment Bill to establish the IDC was fast-tracked after being introduced in parliament in September 2023 by the Department of Justice and Correctional Services. In May 2024, the president signed the bill into law (National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act). While this is a positive move, doubts remain as to whether the IDC will be truly outside the sphere of political influence, given that the unit will be housed within the NPA, a government body, and that the president selects the head of both the NPA and IDC. Underfunding of the NPA and the IDC remains a problem.
View DetailsIs it working?
It's still early to say whether the IDC will be truly independent. If it performs its intended function (successfully solving complex corruption cases, functions independently and free of undue influence), it will be a clear anti-corruption commitment by government in terms of the Zondo commission's recommendations. There is still risk. Once operational, the president will still be appointing the head of the NPA as well as this new body which leaves scope for political influence. The current head of the ID, Andrea Johnson, was appointed by the president.
Actions
The NPA Amendment Bill has been enacted into law .
Are there plans?
The legislation provides for the IDC to appoint its investigators and operate independently of government. It is hoped this will lead to a higher number of successful prosecutions, particularly in complex corruption cases.
Is it on the agenda?
Such an independent anti-corruption agency was recommended by the Zondo Commission after its investigations into state capture corruption and President Cyril Ramaphosa also promised to establish such a body in every one of his Sonas from 2019 to 2024. The temporary Independent Directorate was established in 2019 and the legislation to make it a permanent body awaits the president's signature for enactment.
Goals
The temporary body, the Investigating Directorate (ID), must become permanent and independent, through legislative amendments, as the disbanded Scorpions were. The ID was set up in 2019 as a specialised and? ?multidisciplinary unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) mandated to investigate and prosecute high-level and complex corruption. The permanent body has now been been established: the Investigating Directorate against Corruption (IDC).
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA Amendment Bill to establish the ID was fast-tracked after being introduced in parliament in September 2023 by the Department of Justice and Correctional Services. In May 2024, the president signed the bill into law (National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act). While this is a positive move, doubts remain as to whether the ID will be truly outside the sphere of political influence, given that the unit is housed within the NPA, a government body, and that the president selects the head of both the NPA and ID. Underfunding of the NPA and the ID remains a problem.
View DetailsIs it working?
The ID is housed within the NPA, which remains open to political interference, and therefore cannot be said to be truly independent. This is exemplified by Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's refusal to hand over the trove of Zondo Commission documents to the NPA on the grounds that it is hearsay -- which has been disputed by legal experts. The president also appoints the NPA head, the national director of public prosecutons and the head of the ID. There is no role of parliament or committees of parliament to nominate, recommend, approve or appoint the head
Actions
The NPA Amendment Bill has been enacted into law.
Are there plans?
The legislation provides for the ID to appoint its investigators and operate independently of government. It is hoped this will lead to a higher number of successful prosecutions, particularly in complex corruption cases.
Is it on the agenda?
Such an independent anti-corruption agency was recommended by the Zondo Commission after its investigations into state capture corruption and President Cyril Ramaphosa also promised to establish such a body in every one of his Sonas from 2019 to 2024. The temporary ID was established in 2019. It has been operating for five years to address grand corruption cases raised in the Zondo Commission but only as a temporary unit within the NPA.
Goals
The Investigating Directorate (ID) has become permanent, independent entity through legislative amendments, as the disbanded Scorpions were. The ID was temporary set up in 2019 as a specialised and? ?multidisciplinary unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) mandated to investigate and prosecute high-level and complex corruption.
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA Amendment Bill to establish the ID was fast-tracked after being introduced in parliament in September 2023 by the Department of Justice and Correctional Services. In May 2024, the president signed the bill into law (National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act). While this is a positive move, doubts remain as to whether the ID will be truly outside the sphere of political influence, given that the unit is housed within the NPA, a government body, and that the president selects the head of both the NPA and ID. Underfunding of the NPA and the ID remains a problem.
View DetailsIs it working?
The ID is housed within the NPA, which remains open to political interference, and therefore cannot be said to be truly independent. This is exemplified by Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's refusal to hand over the trove of Zondo Commission documents to the NPA on the grounds that it is hearsay -- which has been disputed by legal experts. The president also appoints the NPA head, the national director of public prosecutons and the head of the ID. There is no role of parliament or committees of parliament to nominate, recommend, approve or appoint the head
Actions
The NPA Amendment Bill has been enacted into law.
Are there plans?
The legislation provides for the ID to appoint its investigators and operate independently of government. It is hoped this will lead to a higher number of successful prosecutions, particularly in complex corruption cases.
Is it on the agenda?
Such an independent anti-corruption agency was recommended by the Zondo Commission after its investigations into state capture corruption and President Cyril Ramaphosa also promised to establish such a body in every one of his Sonas from 2019 to 2024. The temporary ID was established in 2019. It has been operating for five years to address grand corruption cases raised in the Zondo Commission but only as a temporary unit within the NPA.
Goals
The Investigating Directorate (ID) has become permanent, independent entity through legislative amendments, as the disbanded Scorpions were. The ID was temporary set up in 2019 as a specialised and? ?multidisciplinary unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) mandated to investigate and prosecute high-level and complex corruption.
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA Amendment Bill to establish the ID was fast-tracked after being introduced in parliament in September 2023 by the Department of Justice and Correctional Services. In May 2024, the president signed the bill into law (National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act). While this is a positive move, doubts remain as to whether the ID will be truly outside the sphere of political influence, given that the unit is housed within the NPA, a government body, and that the president selects the head of both the NPA and ID. Underfunding of the NPA and the ID remains a problem.
View DetailsIs it working?
The ID is housed within the NPA, which remains open to political interference, and therefore cannot be said to be truly independent. This is exemplified by Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's refusal to hand over the trove of Zondo Commission documents to the NPA on the grounds that it is hearsay -- which has been disputed by legal experts. The president also appoints the NPA head, the national director of public prosecutons and the head of the ID. There is no role of parliament or committees of parliament to nominate, recommend, approve or appoint the head
Actions
The NPA Amendment Bill has been enacted into law.
Are there plans?
The legislation provides for the ID to appoint its investigators and operate independently of government. It is hoped this will lead to a higher number of successful prosecutions, particularly in complex corruption cases.
Is it on the agenda?
Such an independent anti-corruption agency was recommended by the Zondo Commission after its investigations into state capture corruption and President Cyril Ramaphosa also promised to establish such a body in every one of his Sonas from 2019 to 2024. The temporary ID was established in 2019. It has been operating for five years to address grand corruption cases raised in the Zondo Commission but only as a temporary unit within the NPA.
Goals
The Investigating Directorate (ID) has become a permanent, independent entity through legislative amendments, as the disbanded Scorpions were. The ID was temporary set up in 2019 as a specialised and? ?multidisciplinary unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) mandated to investigate and prosecute high-level and complex corruption.
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The bill was tabled in parliament in 2023 as part of the implementation of recommendations from the Zondo Commission inquiry into state capture, to enhance the independence of the NPA through the IDAC, including operational capacity and ability to prosecute high-profile corruption cases. In May 2024, the president signed the bill into law (National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act). While this is a positive move, doubts remain as to whether the IDAC will be truly outside the sphere of political influence, given that the unit is housed within the NPA, a government body, and that the president selects the head of both the NPA and IDAC. Underfunding of the NPA/IDAC remains a problem. Furthermore, despite public expectations and extensive evidence gathered by the media and the Zondo Commission, prosecutions of high-profile individuals implicated in state capture and other serious crimes have progressed slowly. No high-profile persons from government (including ex-ministers) or the private sector (including top chief executive officers) have been successfully prosecuted or imprisoned for state capture-related crimes.
View DetailsIs it working?
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (now a full legal entity) is housed within the NPA, which remains open to political interference, and therefore cannot be said to be truly independent. Regarding high-profile cases, while the act is designed to enable the IDAC to prosecute complex corruption cases effectively, there have been concerns that the Department of Justice has blocked access to vital state capture evidence needed to send to the NPA. It's been reported that the NPA had sent up to 20 letters to the department requesting access. This has reportedly hindered the prosecution of such cases, despite the legislative framework being in place to support these efforts. Furthermore, the fact that the head of the IDAC is appointed solely by the president (as per the NPA Act 1998), without consultation with an independent panel, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and risks to the ID’s independence. Details of the IDAC's current progress in the state capture prosecutions: • Free State low-cost housing project: Former Department of Human Settlements HOD Mpho Mokoena received a 15-year suspended sentence for PFMA/PRECCA violations in 2021. He is not serving any time in prison. • Has authorised 117 matters involving 212 accused persons and 68 entities. Of these, 78 are under investigation, and 39 cases are enrolled (NPA annual report 2023/24) • Assets worth R14bn have been frozen in corruption and state capture cases (https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/priorities/fighting-corruption) • R255m asbestos tender scandal/Free State asbestos removal case, involving former Free State Premier Ace Magashule, in progress. The trial took place in April-June 2025, has been postponed to 26 January 2026 by Free State High Court. The following are some of the ID's setbacks in the state capture prosecutions: • Some cases, such as the Nulane Investment fraud and corruption case, ended in acquittals, raising questions about prosecutorial capacity and case preparation (https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-04-21-judge-slams-states-as-nulane-fraud-accused-discharged/) • Ongoing cases, such as those involving Transnet’s locomotives procurement and the Bosasa corruption scandal, remain on the court roll but have yet to deliver decisive convictions of high-profile accused. • Delayed extradition of the Gupta brothers, hampering efforts to bring major figures to justice.
Actions
The NPA Amendment Bill has been enacted into law (24 May 2024), amending the NPA Act of 1998. The new legislation provides for the establishment of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), with full investigative powers, separate determination of conditions of service for investigators and a mechanism to deal with complaints against IDAC personnel.
Are there plans?
The legislation provides for the IDAC to appoint its investigators and operate independently of government. It is hoped this will lead to a higher number of successful prosecutions, particularly in complex corruption cases.
Is it on the agenda?
An independent anti-corruption agency was recommended by the Zondo Commission after its investigations into state capture corruption. The temporary ID was established in 2019, operating for five years to address grand corruption cases raised by the Zondo Commission but only as a temporary unit within the NPA. The ID has now transitioned into the IDAC.
Goals
Establish the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) as a permanent, independent entity within the National Prosecuting Authority. (NPA). The Investigating Directorate (ID) was temporarily set up in 2019 as a specialised and? ?multidisciplinary unit of the NPA. Section 4 of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act (2024) states that the IDAC is mandated to investigate and carry out any functions incidental to investigations: (a) Relating to serious, high-profile or complex corruption, commercial or financial crime cases (arising from the recommendations of the Zondo commission (b) Relating to additional related offences or categories of offences, including common law offences of -- (i) fraud (ii) forgery
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The bill was tabled in parliament in 2023 as part of the implementation of recommendations from the Zondo Commission inquiry into state capture, to enhance the independence of the NPA through the IDAC, including operational capacity and ability to prosecute high-profile corruption cases. In May 2024, the president signed the bill into law (National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act). While this is a positive move, doubts remain as to whether the IDAC will be truly outside the sphere of political influence, given that the unit is housed within the NPA, a government body, and that the president selects the head of both the NPA and IDAC. Underfunding of the NPA/IDAC remains a problem. Furthermore, despite public expectations and extensive evidence gathered by the media and the Zondo Commission, prosecutions of high-profile individuals implicated in state capture and other serious crimes have progressed slowly. No high-profile persons from government (including ex-ministers) or the private sector (including top chief executive officers) have been successfully prosecuted or imprisoned for state capture-related crimes.
View DetailsIs it working?
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (now a full legal entity) is housed within the NPA, which remains open to political interference, and therefore cannot be said to be truly independent. Regarding high-profile cases, while the act is designed to enable the IDAC to prosecute complex corruption cases effectively, there have been concerns that the Department of Justice has blocked access to vital state capture evidence needed to send to the NPA. It's been reported that the NPA had sent up to 20 letters to the department requesting access. This has reportedly hindered the prosecution of such cases, despite the legislative framework being in place to support these efforts. Furthermore, the fact that the head of the IDAC is appointed solely by the president (as per the NPA Act 1998), without consultation with an independent panel, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and risks to the ID’s independence. Details of the IDAC's current progress in the state capture prosecutions: • Free State low-cost housing project: Former Department of Human Settlements HOD Mpho Mokoena received a 15-year suspended sentence for PFMA/PRECCA violations in 2021. He is not serving any time in prison. • Has authorised 117 matters involving 212 accused persons and 68 entities. Of these, 78 are under investigation, and 39 cases are enrolled (NPA annual report 2023/24) • Assets worth R14bn have been frozen in corruption and state capture cases (https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/priorities/fighting-corruption) • R255m asbestos tender scandal/Free State asbestos removal case, involving former Free State Premier Ace Magashule, in progress. The trial took place in April-June 2025, has been postponed to 26 January 2026 by Free State High Court. The following are some of the ID's setbacks in the state capture prosecutions: • Some cases, such as the Nulane Investment fraud and corruption case, ended in acquittals, raising questions about prosecutorial capacity and case preparation (https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-04-21-judge-slams-states-as-nulane-fraud-accused-discharged/) • Ongoing cases, such as those involving Transnet’s locomotives procurement and the Bosasa corruption scandal, remain on the court roll but have yet to deliver decisive convictions of high-profile accused. • Delayed extradition of the Gupta brothers, hampering efforts to bring major figures to justice.
Actions
The NPA Amendment Bill has been enacted into law (24 May 2024), amending the NPA Act of 1998. The new legislation provides for the establishment of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), with full investigative powers, separate determination of conditions of service for investigators and a mechanism to deal with complaints against IDAC personnel.
Are there plans?
The legislation provides for the IDAC to appoint its investigators and operate independently of government. It is hoped this will lead to a higher number of successful prosecutions, particularly in complex corruption cases.
Is it on the agenda?
An independent anti-corruption agency was recommended by the Zondo Commission after its investigations into state capture corruption. The temporary ID was established in 2019, operating for five years to address grand corruption cases raised by the Zondo Commission but only as a temporary unit within the NPA. The ID has now transitioned into the IDAC.
Goals
Establish the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) as a permanent, independent entity within the National Prosecuting Authority. (NPA). The Investigating Directorate (ID) was temporarily set up in 2019 as a specialised and? ?multidisciplinary unit of the NPA. Section 4 of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act (2024) states that the IDAC is mandated to investigate and carry out any functions incidental to investigations: (a) Relating to serious, high-profile or complex corruption, commercial or financial crime cases (arising from the recommendations of the Zondo commission (b) Relating to additional related offences or categories of offences, including common law offences of -- (i) fraud (ii) forgery
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The bill was tabled in parliament in 2023 as part of the implementation of recommendations from the Zondo Commission inquiry into state capture, to enhance the independence of the NPA through the IDAC, including operational capacity and ability to prosecute high-profile corruption cases. In May 2024, the president signed the bill into law (National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act). While this is a positive move, doubts remain as to whether the IDAC will be truly outside the sphere of political influence, given that the unit is housed within the NPA, a government body, and that the president selects the head of both the NPA and IDAC. Underfunding of the NPA/IDAC remains a problem. Furthermore, despite public expectations and extensive evidence gathered by the media and the Zondo Commission, prosecutions of high-profile individuals implicated in state capture and other serious crimes have progressed slowly. No high-profile persons from government (including ex-ministers) or the private sector (including top chief executive officers) have been successfully prosecuted or imprisoned for state capture-related crimes.
View DetailsIs it working?
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (now a full legal entity) is housed within the NPA, which remains open to political interference, and therefore cannot be said to be truly independent. Regarding high-profile cases, while the act is designed to enable the IDAC to prosecute complex corruption cases effectively, there have been concerns that the Department of Justice has blocked access to vital state capture evidence needed to send to the NPA. It's been reported that the NPA had sent up to 20 letters to the department requesting access. This has reportedly hindered the prosecution of such cases, despite the legislative framework being in place to support these efforts. Furthermore, the fact that the head of the IDAC is appointed solely by the president (as per the NPA Act 1998), without consultation with an independent panel, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and risks to the ID’s independence. Details of the IDAC's current progress in the state capture prosecutions: • Free State low-cost housing project: Former Department of Human Settlements HOD Mpho Mokoena received a 15-year suspended sentence for PFMA/PRECCA violations in 2021. He is not serving any time in prison. • Has authorised 117 matters involving 212 accused persons and 68 entities. Of these, 78 are under investigation, and 39 cases are enrolled (NPA annual report 2023/24) • Assets worth R14bn have been frozen in corruption and state capture cases (https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/priorities/fighting-corruption) • R255m asbestos tender scandal/Free State asbestos removal case, involving former Free State Premier Ace Magashule, in progress. The trial took place in April-June 2025, has been postponed to 26 January 2026 by Free State High Court. The following are some of the ID's setbacks in the state capture prosecutions: • Some cases, such as the Nulane Investment fraud and corruption case, ended in acquittals, raising questions about prosecutorial capacity and case preparation (https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-04-21-judge-slams-states-as-nulane-fraud-accused-discharged/) • Ongoing cases, such as those involving Transnet’s locomotives procurement and the Bosasa corruption scandal, remain on the court roll but have yet to deliver decisive convictions of high-profile accused. • Delayed extradition of the Gupta brothers, hampering efforts to bring major figures to justice.
Actions
The NPA Amendment Bill has been enacted into law (24 May 2024), amending the NPA Act of 1998. The new legislation provides for the establishment of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), with full investigative powers, separate determination of conditions of service for investigators and a mechanism to deal with complaints against IDAC personnel.
Are there plans?
The legislation provides for the IDAC to appoint its investigators and operate independently of government. It is hoped this will lead to a higher number of successful prosecutions, particularly in complex corruption cases.
Is it on the agenda?
An independent anti-corruption agency was recommended by the Zondo Commission after its investigations into state capture corruption. The temporary ID was established in 2019, operating for five years to address grand corruption cases raised by the Zondo Commission but only as a temporary unit within the NPA. The ID has now transitioned into the IDAC.
Goals
Establish the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) as a permanent, independent entity within the National Prosecuting Authority. (NPA). The Investigating Directorate (ID) was temporarily set up in 2019 as a specialised and? ?multidisciplinary unit of the NPA. Section 4 of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act (2024) states that the IDAC is mandated to investigate and carry out any functions incidental to investigations: (a) Relating to serious, high-profile or complex corruption, commercial or financial crime cases (arising from the recommendations of the Zondo commission (b) Relating to additional related offences or categories of offences, including common law offences of -- (i) fraud (ii) forgery
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The bill was tabled in parliament in 2023 as part of the implementation of recommendations from the Zondo Commission inquiry into state capture, to enhance the independence of the NPA through the IDAC, including operational capacity and ability to prosecute high-profile corruption cases. In May 2024, the president signed the bill into law (National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act). While this is a positive move, doubts remain as to whether the IDAC will be truly outside the sphere of political influence, given that the unit is housed within the NPA, a government body, and that the president selects the head of both the NPA and IDAC. Underfunding of the NPA/IDAC remains a problem. Furthermore, despite public expectations and extensive evidence gathered by the media and the Zondo Commission, prosecutions of high-profile individuals implicated in state capture and other serious crimes have progressed slowly. No high-profile persons from government (including ex-ministers) or the private sector (including top chief executive officers) have been successfully prosecuted or imprisoned for state capture-related crimes.
View DetailsIs it working?
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (now a full legal entity) is housed within the NPA, which remains open to political interference, and therefore cannot be said to be truly independent. Regarding high-profile cases, while the act is designed to enable the IDAC to prosecute complex corruption cases effectively, there have been concerns that the Department of Justice has blocked access to vital state capture evidence needed to send to the NPA. It's been reported that the NPA had sent up to 20 letters to the department requesting access. This has reportedly hindered the prosecution of such cases, despite the legislative framework being in place to support these efforts. Furthermore, the fact that the head of the IDAC is appointed solely by the president (as per the NPA Act 1998), without consultation with an independent panel, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and risks to the ID’s independence. Details of the IDAC's current progress in the state capture prosecutions: • Free State low-cost housing project: Former Department of Human Settlements HOD Mpho Mokoena received a 15-year suspended sentence for PFMA/PRECCA violations in 2021. He is not serving any time in prison. • Has authorised 117 matters involving 212 accused persons and 68 entities. Of these, 78 are under investigation, and 39 cases are enrolled (NPA annual report 2023/24) • Assets worth R14bn have been frozen in corruption and state capture cases (https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/priorities/fighting-corruption) • R255m asbestos tender scandal/Free State asbestos removal case, involving former Free State Premier Ace Magashule, in progress. The trial took place in April-June 2025, has been postponed to 26 January 2026 by Free State High Court. The following are some of the ID's setbacks in the state capture prosecutions: • Some cases, such as the Nulane Investment fraud and corruption case, ended in acquittals, raising questions about prosecutorial capacity and case preparation (https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-04-21-judge-slams-states-as-nulane-fraud-accused-discharged/) • Ongoing cases, such as those involving Transnet’s locomotives procurement and the Bosasa corruption scandal, remain on the court roll but have yet to deliver decisive convictions of high-profile accused. • Delayed extradition of the Gupta brothers, hampering efforts to bring major figures to justice.
Actions
The NPA Amendment Bill has been enacted into law (24 May 2024), amending the NPA Act of 1998. The new legislation provides for the establishment of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), with full investigative powers, separate determination of conditions of service for investigators and a mechanism to deal with complaints against IDAC personnel.
Are there plans?
The legislation provides for the IDAC to appoint its investigators and operate independently of government. It is hoped this will lead to a higher number of successful prosecutions, particularly in complex corruption cases.
Is it on the agenda?
An independent anti-corruption agency was recommended by the Zondo Commission after its investigations into state capture corruption. The temporary ID was established in 2019, operating for five years to address grand corruption cases raised by the Zondo Commission but only as a temporary unit within the NPA. The ID has now transitioned into the IDAC.
Goals
Establish the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) as a permanent, independent entity within the National Prosecuting Authority. (NPA). The Investigating Directorate (ID) was temporarily set up in 2019 as a specialised and? ?multidisciplinary unit of the NPA. Section 4 of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act (2024) states that the IDAC is mandated to investigate and carry out any functions incidental to investigations: (a) Relating to serious, high-profile or complex corruption, commercial or financial crime cases (arising from the recommendations of the Zondo commission (b) Relating to additional related offences or categories of offences, including common law offences of -- (i) fraud (ii) forgery
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The bill was tabled in parliament in 2023 as part of the implementation of recommendations from the Zondo Commission inquiry into state capture, to enhance the independence of the NPA through the IDAC, including operational capacity and ability to prosecute high-profile corruption cases. In May 2024, the president signed the bill into law (National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act). While this is a positive move, doubts remain as to whether the IDAC will be truly outside the sphere of political influence, given that the unit is housed within the NPA, a government body, and that the president selects the head of both the NPA and IDAC. Underfunding of the NPA/IDAC remains a problem. Furthermore, despite public expectations and extensive evidence gathered by the media and the Zondo Commission, prosecutions of high-profile individuals implicated in state capture and other serious crimes have progressed slowly. No high-profile persons from government (including ex-ministers) or the private sector (including top chief executive officers) have been successfully prosecuted or imprisoned for state capture-related crimes.
View DetailsIs it working?
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (now a full legal entity) is housed within the NPA, which remains open to political interference, and therefore cannot be said to be truly independent. Regarding high-profile cases, while the act is designed to enable the IDAC to prosecute complex corruption cases effectively, there have been concerns that the Department of Justice has blocked access to vital state capture evidence needed to send to the NPA. It's been reported that the NPA had sent up to 20 letters to the department requesting access. This has reportedly hindered the prosecution of such cases, despite the legislative framework being in place to support these efforts. Furthermore, the fact that the head of the IDAC is appointed solely by the president (as per the NPA Act 1998), without consultation with an independent panel, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and risks to the ID’s independence. Details of the IDAC's current progress in the state capture prosecutions: • Free State low-cost housing project: Former Department of Human Settlements HOD Mpho Mokoena received a 15-year suspended sentence for PFMA/PRECCA violations in 2021. He is not serving any time in prison. • Has authorised 117 matters involving 212 accused persons and 68 entities. Of these, 78 are under investigation, and 39 cases are enrolled (NPA annual report 2023/24) • Assets worth R14bn have been frozen in corruption and state capture cases (https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/priorities/fighting-corruption) • R255m asbestos tender scandal/Free State asbestos removal case, involving former Free State Premier Ace Magashule, in progress. The trial took place in April-June 2025, has been postponed to 26 January 2026 by Free State High Court. The following are some of the ID's setbacks in the state capture prosecutions: • Some cases, such as the Nulane Investment fraud and corruption case, ended in acquittals, raising questions about prosecutorial capacity and case preparation (https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-04-21-judge-slams-states-as-nulane-fraud-accused-discharged/) • Ongoing cases, such as those involving Transnet’s locomotives procurement and the Bosasa corruption scandal, remain on the court roll but have yet to deliver decisive convictions of high-profile accused. • Delayed extradition of the Gupta brothers, hampering efforts to bring major figures to justice.
Actions
The NPA Amendment Bill has been enacted into law (24 May 2024), amending the NPA Act of 1998. The new legislation provides for the establishment of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), with full investigative powers, separate determination of conditions of service for investigators and a mechanism to deal with complaints against IDAC personnel.
Are there plans?
The legislation provides for the IDAC to appoint its investigators and operate independently of government. It is hoped this will lead to a higher number of successful prosecutions, particularly in complex corruption cases.
Is it on the agenda?
An independent anti-corruption agency was recommended by the Zondo Commission after its investigations into state capture corruption. The temporary ID was established in 2019, operating for five years to address grand corruption cases raised by the Zondo Commission but only as a temporary unit within the NPA. The ID has now transitioned into the IDAC.
Goals
Establish the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) as a permanent, independent entity within the National Prosecuting Authority. (NPA). The Investigating Directorate (ID) was temporarily set up in 2019 as a specialised and? ?multidisciplinary unit of the NPA. Section 4 of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act (2024) states that the IDAC is mandated to investigate and carry out any functions incidental to investigations: (a) Relating to serious, high-profile or complex corruption, commercial or financial crime cases (arising from the recommendations of the Zondo commission (b) Relating to additional related offences or categories of offences, including common law offences of -- (i) fraud (ii) forgery
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA, tasked with prosecuting often complex commercial crimes, needs specialised/technical skills (eg forensic accountants and data analysts). If such personnel cannot be hired directly, the NPA requires the ability to mobilise highly skilled people from the private sector. Skills are required across the NPA's operating units: • National Prosecutions Service • Specialised Tax Component • Organised Crime Component • Asset Forfeiture Unit • Sexual Offences and Community Affairs • Specialised Commercial Crime Unit • Priority Crimes Litigation Unit • Investigating Directorate We are yet to see visible progress in skills development, such as recruitments from the private sector. However, there is a formal agreement between the NPA and BLSA towards bringing in the required skills.
View DetailsIs it working?
We are yet to see concrete results from the MOU between the NPA and BLSA.
Actions
None
Are there plans?
The NPA and BLSA entered into a memorandum of understanding in August 2022. The MOU aims to develop the skills needed in priority areas for successful prosecution, with BLSA responsible to mobilise skills from the private sector.
Is it on the agenda?
Bringing skills from the private sector into the NPA is not a stated goal of the Department of Correctional Services and has not been included in any government strategies or events, including Sona speeches, and this is largely a private sector-NPA initiative. It does, however, form part of the Zondo Commission's recommendations to prosecute those implicated in corruption.
Goals
The NPA is under-resourced and needs to draw on the private sector for support in investigating and building cases for successful prosecutions, often involving cases of complex commercial crime and money laundering.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA, tasked with prosecuting often complex commercial crimes, needs specialised/technical skills (eg forensic accountants and data analysts). If such personnel cannot be hired directly, the NPA requires the ability to mobilise highly skilled people from the private sector. Skills are required across the NPA's operating units: • National Prosecutions Service • Specialised Tax Component • Organised Crime Component • Asset Forfeiture Unit • Sexual Offences and Community Affairs • Specialised Commercial Crime Unit • Priority Crimes Litigation Unit • Investigating Directorate We are yet to see visible progress in skills development, such as recruitments from the private sector. However, there is a formal agreement between the NPA and BLSA towards bringing in the required skills.
View DetailsIs it working?
We are yet to see concrete results from the MOU between the NPA and BLSA.
Actions
None
Are there plans?
The NPA and BLSA entered into a memorandum of understanding in August 2022. The MOU aims to develop the skills needed in priority areas for successful prosecution, with BLSA responsible to mobilise skills from the private sector.
Is it on the agenda?
Bringing skills from the private sector into the NPA is not a stated goal of the Department of Correctional Services and has not been included in any government strategies or events, including Sona speeches, and this is largely a private sector-NPA initiative. It does, however, form part of the Zondo Commission's recommendations to prosecute those implicated in corruption.
Goals
The NPA is under-resourced and needs to draw on the private sector for support in investigating and building cases for successful prosecutions, often involving cases of complex commercial crime and money laundering.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA, tasked with prosecuting often complex commercial crimes, needs specialised/technical skills (eg, forensic accountants and data analysts). If such personnel cannot be hired directly, the NPA requires the ability to mobilise highly skilled people from the private sector. Skills are required across the NPA's operating units: • National Prosecutions Service • Specialised Tax Component • Organised Crime Component • Asset Forfeiture Unit • Sexual Offences and Community Affairs • Specialised Commercial Crime Unit • Priority Crimes Litigation Unit • Investigating Directorate
View DetailsIs it working?
The NPA has started drawing from the funds provided through the MOU to bring in specific expertise in some court cases. However, it has still not succeeded in prosecuting a high-profile case, particularly related to the state capture era.
Actions
A trust fund has been set up, funded by BLSA, which the NPA has access to.
Are there plans?
The NPA and BLSA entered into a memorandum of understanding in August 2022. The MOU aims to develop the skills needed in priority areas for successful prosecution, with BLSA responsible to mobilise skills from the private sector.
Is it on the agenda?
Bringing skills from the private sector into the NPA is part of the government's agenda.
Goals
The NPA is under-resourced and needs to draw on the private sector for support in investigating and building cases for successful prosecutions, often involving cases of complex commercial crime and money laundering.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA, tasked with prosecuting often complex commercial crimes, needs specialised/technical skills (eg, forensic accountants and data analysts). If such personnel cannot be hired directly, the NPA requires the ability to mobilise highly skilled people from the private sector. Skills are required across the NPA's operating units: • National Prosecutions Service • Specialised Tax Component • Organised Crime Component • Asset Forfeiture Unit • Sexual Offences and Community Affairs • Specialised Commercial Crime Unit • Priority Crimes Litigation Unit • Investigating Directorate
View DetailsIs it working?
The NPA has started drawing from the funds provided through the MOU to bring in specific expertise in some court cases. However, it has still not succeeded in prosecuting a high-profile case, particularly related to the state capture era.
Actions
A trust fund has been set up, funded by BLSA, which the NPA has access to.
Are there plans?
The NPA and BLSA entered into a memorandum of understanding in August 2022. The MOU aims to develop the skills needed in priority areas for successful prosecution, with BLSA responsible to mobilise skills from the private sector.
Is it on the agenda?
Bringing skills from the private sector into the NPA is part of the government's agenda.
Goals
The NPA is under-resourced and needs to draw on the private sector for support in investigating and building cases for successful prosecutions, often involving cases of complex commercial crime and money laundering.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA, tasked with prosecuting often complex commercial crimes, needs specialised/technical skills (eg, forensic accountants and data analysts). If such personnel cannot be hired directly, the NPA requires the ability to mobilise highly skilled people from the private sector. Skills are required across the NPA's operating units: • National Prosecutions Service • Specialised Tax Component • Organised Crime Component • Asset Forfeiture Unit • Sexual Offences and Community Affairs • Specialised Commercial Crime Unit • Priority Crimes Litigation Unit • Investigating Directorate
View DetailsIs it working?
The NPA has started drawing from the funds provided through the MOU to bring in specific expertise in some court cases. However, it has still not succeeded in prosecuting a high-profile case, particularly related to the state capture era.
Actions
A trust fund has been set up, funded by BLSA, which the NPA has access to.
Are there plans?
The NPA and BLSA entered into a memorandum of understanding in August 2022. The MOU aims to develop the skills needed in priority areas for successful prosecution, with BLSA responsible to mobilise skills from the private sector.
Is it on the agenda?
Bringing skills from the private sector into the NPA is part of the government's agenda.
Goals
The NPA is under-resourced and needs to draw on the private sector for support in investigating and building cases for successful prosecutions, often involving cases of complex commercial crime and money laundering.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA hires experts from the private sector, particularly in cases requiring specialised skills or when dealing with complex investigations. This is permitted under Section 38 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act and is seen as a way to enhance the NPA's capacity, especially in areas like financial crime and state capture cases. NPA units requiring skilled employees include: • National Prosecutions Service • Specialised Tax Component • Organised Crime Component • Asset Forfeiture Unit • Sexual Offences and Community Affairs • Specialised Commercial Crime Unit • Priority Crimes Litigation Unit • Investigating Directorate (ID)
View DetailsIs it working?
Critics acknowledge some improvements in the functioning of the NPA as well as some successes, but argue that there are still significant challenges to be overcome. Thus far in terms of enhancing NPA capacity, based on the NPA's latest annual report (2023/24): • In 2023/24, 357 staff were added through recruitment processes. Of these, 124 were recruited from outside the organisation for permanent positions, 27 were brought in on fixed-term contracts and 206 were internal promotions and transfers. The APP added 183 aspirant prosecutors to the NPA’s permanent establishment.
Actions
Through their MoU, BLSA provides the NPA with forensic investigators, data analysts and specialised skills needed to build strong cases that will lead to successful prosecutions while ensuring the NPA’s independence.
Are there plans?
The NPA and BLSA entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in August 2022. It enables organised business to mobilise skills from the private sector to work for the NPA to analyse evidence and build cases for successful prosecutions, particularly for complex cases.
Is it on the agenda?
The NPA has stated it lacks sufficient skills and capacity and is on a drive to adress this, including by bringing skills from the private sector into the NPA, and in its annual reports it provides and annual peformace plan which inlcudes updates on progress.
Goals
The NPA is under-resourced and needs to draw on the private sector for support in investigating and building cases for successful prosecutions, often involving cases of complex commercial crime and money laundering.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA hires experts from the private sector, particularly in cases requiring specialised skills or when dealing with complex investigations. This is permitted under Section 38 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act and is seen as a way to enhance the NPA's capacity, especially in areas like financial crime and state capture cases. NPA units requiring skilled employees include: • National Prosecutions Service • Specialised Tax Component • Organised Crime Component • Asset Forfeiture Unit • Sexual Offences and Community Affairs • Specialised Commercial Crime Unit • Priority Crimes Litigation Unit • Investigating Directorate (ID)
View DetailsIs it working?
Critics acknowledge some improvements in the functioning of the NPA as well as some successes, but argue that there are still significant challenges to be overcome. Thus far in terms of enhancing NPA capacity, based on the NPA's latest annual report (2023/24), in 2023/24, 357 staff were added through recruitment processes. Of these, 124 were recruited from outside the organisation for permanent positions, 27 were brought in on fixed-term contracts and 206 were internal promotions and transfers. ALso, 183 aspirant prosecutors were added to the NPA’s permanent establishment.
Actions
Through a MoU, Business Leadership SA provides the NPA with forensic investigators, data analysts and specialised skills needed to build strong cases that will lead to successful prosecutions while ensuring the NPA’s independence.
Are there plans?
The NPA and BLSA entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in August 2022. It enables organised business to mobilise skills from the private sector to work for the NPA to analyse evidence and build cases for successful prosecutions, particularly for complex cases.
Is it on the agenda?
The NPA has stated it lacks sufficient skills and capacity and is on a drive to adress this, including by bringing skills from the private sector into the NPA, and in its annual reports it provides and annual peformace plan which inlcudes updates on progress.
Goals
The NPA is under-resourced and needs to draw on the private sector for support in investigating and building cases for successful prosecutions, often involving cases of complex commercial crime and money laundering.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA hires experts from the private sector, particularly in cases requiring specialised skills or when dealing with complex investigations. This is permitted under Section 38 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act and is seen as a way to enhance the NPA's capacity, especially in areas like financial crime and state capture cases. NPA units requiring skilled employees include: • National Prosecutions Service • Specialised Tax Component • Organised Crime Component • Asset Forfeiture Unit • Sexual Offences and Community Affairs • Specialised Commercial Crime Unit • Priority Crimes Litigation Unit • Investigating Directorate (ID)
View DetailsIs it working?
Critics acknowledge some improvements in the functioning of the NPA as well as some successes, but argue that there are still significant challenges to be overcome. Thus far in terms of enhancing NPA capacity, based on the NPA's latest annual report (2023/24), in 2023/24, 357 staff were added through recruitment processes. Of these, 124 were recruited from outside the organisation for permanent positions, 27 were brought in on fixed-term contracts and 206 were internal promotions and transfers. ALso, 183 aspirant prosecutors were added to the NPA’s permanent establishment.
Actions
Through a MoU, Business Leadership SA provides the NPA with forensic investigators, data analysts and specialised skills needed to build strong cases that will lead to successful prosecutions while ensuring the NPA’s independence.
Are there plans?
The NPA and BLSA entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in August 2022. It enables organised business to mobilise skills from the private sector to work for the NPA to analyse evidence and build cases for successful prosecutions, particularly for complex cases.
Is it on the agenda?
The NPA has stated it lacks sufficient skills and capacity and is on a drive to adress this, including by bringing skills from the private sector into the NPA, and in its annual reports it provides and annual peformace plan which inlcudes updates on progress.
Goals
The NPA is under-resourced and needs to draw on the private sector for support in investigating and building cases for successful prosecutions, often involving cases of complex commercial crime and money laundering.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The NPA hires experts from the private sector, particularly in cases requiring specialised skills or when dealing with complex investigations. This is permitted under Section 38 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act and is seen as a way to enhance the NPA's capacity, especially in areas like financial crime and state capture cases. NPA units requiring skilled employees include: • National Prosecutions Service • Specialised Tax Component • Organised Crime Component • Asset Forfeiture Unit • Sexual Offences and Community Affairs • Specialised Commercial Crime Unit • Priority Crimes Litigation Unit • Investigating Directorate (ID)
View DetailsIs it working?
Critics acknowledge some improvements in the functioning of the NPA as well as some successes, but argue that there are still significant challenges to be overcome. Thus far in terms of enhancing NPA capacity, based on the NPA's latest annual report (2023/24), in 2023/24, 357 staff were added through recruitment processes. Of these, 124 were recruited from outside the organisation for permanent positions, 27 were brought in on fixed-term contracts and 206 were internal promotions and transfers. ALso, 183 aspirant prosecutors were added to the NPA’s permanent establishment.
Actions
Through a MoU, Business Leadership SA provides the NPA with forensic investigators, data analysts and specialised skills needed to build strong cases that will lead to successful prosecutions while ensuring the NPA’s independence.
Are there plans?
The NPA and BLSA entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in August 2022. It enables organised business to mobilise skills from the private sector to work for the NPA to analyse evidence and build cases for successful prosecutions, particularly for complex cases.
Is it on the agenda?
The NPA has stated it lacks sufficient skills and capacity and is on a drive to adress this, including by bringing skills from the private sector into the NPA, and in its annual reports it provides and annual peformace plan which inlcudes updates on progress.
Goals
The NPA is under-resourced and needs to draw on the private sector for support in investigating and building cases for successful prosecutions, often involving cases of complex commercial crime and money laundering.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
To boost resources, the NPA hires experts from the private sector, particularly in cases requiring specialised skills or when dealing with complex investigations. This is permitted under Section 38 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act and is seen as a way to enhance the NPA's capacity, especially in areas like financial crime and state capture cases. NPA units requiring skilled employees include:
National Prosecutions Service; Specialised Tax Component; Organised Crime Component; Asset Forfeiture Unit; Sexual Offences and Community Affairs; Specialised Commercial Crime Unit; Priority Crimes Litigation Unit; Investigating Directorate (ID).
No progress updates were reported in the April 2026-June 2026 quarter.
Is it working?
Critics acknowledge some improvements in the functioning of the NPA as well as some successes, but argue that there are still significant challenges to be overcome. Thus far in terms of enhancing NPA capacity, based on the NPA's latest annual report (2023/24), in 2023/24, 357 staff were added through recruitment processes. Of these, 124 were recruited from outside the organisation for permanent positions, 27 were brought in on fixed-term contracts and 206 were internal promotions and transfers. Also, 183 aspirant prosecutors were added to the NPA’s permanent establishment.
Actions
Through a MoU, Business Leadership SA provides the NPA with forensic investigators, data analysts and specialised skills needed to build strong cases that will lead to successful prosecutions while ensuring the NPA’s independence.
Are there plans?
The NPA and BLSA entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in August 2022. It enables organised business to mobilise skills from the private sector to work for the NPA to analyse evidence and build cases for successful prosecutions, particularly for complex cases.
Is it on the agenda?
The NPA has stated it lacks sufficient skills and capacity and is on a drive to adress this, including by bringing skills from the private sector into the NPA, and in its annual reports it provides and annual peformace plan which inlcudes updates on progress.
Goals
The NPA is under-resourced and needs to draw on the private sector for support in investigating and building cases for successful prosecutions, often involving cases of complex commercial crime and money laundering.
Departments / Govt Institutions