SIU - a breath of fresh air

Today's Annual Report hearing of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) heralded what appears to be a promising new era in the troubled Unit.

Advocate Vas Soni and his deputy, Faiek Davids, approached the hearing with a refreshing attitude of accountability and openness. Instead of the usual denials of any problems in the Unit, both were quite frank about the issues they are facing, and assured us that they are dealing with them. The Annual Report showed quite clearly that the concerns we have been raising over the last two years were completely justified.

On my request, Adv. Soni gave the assurance that they would investigate everyone and anyone involved in corruption and who is implicated in a matter being investigated by them in terms of a presidential proclamation. He also gave the assurance that in matters in which the SIU gave reports or information to any sphere of government to enable them to take action to deal with any identified corruption, it would be done consistently, unlike in the past when information was given to other provinces, but not to the MEC of the Western Cape.

Adv. Soni was quite clear on his constitutional and legislative mandate and the urgency with which the large number of acting positions need to be filled. He also expressed frustration at the number of internal issues he has to deal with rather than the SIU's core mandate of acting against corruption.      

Adv. Soni inspired confidence that he is already providing much-needed leadership to this Unit, and if he continues in this manner, the SIU can become the unit it should be in the much-needed fight against corruption.  

We sincerely trust that he will continue to inspire such confidence, and that he will be permitted to act without fear or favour, or interference from any quarter.

Statement issued by Debbie Schafer MP, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, October 17 2013

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