As was announced by the Honourable Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development on Thursday, 15 December 2011, I have resigned my position as head of the Special Investigation Unit ("SIU").  The SIU is one of the most important institutions to support and develop our democracy. 

It is tasked with combating and eradicating corruption, fraud and maladministration in our country, thereby protecting the rights of all South Africans to expect that service delivery in this country is achieved as effectively as possible, creating an environment in which government can spend the money of the South African tax payer without fear or favour.

The events of the past two weeks have created the impression that I am unable to head the SIU independently. Correct or not, the initial media coverage of an interview in which I participated left the impression that I made unqualified statements of political events which may be unbecoming of the head of the SIU.  In the public domain therefore, such an impression has created much public debate and impression is often as important as fact.

Such an impression has created much discourse which has opened the door to political debate and conflict between the political parties who represent the South African populace.

The role of SIU Head dictates that any South African of which ever political persuasion or belief may approach the SIU to investigate any matter in the interest of any grouping or the public as a whole. If the impression is therefore created, correctly or through innuendo, that the head of the SIU is not independent enough to deliver on such a mandate, then the SIU and the Republic would be better served by me resigning from such a position. 

It was for this reason that I resigned my recently appointed post as head of the SIU. The importance and mandate of the SIU is of greater importance than the person of the head of the SIU - the interests of South Africa dictate this. 

While my successful tenure as the inaugural head of the SIU, my part in drafting the legislation governing the SIU and my well-known history of heading the SIU without fear or favour makes me adequately experienced and qualified to head the SIU, I was ethically bound to resign from this position due to the doubt created in the public eye.

The collective vision of all South Africans that this country will achieve greatness by eradicating corruption and thereby improving service delivery is of fundamental importance.  Such a vision should form the basis of our collective endeavours as South Africans in our interaction with all levels of government and in government's interaction with the private sector.

Corruption is not only an attributed evil to government, but is fuelled by the often unsolicited bribery by the private sector of government officials.

It is therefore my sincere hope that this collective vision will allow South Africa to progress to a nation where service delivery and the fundamental rights of South Africans are promoted by effectively combating corruption - a shared vision by government, all political parties and South Africans in general.

Statement issued by Advocate Willem Heath SC, December 19 2011

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