Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has appointed Advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara as the acting head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), in consultation with National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi.
Vanara, a legal figure who previously gained prominence during South Africa’s State Capture era, steps into the role following the resignation of Andrea Johnson in July, which occurred during her testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry . He has been serving as the Special Investigating Unit’s legal chief, bringing extensive experience in complex corruption investigations to the position .
His appointment comes at a critical time for the IDAC, which is tasked with pursuing high-profile corruption cases as South Africa continues to grapple with the legacy of state capture and ongoing graft allegations. Vanara’s legal career includes notable moments of standing up to corruption – he previously served as an evidence leader in a parliamentary inquiry into corruption at state-owned power utility Eskom, where he was allegedly targeted by a former minister who attempted to bribe him to step down from the role .
Vanara will now be responsible for leading the specialised prosecutorial unit as it pursues sensitive cases, and his appointment signals the government’s continued focus on strengthening anti-corruption institutions.
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