Special Investigating Unit Strengthens Anti-Corruption Efforts With Data Analytics

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) strengthened its ability to combat corruption using data analytics by entering into partnerships with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Anti-Corruption Coalition (ACC) and the Transparency, Integrity and Accountability Program (TIP) of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi highlighted how these partnerships will help the unit improve its methods for fighting corruption.

"Through these partnerships, the SIU will embark on statistical research efforts, proactive strengths and risk exposures, sector-based data analysis, awareness and advisory initiatives, capacity building, and integrating data analytics and predictive analysis into the institutions' risk management systems," he said, SA News reported.

Mothibi added, "To achieve this, the SIU must direct strategic decision-making processes and drive prevention activities through data analysis. This will provide the SIU with a competitive market advantage and long-term sustainability."

He emphasized that the SIU needs to lead the fight against corruption by making it harder for criminals to operate. The unit mentioned that the memoranda of understanding with these institutions are part of their strategy to combat corruption using a comprehensive approach involving society as a whole.

These MoUs are part of the SIU's efforts to implement the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, particularly focusing on a comprehensive approach involving all sectors in the fight against corruption, the SIU head explained.

This approach encourages collaboration among government, the private sector and civil society as a core part of the strategy. Through these agreements, the SIU aims to enhance its tools against corruption and shift towards preventing corruption.

The SIU plans to use sector-specific data analysis and advisory roles to help stakeholders proactively identify and prevent mismanagement, fraud and corruption.

Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed Proclamation R.4539 authorizing an investigation into "the procurement of and contracting for suitably qualified companies to partner and invest" with the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission (KZNFC) for the development and operation of KZN Studios.

The SIU is expected to investigate claims of wrongdoing including maladministration, corruption and fraud at the KZNFC. The SIU said it will also "identify system failures and make systematic recommendations" for the commission.

Last year, SIU and Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide the agency direct access to Interpol's information system.