By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Image Supplied.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has appointed Thabiso Lucas Thiti as director of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) for a five-year term.
Thiti replaces Advocate Pieter Smit, who has served as acting director since September 2023.
He has more than 20 years of experience in senior executive roles in public service, including trade and industry advisory; justice cluster; national security and intelligence operations; strategic management and government leadership roles.
“Mr Thiti steps into this role at a pivotal time. We believe he has the requisite skill and experience to lead this critical institution. South Africa’s successful exit from the FATF grey list demonstrated the strength of collaboration between government, regulators and the financial sector,” says Godongwana.
“Sustaining this momentum is paramount, and the FIC has a key role to play to ensure that South Africa’s financial system remains trusted, transparent and globally competitive.”
The Minister has thanked Smit, who has been Acting as FIC Director for his diligent stewardship.
Thiti’s appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process undertaken since 2025 that culminated in a selection panel chaired by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, recommending him as the preferred candidate.
Thiti is currently deputy director-general for institutional development and support at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, a role he has held since April 2023.
He served as head of The Office of Interception at the State Security Agency from 2020 and 2023, and held several senior roles within the agency between 2006 to 2018.