By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has appointed Ntuthuzelo Vanara as Acting Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
Vanara replaces Andrea Johnson, who resigned with immediate effect in July.
Kubayi made the appointment in consultation with National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) head Andy Mothibi, the Justice Ministry said late on Thursday.
Vanara will take up the position with immediate effect while the process to fill the post permanently is under way.
He takes over an anti-corruption directorate that has faced severe scrutiny following evidence before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Vanara has more than 25 years of legal and governance experience and has served as the SIU’s chief legal counsel since August 2023. His responsibilities there include civil litigation and asset recovery, legal support for investigations and corporate legal services.
Before joining the SIU, Vanara was group executive for legal, governance and regulatory affairs at the SABC and held senior legal positions in Parliament.
Vanara holds a B. Proc qualification from Vista University as well as LLB and LLM qualifications from the University of the Free State.
“The Minister wishes Advocate Vanara well in his new role and has expressed full confidence in his ability to discharge his responsibilities with integrity and conscientiousness,” the department stated.