New leadership for IDAC as Ntuthuzelo Vanara takes Acting role

Advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara has been appointed Acting Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), following the resignation of Advocate Andrea Johnson.

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According to sources, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi made the appointment in consultation with National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi. Vanara will serve in the acting position until a permanent head is appointed. 

Vanara, who currently serves as Chief Legal Counsel at the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), will join IDAC on secondment and assume his new responsibilities with immediate effect. 

Minister Kubayi has appointed Adv Mthuthuzeli Vanara as acting head of IDAC – Investigative Directorate Against Corruption.

Adv Vanara is currently head of Legal at SIU. He led the Parliamentary inquiry into Eskom’s capture, and laid corruption charges against Minister Bongo. pic.twitter.com/b4wu3PsYan

— Mbekezeli (@MbekezeliMB) September 3, 2026

Vanara will bring more than 25 years of legal and governance experience spanning state institutions, state-owned enterprises, Parliament and other highly regulated organisations. 

His work helped establish his reputation in South Africa’s public accountability and governance landscape. 

At the SIU, Vanara provided strategic legal leadership, including overseeing civil litigation, asset recovery, legal support for investigations and legal compliance. 

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The appointment follows Andrea Johnson’s resignation

Vanara’s appointment comes after Johnson resigned as IDAC head in July while appearing before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Her resignation created a leadership vacancy at the corruption-fighting directorate. 

The Justice Ministry had previously indicated that it was looking for an external candidate to provide temporary leadership while the process of appointing a permanent head continued. 

Vanara’s appointment is therefore expected to provide leadership and continuity at IDAC while the government works towards finding a permanent head. 

Minister Kubayi has expressed confidence in Vanara’s ability to carry out the responsibilities of the position with integrity and diligence. 

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Featured image: X/@Sunflowerreal

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