In South Africa's struggling anti-corruption landscape, leadership and operational independence are among the factors enabling the unit's success.

In South Africa's struggling anti-corruption landscape, leadership and operational independence are among the factors enabling the unit's success.

In a country where anti-corruption enforcement is floundering, outgunned or captured, one agency keeps delivering good results -- the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

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Entering its headquarters in Pretoria, it is easy to see how the SIU is different from many other government agencies. The modern building is a beehive of energy -- staff bustle around with purpose and direction.

The question is why this agency stands out from the rest. New Institute for Security Studies research undertaken in cooperation with the SIU seeks to provide answers.

SIU head Andy Mothibi tells stories about how he began his career at the South African Revenue Service (SARS). As a young lawyer at SARS, he looked up to leaders like the late Pravin Gordhan, who instilled staff with an ethic of serving a "higher purpose". Mothibi says this legacy lives on at the SIU.

Leadership is important for the success of all organisations, but it is especially important for anti-corruption agencies. The "tone from the top" must be courageous, motivated and honest.

Fulfilling statutory requirements, qualifications and experience is not enough. Leaders must...