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Unisa and SIU set to forge strategic partnership

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The College of Accounting Sciences (CAS) is in the process of formalising a strategic partnership with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Academy to introduce a specialised postgraduate master's qualification in anti-fraud. The academy was formally launched at the 15th Commonwealth Regional Conference for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Cape Town on 5 May 2025, attended by Dr Audrey Legodi, Chair of the Department of Auditing. This collaborative initiative is poised to provide law enforcement agencies with advanced training to effectively investigate and prosecute financial crime.

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Dr Audrey Legodi, Chair of the Department of Auditing

The partnership is a direct response to the growing need for targeted professional development within the public sector, where corruption and financial crime continue to pose serious threats to good governance, economic development and social justice. The programme will equip officials with skills that meet both national and international demands.

This initiative is spearheaded by the college's Department of Auditing, with the core Unisa team comprising Klarissa Engelbrecht, Stephen Hlongwane, Tshepo Bogopa and Lerato Sebetlela, under the strategic leadership of Legodi. The team draws significantly on the SIU’s extensive expertise in state investigations and civil litigation to inform and enrich the development of the curriculum. The qualification will feature a rigorous, practice-oriented curriculum covering areas such as the following:

  • Financial crime investigation, including anti-money laundering, terrorist financing, and asset forfeiture
  • Digital investigations, focusing on cybercrime and digital forensics
  • Anti-corruption law and policy, exploring global frameworks and national enforcement
  • Forensic accounting, emphasising financial analysis and fraud detection
  • Intelligence gathering and analysis, supporting evidence-based investigations
  • Transnational organised crime, examining crimes such as trafficking and smuggling
  • Ethical leadership and management, promoting integrity and accountability in public institutions

Dr Moses Hlongoane, Executive Dean of CAS, described the partnership as a crucial step towards building institutional capacity across Africa. "This programme," he said, "is designed to empower those on the front lines of anti-corruption with the knowledge and tools to make a measurable impact."

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Dr Moses Hlongoane, Executive Dean of CAS

Targeted at law enforcement professionals, investigators, prosecutors, corruption prevention officials and leadership across the continent, the first intake is expected in the 2026/2027 academic year.

Unisa invites agencies affiliated with the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Agencies to participate in this transformative opportunity. By combining academic excellence with operational relevance, this partnership stands to create a new generation of anti-corruption professionals committed to ethical governance and transparency across Africa and beyond.

* Submitted by the College of Accounting Sciences

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Publish date: 2025/06/05

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