By Loxion News | South Africa
South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, has officially appointed Thabiso Lucas Thiti as the new Director of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).
The appointment, made in terms of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, will take effect from 15 April 2026 and will run for a period of five years.
Leadership Transition at the FIC
Thiti replaces Pieter Smit, who has served as Acting Director since September 2023. Minister Godongwana expressed appreciation for Smit’s leadership during his tenure.
The appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process that began in 2025, with a selection panel chaired by Zuko Godlimpi recommending Thiti as the preferred candidate.
Extensive Experience in Security and Justice
Thiti brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience across government, including roles in:
- Trade and industry advisory
- The justice cluster
- National security and intelligence
- Strategic leadership in public service
He currently serves as Deputy Director General at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, a position he has held since April 2023.
He previously led the Office of Interception at the State Security Agency from 2020 to 2023 and held several senior roles within the agency over more than a decade.
Strengthening the Fight Against Financial Crime
Minister Godongwana has tasked Thiti with strengthening the FIC’s role in combating:
- Illicit financial flows
- Money laundering
- Organised crime
- Terrorism financing
The appointment comes at a critical time for South Africa’s financial system following the country’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist.
Maintaining Momentum After FATF Greylist Exit
South Africa’s exit from the FATF greylist in under three years has been widely viewed as a major achievement, demonstrating effective collaboration between:
- Government
- Regulators
- Law enforcement
- The financial sector
However, with a new FATF evaluation expected later this year, authorities must continue to show progress in investigations, prosecutions, and enforcement actions.
A Critical Moment for Financial Governance
Minister Godongwana emphasised the importance of strong leadership at the FIC during this period:
“Mr Thiti steps into this role at a pivotal time. Sustaining this momentum is paramount, and the FIC has a key role to ensure South Africa’s financial system remains trusted, transparent, and globally competitive.”
Looking Ahead
Thiti’s appointment signals a renewed focus on strengthening financial oversight and maintaining international confidence in South Africa’s financial systems. His leadership will be key in ensuring continued progress in tackling financial crime while safeguarding the integrity of the country’s economy.
