The task force will particularly focus on corruption by corporates with state-owned enterprises, abuse of state resources, the rash of irregular COVID-19 and PPE contracts, as well as contraventions and suspect behaviour committed by big business operating within the borders of South Africa.

"To date, the majority of media watchdogs are focused on a select few organisations that have transgressed the boundaries of decent business, and that have broken the law," says Mdluli.

"These watchdogs have only scratched the surface of corrupt and questionable dealings, and while the attention is focused on only a few scapegoats, the rest have been left to continue their errant ways as usual, at a great cost to all of us in South Africa," adds Mdluli. "In exposing these wrongdoings, we aim to be part of the solution for setting a fair, corrupt-free commercially sound future for the country."

Mdluli says that his approach could be seen as somewhat idealistic; however, he says, "It is possible for there to be a mindset and behavioural change as to how business is conducted in South Africa so that the next generation have a reasonable chance of success. A zero-tolerance approach to corruption is required and our job as media is to enforce that."

Mdluli says that he grew up with The Mercury, Daily News and Sunday Tribune titles as constant features in his household. He says that the in-depth analysis, political pages, front page leads, opinions and investigations in these publications were instrumental in shaping his world view.

"I am delighted that Mdluli will step into this role," says Aneez Salie, editor-in-chief of Independent Media. "He is a true newshound with an uncanny knack for sniffing out the type of information that this unit is required to do. Coupled with his well-known enthusiasm for a just society, I have no doubt this special investigation unit will be extremely successful."

Mdluli started his career with Independent Media at the beginning of 2010. This was after completing an internship with the Department of Public Enterprises the previous year.

Under Independent Media, he now provides: 
  • investigative articles
  • breaking news
  • opinions
  • analysis
  • exclusive interviews
  • features, and
  • digital content covering a wide variety of issues.
 Mdluli has also played the role of political editor, opinions editor and video content producer for some of the platforms, among other roles.

Mdluli says that he is in 'exactly the right place at the right time'. "I am humbled and excited at the appointment and I am truly blessed to have shadowed and to have been mentored by some of the greatest minds in our organisation and industry. I look forward to making more magic with our brilliant editorial team," he concludes.

For more information, visit www.independentmedia.co.za.