Terry Motau: South Africa is a country full of stories about power, money, and corruption. For many years, scandals have shaken government departments, state institutions, banks, and even the police service. In this stormy environment, one man’s name keeps appearing whenever the nation demands the truth: Advocate Terry Motau SC.
He is not a politician. He is not a celebrity. He is a lawyer, a senior counsel whose job is to search for evidence and bring it to light. Terry Motau has become a respected figure in South Africa because he has led investigations into some of the most shocking scandals in recent history, from the collapse of VBS Mutual Bank to corruption in the Department of Water and Sanitation. Most recently, he has stood at the center of the Madlanga Commission, a major inquiry into misconduct and political interference in the South African Police Service.
This biography tells the story of Terry Motau: what is known about his life, his career, his achievements, and his impact. It also explains what remains unknown, because unlike many public figures, Motau keeps his private life out of the spotlight.
Early Life and Family
When we talk about a person’s biography, we usually start with their date of birth, parents, and siblings. Unfortunately, with Terry Motau, this information is not publicly available. Newspapers, government records, and legal profiles do not mention when or where he was born, the names of his parents, or whether he has brothers or sisters.
What we do know is that he is a South African citizen who rose through the legal profession at a time when transformation in the legal system was becoming an important national goal. As one of the black senior advocates in South Africa, he has been part of efforts to make the profession more representative of the population. This hints that his personal journey was shaped by both education and determination, even if the details remain private.
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Terry Motau Education
Although no media report lists exactly where Terry Motau studied, we can piece together some facts based on his legal career. To become an advocate and later a Senior Counsel in South Africa, one must complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, complete pupilage (a type of training under a senior advocate), and be admitted to the bar.
The title of Senior Counsel (SC), which Motau holds, is only awarded to advocates who have shown outstanding skill, integrity, and many years of practice. This shows that Motau not only studied law but also distinguished himself among his peers.
There is also evidence from professional publications, like the Advocate journal of the General Council of the Bar, that Motau was active in initiatives supporting young black advocates. This suggests that his education was not just academic, he also cared about building a stronger, fairer legal profession.
Career Journey
Terry Motau built his career as an advocate in Johannesburg. He was associated with Fountain Chambers, a group of advocates where he practiced and worked on legal cases. His reputation grew steadily, and he became recognized for his skill in handling complex cases.
By the 2000s, he had already established himself as a serious figure in the legal world, respected for his sharp mind and commitment to justice.
Motau was appointed as Senior Counsel (SC), an honor sometimes compared to the title “Queen’s Counsel” in other countries. This title is not given easily. It requires many years of exceptional work, proven ability in court, and respect from fellow advocates and judges.
In 2018, Terry Motau’s name reached national headlines. He was appointed to investigate the collapse of VBS Mutual Bank, a small South African bank that had been looted of nearly R2 billion.
Motau, working with Werksmans Attorneys, produced a report famously called “The Great Bank Heist.” The report revealed shocking details: bank executives, politicians, and other insiders had stolen money meant for ordinary depositors and municipalities. The scandal shook the country and showed the depth of corruption in the financial system.
Motau’s work was praised for being thorough and fearless. He named those involved and laid the foundation for future criminal charges. While some criticized the report, saying it was politically motivated, most South Africans saw it as an important act of truth-telling.
In 2020, then Minister Lindiwe Sisulu appointed Motau to lead a legal team to investigate corruption in the Department of Water and Sanitation. The department was under fire for irregular expenditure worth more than R16 billion.
His role was to examine contracts, tenders, and payments, and to recommend action. This was another sign that the government trusted him to take on big, sensitive assignments.
In 2025, Terry Motau was appointed as the Chief Evidence Leader of the Madlanga Commission. This judicial inquiry was set up to investigate explosive claims by police general Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused senior figures of corruption, political interference, and criminality inside the police service.
As Chief Evidence Leader, Motau’s job is to present the facts, question witnesses, and make sure the commission bases its findings only on evidence. From the very start, he stressed that the commission would be impartial, fair, and guided only by truth. This role placed him at the center of another major national drama, one that could reshape the future of policing in South Africa.
Like many public figures, Motau has also been linked to disputes. In 2025, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane announced that he would chair a panel to select new leaders for the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). But Motau later denied ever accepting this role. He said the appointment process was never finalized, he was never briefed, and he never chaired any meeting.
He was also linked to claims of having a multimillion-rand contract with the City of Johannesburg, which he strongly denied. The city itself clarified that he was only recommended to facilitate a labor dispute, not given a formal tender.
These examples show that while Motau is respected, he is also sometimes caught in political crossfire.
Achievements
Terry Motau’s biggest achievements are linked to the investigations he has led and the trust he has earned. Some of these include:
- Writing “The Great Bank Heist” report, which exposed massive corruption at VBS Mutual Bank.
- Leading investigations into the Department of Water and Sanitation, targeting billions in irregular spending.
- Serving as Chief Evidence Leader in the Madlanga Commission, one of the most sensitive inquiries in recent times.
- Being appointed Senior Counsel, a recognition of his excellence in law.
- Advocating for transformation in the legal profession, helping younger black advocates find their place in the system.
- His true achievement lies not in titles, but in the fact that he is consistently trusted with sensitive cases where truth and justice are needed most.
Net Worth
There are no official records or reliable reports about Terry Motau’s net worth. Unlike politicians or public servants who must declare assets, advocates like Motau are private professionals.
However, given his senior role, his years of experience, and the high-profile cases he has been involved in, it is safe to assume that he earns a significant income as a Senior Counsel. Advocates at his level are often among the best-paid lawyers in the country. Still, without clear evidence, we cannot put a number to his wealth.
Legacy and Impact
Terry Motau’s legacy is still being written. He is alive, active, and involved in some of South Africa’s most important legal battles. His impact can be summed up in three ways:
- Courage: He takes on cases others might avoid because of the political risk.
- Integrity: He insists on evidence and fairness, reminding South Africans that justice must be based on truth, not rumor.
- Hope: In a country often discouraged by corruption, figures like Motau remind people that there are still voices fighting for accountability.
Conclusion
The story of Terry Motau is not complete. Many details about his personal life remain private, his birth date, family background, and education are not publicly known. But what we do know is enough to understand why he matters.
He is an advocate who has stood against corruption, exposed wrongdoing, and fought for justice in some of the most important cases in recent years. From the Great Bank Heist to the Madlanga Commission, his fingerprints are on key moments in South Africa’s battle for integrity.
Terry Motau may not seek the spotlight, but his work speaks loudly. In a country where truth is often hidden by power, he has made it his mission to bring light where there is darkness. And for that, South Africa will always remember his name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Terry Motau?
Terry Motau is a South African advocate who holds the title of Senior Counsel (SC). He is best known for leading investigations into major corruption cases, including the collapse of VBS Mutual Bank, corruption in the Department of Water and Sanitation, and his current role as Chief Evidence Leader in the Madlanga Commission.
When was Terry Motau born?
His exact date of birth is not publicly available. Most of his personal details, such as age, parents, and siblings, are kept private.
Who are Terry Motau’s parents and siblings?
There is no public information about his parents or siblings. He has chosen to keep his family life out of the media.
Where did Terry Motau go to school?
While the names of his schools and universities are not reported, we know he studied law and qualified to practice as an advocate. He later earned the prestigious title of Senior Counsel (SC), which shows his high level of expertise.
What is Terry Motau famous for?
He became nationally known in 2018 for his report on the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, called “The Great Bank Heist.” He is also famous for being appointed to lead probes into corruption in government departments and for his role in the Madlanga Commission.