Cape town: President Cyril Ramaphosa says the decision to appoint an Advisory Panel for the Selection of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) is aimed at instilling public confidence in the process and the person who will fill the vacancy. The President was speaking during a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly on Thursday. Current NDPP, Advocate Shamila Batohi, is set to retire from the position in January 2026.
According to South African Government News Agency, this process is transparent and helps to build public confidence in the appointment of a person in this critical office. President Ramaphosa selected a panel that would combine a variety of skills and experiences, including public service administration, financial management, legal and jurisprudence, administration of justice, and the promotion of equality and human rights. The panel constituted by the President includes representatives from the national executive, chapter 9 institutions, and legal bodies.
President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of including heads of certain Chapter 9 institutions on the panel, highlighting their independence and constitutional mandate to support and protect South Africa’s constitutional democracy. These bodies are expected to act impartially, subject only to the constitution and the law, ensuring decisions are made without fear, favor, or prejudice. This positions them well to understand the qualities and capabilities expected of an NDPP.
Furthermore, legal practitioners are included in the panel to ensure that candidates are evaluated by experienced people in the legal and criminal justice system. Candidates must be able to demonstrate qualities and capabilities relating to leadership, strategic management, financial management, ethical leadership, and a broad understanding of the criminal justice system. Based on their assessment, the panel will submit a shortlist of recommended candidates to the President for consideration and appointment as empowered by the constitution and the NPA Act.
The panel, chaired by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, includes Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission Andrew Christoffel Nissen, Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale, Auditor-General of South Africa Tsakani Maluleke, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission Professor Somadoda Fikeni, President of the Black Lawyers Association Nkosana Mvundlela, and a representative of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers Machini Motloung.
President Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the integrity and eminence of the panel members, assuring that their decisions will be independent. He highlighted the critical role of the minister as chair of the panel, ensuring guidance in the decision-making process. The panel’s recommendations will be forwarded to the President, who expressed full confidence in the minister’s ability to lead the process effectively.
The closing date for applications and nominations is expected to be this week, as announced by the Justice Department last month.