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.
“This process is transparent and helps to build public confidence in the appointment of a person in this critical office.
“I selected a panel that would combine a variety of skills and experiences. These include the public service administration, financial management, legal and jurisprudence, administration of justice and the promotion of equality and human rights,” the President said.
The panel constituted by the President includes “representatives from the national executive, chapter 9 institutions and legal bodies”.
“I chose the heads of certain Chapter 9 institutions for the panel because these are independent bodies that were established in terms of our constitution to support and to protect South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
“They are required to always act impartially and subject to only the constitution and the law – ensuring that their decisions are made without fear, favour or prejudice.
“They are therefore well positioned to understand the qualities and capabilities expected of an NDPP,” the President noted.
Furthermore, legal practitioners are included in the panel to ensure that candidates are evaluated by experienced people in the legal and criminal justice system.
“And in addition to their legal acumen, candidates must be able to demonstrate qualities and capabilities relating to leadership, strategic management, financial management, ethical leadership and broad understanding of our criminal justice system.
“Based on their assessment, the panel will submit a shortlist of recommended candidates to me for consideration and appointment as empowered by the constitution and the NPA Act,” President Ramaphosa said.
Members of the panel – which is chaired by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi – are:
- 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.
- Representative of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, Machini Motloung
“The panel that I have appointed are all people of great integrity and great eminence. So whatever decision will come out of the panel will be the panel’s decision. I’m assured about that.
“The minister who knows all the contours of the work that needs to be done by this key official, will play a critical role as chair of the panel so that even if they veer into areas that are not prescribed…she will be able to give guidance.
“The panel itself will take decisions that will then be put forward to me. I have full confidence in the ability of the minister ability to do so,” President Ramaphosa said.
The closing date for applications and nominations is expected to be this week, as announced by the Justice Department last month. – SAnews.gov.za
