President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, as the chairperson of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) selection panel.
The panel will help select the next NDPP, following Advocate Shamila Batohi’s term.
Batohi will be concluding her term in January 2026.
RAMAPHOSA APPOINTS NDPP PANEL TO DRIVE FAIRNESS
The Office of the President announced the selected panel members on 7 October 2025.
The panel includes several prominent figures in South Africa’s accountability and governance institutions.
Among them are the chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, the chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, and the Auditor-General.
Additionally, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed the chairperson of the Public Service Commission, a representative from the Lawyers’ Association, and another from the National Association of Democratic Lawyers.
NDPP PANEL TO OPEN NOMINATIONS
Ramaphosa said the process aims to ensure fairness and transparency.
Hence the selection panel will invite public nominations for the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) position.
It will transparently and publicly open the nominations. After reviewing all submissions, the panel will shortlist and interview the potential candidates.
PANEL HAS THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE THE SELECTION PROCESS
Once the process is complete, the panel will submit three top candidates to Ramaphosa, accompanied by a detailed report outlining the suitability of each candidate.
The president expects the panel to finalise its work within three months.
INDEPENDENCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ARE KEY FOR THE NDPP ROLE
The NDPP is a crucial position within the National Prosecuting Authority, requiring independence, integrity, and impartiality.
The office must function without fear, favour, or prejudice, ensuring justice remains at the heart of South Africa’s democratic system.
