Key Takeaways
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) to begin his tenure on February 1, 2026.
- Mothibi’s appointment comes after an advisory panel chaired by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi interviewed and shortlisted candidates, but found none of them suitable for the position.
- The current NDPP, Shamila Batohi, will end her term at the end of January, and President Ramaphosa has thanked her for her service and contribution to the country’s prosecutions agency.
- SIU chief operations officer Leonard Lekgetho has been appointed to act in Mothibi’s place as head of the Special Investigating Unit.
Introduction to the New NDPP Appointment
President Cyril Ramaphosa has made a significant appointment in the criminal justice system, naming Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). The announcement was made on Tuesday night, with Mothibi’s tenure set to begin on February 1, 2026. This appointment comes after an advisory panel, chaired by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, conducted a thorough selection process, interviewing and shortlisting candidates over two days in December. However, the panel ultimately found that none of the interviewed candidates were suitable for the position, leading to Mothibi’s appointment.
The Selection Process
The advisory panel, which included advocates Nicolette Bell, Hermione Cronje, Andrea Johnson, Xolisile Khanyile, Adrian Mopp, and Menzi Simelane, was established by President Ramaphosa in October to ensure an open and transparent selection process. The panel’s report, submitted to the president on December 12, 2025, advised that none of the interviewed candidates were suitable for the position. As a result, President Ramaphosa decided to appoint Mothibi, who has a strong background in public prosecution and legal management. Mothibi began his career as a public prosecutor in the Johannesburg and Soweto magistrate’s and regional courts and has also served as a magistrate in the same courts.
Mothibi’s Background and Experience
Advocate Mothibi has a wealth of experience in managing legal, compliance, and risk management operations, including his tenure as head of corporate legal services and head of governance at the South African Revenue Service (SARS). His expertise and experience make him an ideal candidate for the position of NDPP. The Presidency highlighted Mothibi’s strong background, noting that he has previously served in various public and private sector roles, demonstrating his ability to manage complex legal and compliance operations. Mothibi’s appointment is seen as a significant development in the country’s criminal justice system, and his experience and expertise are expected to bring a new level of professionalism and leadership to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Current NPA Head’s Term Ending
The current NDPP, Shamila Batohi, will end her term at the end of January, marking the end of her tenure as head of the NPA. President Ramaphosa has thanked Batohi for her service and contribution to the country’s prosecutions agency, wishing her well. Batohi’s term has been marked by significant challenges and controversies, and her departure is seen as an opportunity for the NPA to reboot and refocus under new leadership. The appointment of Mothibi is expected to bring a fresh perspective and approach to the NPA, and his experience and expertise are expected to help the agency tackle the complex challenges it faces.
Acting Head of the SIU
With Mothibi’s appointment as NDPP, SIU chief operations officer Leonard Lekgetho has been appointed to act in his place as head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). Lekgetho has over 22 years of experience in forensic investigations, including serving as a forensic investigator at the then-directorate of special operations, known as the Scorpions. His expertise and experience make him an ideal candidate to act as head of the SIU, and his appointment is seen as a positive development in the fight against corruption and crime in the country. The SIU plays a critical role in investigating and prosecuting complex cases of corruption and fraud, and Lekgetho’s leadership is expected to help the agency continue its important work.