Ramaphosa Appoints Andy Mothibi as South Africa’s New National Director of Public Prosecutions

Key Takeaways:

• President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) to lead the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
• Mothibi was not among the six candidates interviewed for the position, but was chosen due to his experience and qualifications.
• The advisory panel tasked with selecting a new NDPP had concluded that none of the interviewed candidates were suitable for the role.
• Mothibi will replace advocate Shamila Batohi, who retires at the end of January after seven years in the position.
• The appointment has raised questions about the selection process and the suitability of Mothibi for the role.

Introduction to the Appointment
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) has come as a surprise, as Mothibi was not among the six candidates interviewed for the position. The announcement was made on Tuesday, with Mothibi set to take over the role from 1 February. Mothibi is currently the head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), a position he will vacate to take up his new role. The appointment has raised questions about the selection process and the suitability of Mothibi for the role.

The Selection Process
The selection process for the new NDPP was led by a seven-person advisory panel, chaired by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi. The panel interviewed six candidates over two days in December, including Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape, advocate Nicolette Bell, and former NDPP under Jacob Zuma, advocate Menzi Simelane. However, the panel concluded that none of the interviewed candidates were suitable for the role, leading Ramaphosa to appoint Mothibi instead. This decision has raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the selection process.

Andy Mothibi’s Background
Mothibi has a strong background in law and has served in various public and private sector roles, including as a public prosecutor and magistrate. He has also served as the head of corporate legal services and governance at the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Mothibi’s experience and qualifications make him a suitable candidate for the role, but the fact that he was not among the initial candidates interviewed has raised questions about the selection process.

Reaction to the Appointment
The appointment of Mothibi has been met with surprise and concern from some quarters. Advocate Hermione Cronje, one of the candidates interviewed for the position, was widely regarded as a strong contender for the role. Cronje has spoken out about the need for reform within the NPA, and her appointment was seen as a potential opportunity for change. The fact that Mothibi was appointed instead has raised concerns about the commitment to reform and the future direction of the NPA.

The Future of the NPA
The appointment of Mothibi as NDPP raises important questions about the future of the NPA. The organization has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of high-profile cases and its perceived lack of independence. Mothibi’s appointment is seen as an opportunity for the NPA to reform and rebuild, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to bring about the necessary changes. The NPA plays a critical role in the justice system, and its effectiveness is essential for maintaining public trust and confidence in the rule of law.

Conclusion
The appointment of Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions has raised questions about the selection process and the suitability of Mothibi for the role. While Mothibi has a strong background in law and experience in public and private sector roles, the fact that he was not among the initial candidates interviewed has raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the selection process. The future of the NPA and its ability to reform and rebuild will depend on Mothibi’s leadership and vision, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to bring about the necessary changes to restore public trust and confidence in the organization.