Ramaphosa under fire for NDPP selection panel

President Cyril Ramaphosa faces pressure following his appointment of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) selection panel.

The panel is tasked with finding the next head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says the NDPP selection panel lacks individuals with hands-on experience in prosecutions or law enforcement.

The current NPA Head, Advocate Shamila Batohi, is due to finish her term in January 2026, prompting the need for a successor.

DA QUESTIONS NPA HEAD APPOINTMENT PROCESS

The DA claims that Ramaphosa ignored vital expertise by excluding figures from the judiciary or prosecutorial sector.

All panellists reportedly come from human rights, governance and administrative backgrounds.

The DA says these areas have “little relevance to the NPA’s internal challenges”.

“It’s unclear what contribution these bodies will make in the selection process, if any,” DA’s spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, Glynnis Breytenbach said.

The opposition insists that the NPA head appointment should be led by individuals who understand the criminal justice system.

WHO MAKES UP THE RAMAPHOSA NDPP SELECTION PANEL?

Ramaphosa appointed Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi as chairperson of the panel.

Other members include the chairpersons of the South African Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality, the Auditor-General of South Africa and the chairperson of the Public Services Commission.

The panel also includes a representative from the Black Lawyers Association and one from the National Association of Democratic Lawyers.

QUESTIONS OVER TRANSPARENCY AND CREDIBILITY

While the Presidency says the appointments promote transparency and accountability, the DA argues that the lack of criminal justice expertise undermines the process.