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Ramaphosa Names Panel to Pick Next NDPP, Sets Three-Month Deadline

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi will lead an open nominations process intended to deliver three finalists to replace Shamila Batohi.

Overview

  • The Presidency constituted a multi-institutional panel chaired by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi to run the selection of the next National Director of Public Prosecutions.
  • Members include the chairpersons of the South African Human Rights Commission and the Commission for Gender Equality, the Auditor-General, the chairperson of the Public Service Commission, and representatives of the Black Lawyers Association and the National Association of Democratic Lawyers.
  • The panel must invite public nominations, shortlist and interview candidates, ensure vetting, and recommend three names to the President with a detailed suitability report.
  • The panel is required to submit its final recommendations within three months of appointment, with the successful candidate to succeed Shamila Batohi, whose term ends in January 2026.
  • Legal researchers noted the omission of Law Society and Bar Council representatives compared with the 2018 panel, and the Democratic Alliance criticized the absence of prosecutorial expertise on the panel.