President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated his willingness to consider expanding the panel responsible for selecting the next head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Speaking during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa said he remains open to adding more members with specialized criminal prosecutorial experience to ensure a fair and transparent process.
The president’s comments come after Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament Glynnis Breytenbach raised renewed concerns over what she described as the panel’s lack of sufficient prosecutorial expertise.
President Ramaphosa appointed the panel in October to oversee the process of interviewing and recommending candidates to succeed outgoing NPA head Shamila Batohi, whose term ends in January. The panel is chaired by the Minister of Justice, and includes representatives from the executive, Chapter 9 institutions, and professional legal bodies.
Addressing Parliament, Ramaphosa defended the selection of the panel members, saying they were chosen for their broad experience and understanding of governance, ethics, and legal oversight.
“The panel has been selected for its broad experience in governance, justice, and integrity. However, I am always open to good ideas, and if there are individuals with strong prosecutorial knowledge who can contribute meaningfully, I am prepared to consider them,” Ramaphosa said.
He emphasized that the purpose of the diverse panel was to ensure objectivity and transparency — values that are critical to maintaining public trust in the appointment of the country’s top prosecutor.
Ramaphosa Highlights Transparent Approach to NPA Appointments
Since taking office, Ramaphosa has prioritized transparency and accountability in key state appointments. In 2018, he made the unprecedented decision to open up the selection process for the NPA’s National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), allowing public interviews for shortlisted candidates.
That process led to the appointment of Shamila Batohi, the first woman to lead the NPA. Now, as her term nears its conclusion, Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining an open and credible process in choosing her successor.
“This process is transparent and helps to build public confidence in the appointment of a person to this critical office,” Ramaphosa said.
The president noted that while the Constitution empowers him alone to appoint the NDPP, he believes involving an independent panel in the selection process strengthens democratic accountability.
Despite Ramaphosa’s assurances, opposition parties — particularly the Democratic Alliance — remain skeptical. Glynnis Breytenbach, a former state prosecutor, questioned the absence of experienced prosecutorial voices on the panel, suggesting that this omission could undermine the credibility of the selection process.
“The panel lacks someone who understands the ethos and culture of the NPA. Without that perspective, it’s difficult to assess who can truly lead the institution,” Breytenbach argued.
In response, Ramaphosa reiterated that he values constructive input and is willing to enhance the panel’s composition.
“It is not too late to add more members. If there are people with superior knowledge in criminal prosecutions, I’m open to including them. The goal is to appoint the best possible candidate for the NPA,” Ramaphosa told Parliament.
His remarks were widely interpreted as a gesture of goodwill and a sign of his administration’s willingness to collaborate with opposition parties on key governance issues.
President Ramaphosa also revealed that he has instructed the Minister of Justice to explore ways to institutionalize transparency in the appointment process for the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).
“I have asked the Minister of Justice to consider how we can codify a more transparent selection process for this position into law,” Ramaphosa said.
This proposal would mark a significant step toward reforming how senior prosecutorial positions are filled in South Africa — an issue that has historically been plagued by political interference.
Legal analysts have praised Ramaphosa’s approach, saying that embedding transparency into the appointment framework could strengthen the independence of the NPA and reduce the risk of political manipulation.
The National Prosecuting Authority has faced years of internal instability and leadership challenges, particularly during the state capture era. Under Ramaphosa’s administration, efforts have been made to restore the institution’s credibility and capacity to prosecute high-profile corruption cases.
By opening up the selection process, Ramaphosa aims to ensure that the next NPA head possesses not only professional integrity but also the independence required to uphold the rule of law.
“We must continue rebuilding institutions of justice so that South Africans can have confidence in the fairness and impartiality of our legal system,” Ramaphosa said.
Observers believe that his handling of the NPA succession will serve as a key test of his broader commitment to clean governance and institutional reform.
As Ramaphosa moves to finalise the new selection process, he faces the delicate task of balancing political consensus with the need for judicial independence. The upcoming appointment will not only shape the future of the NPA but could also influence public trust in his leadership as he prepares for the 2026 elections.
While opposition criticism remains, many acknowledge that Ramaphosa’s willingness to engage and adapt demonstrates a more consultative leadership style — one that prioritizes accountability over political expediency.
In the coming weeks, South Africans will watch closely as the process unfolds, with expectations high that Ramaphosa will deliver a transparent, merit-based appointment to lead the country’s top prosecutorial authority.
Source- EWN
