President Cyril Ramaphosa has established a panel for the selection of the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), also known as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head.

The new NPA head will replace Adv Shamila Batohi, whose term of office ends in January next year.

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

Other panelists include the Chairpersons of the South African Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality, the Public Service Commission, the Auditor-General of South Africa, as well as representatives of the Black Lawyers Association and the National Association of Democratic Lawyers.

Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says, “President Ramaphosa has decided to follow the same open and transparent process that led to the appointment of the current National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Shamila Batohi. President Ramaphosa considers the National Director of Public Prosecutions as a vital position in our democracy that makes an essential contribution to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the efficiency and integrity of law enforcement.”

Magwenya adds, “For this reason, the President has mandated the panel to call for nominations through an open and transparent manner, conduct shortlisting, interviews, ensure vetting of suitable candidates, and submit the names of three suitable candidates with a detailed report on suitability of the individuals to the President for consideration.”

President @CyrilRamaphosa has established a panel for the selection of the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) who will be identified through an open and transparent process that reflects the importance of this vital position in our democracy.…

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) October 7, 2025