Ahead of the end of National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi’s term of office, President Cyril Ramaphosa has established a panel for the selection of the next NDPP, appointing Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi as chairperson.

Batohi will be required to vacate her office in January 2026, as she reaches the age of 65.

Ramaphosa said the next NDPP must be identified through an open and transparent process that reflects the importance of this vital position in the country’s democracy.

The panel will comprise the chairpersons of the South African Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality, the Auditor-General South Africa, and the Public Service Commission; as well as a representative of both the Black Lawyers Association and the National Association of Democratic Lawyers.

Ramaphosa assured that the process of appointing the next NDPP would be the same open and transparent process that led to the appointment of Batohi.

Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa considered the NDPP a vital position in the country’s democracy that made an essential contribution to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the efficiency and integrity of law enforcement.

“The NDPP must ensure that the National Prosecuting Authority exercises its functions without fear, favour or prejudice and should not be beholden to any vested interests, whether in politics, in business or elsewhere,” he explained.

Ramaphosa highlighted that the NDPP needed to be able to take decisions independently and impartially.

Magwenya said for this reason, Ramaphosa had mandated the panel to call for nominations in an open and transparent manner, conduct shortlisting and interviews, ensure vetting of suitable candidates, and submit the names of three suitable candidates with a detailed report on suitability for his consideration.

The panel final report with recommendations to the President is required within three months of the panel’s appointment, he explained.