Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), saying he acted within his constitutional powers after an advisory panel found no suitable candidates from those interviewed for the post.
Six candidates were interviewed by a panel established by Ramaphosa to ensure an open and transparent selection process, but none were recommended for appointment.
As a result, Ramaphosa said the urgency and importance of the position compelled him to make a direct appointment.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the age of the newly-appointed NDPP isn’t the main priority, but rather the work that he’ll undertake to transform the NPA. Mothibi, 63, has some questioning if he has enough time to get things done. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/SYyiFU6piL
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 7, 2026
Mothibi, who currently heads the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), will assume office on 1 February 2026, replacing outgoing NDPP Shamila Batohi, who is set to retire at the end of January.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ANC’s January 8 celebrations in the North West, Ramaphosa said the law allows the president to appoint an NDPP at his discretion.
He described Mothibi as a “known figure” in the criminal justice system with a proven track record.
The country’s new prosecutions boss is an outstanding legal mind and more than qualified for the role. This is President Cyril Ramaphosa’s endorsement of Advocate Andy Mothibi, following his appointment.https://t.co/NsTK0zQAQd
— eNCA (@eNCA) January 7, 2026
“I instituted this process of having a very transparent and open manner in which a public official, like the head of the NPA, should be appointed. The last time when Shamila Batohi was appointed, I opened up the process which many people welcomed. It’s not in the law. The law says the president can appoint whomever he wants, but I felt that, because of the importance of the position, we should open it up so that the public can see and have insight into the type of person that we want in that position.
“So in the end, because of the shortness of the time, I then relied on what the Constitution empowers me as President to do, and it is for that reason that I decided to appoint Mothibi,” Ramaphosa said.
[WATCH] President Cyril Ramaphosa says Adv. Andy Mothibi’s appointment as NPA head is to guide the institution through its transition period. He notes that Mothibi’s experience makes him well-suited to take the NPA forward, since the advisory panel hadn’t recommended a candidate.… pic.twitter.com/hEZDS5oMkO
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 7, 2026
He added: “I’ve appointed a known figure, a person who is in the criminal justice system, who has distinguished himself and who has demonstrated his ability, and I’m hoping that everybody will accept this for what it is.
“And of course, in future, we would want even the law or the Constitution to allow a more open process. We don’t have it now, and it was instituted at my volition, and when it didn’t yield the results that I expected, I had to rely on what the Constitution empowers me to do.”
Ramaphosa also rejected criticism of Batohi’s tenure, saying she took office during a difficult post–state capture period and made significant efforts to transform and stabilise the National Prosecuting Authority.
[WATCH] President Cyril Ramaphosa says it’s unfair to criticise outgoing NDPP Advocate Shamila Batohi. He adds that Batohi made great effort towards addressing corruption and crime in SA.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/I82o10CDxB
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 7, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
