President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head Andy Mothibi as the new NPA boss has been met with mixed reactions by political parties. Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that Mothibi will take over fromShamila Batohi, who is retiring at the end of January. Parliament’s portfolio committee on justice and constitutional development welcomed Mothibi’s appointment.
Committee chair, the ANC’s Xola Nqola, said the appointment comes at a critical time when the strengthening of the criminal justice system remains central to restoring public confidence in the state’s capacity to ensure accountability, uphold the rule of law and combat corruption. “The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) plays an essential role in ensuring that the prosecuting authority operates independently, without fear, favour or prejudice. We trust that the newly appointed NDPP will prioritise efficiency, integrity, and transparency in leading the National Prosecuting Authority.” Nqola defended Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint a candidate outside of the interview process, citing his constitutional and legislative powers.
“We acknowledge the president’s exercise of his executive authority in making this appointment and reiterate that this is an important step toward enhancing prosecutorial capacity and stability within the NPA,” he said. Nqola further emphasised that the NDPP should continue building institutional credibility, strengthen prosecutorial effectiveness, and ensure that high-priority cases, including corruption and serious organised crime, are handled decisively. The DA congratulated Mothibi on his appointment, calling for his new post to translate into better management of the NPA, more prosecutions and a reduction in crime.
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“His appointment comes at a time when the NPA faces many difficulties. Criminality has taken hold of the country, and the NPA needs a leader who will recapacitate the hollowed-out institution and reform the prosecutorial service into a crime-fighting machine,” said Glynnis Breytenbach, DA spokesperson on justice. Breytenbach said while Mothibi was well-suited to lead the NPA due to his experience as a former prosecutor and magistrate, a major stumbling block is his age.
“At 63 years of age, he has an extremely limited opportunity to make any impact at all and will have his work cut out for him. It is somewhat concerning that the president has seen fit to appoint someone of Mr Mothibi’s age, given the serious and systemic issues currently within the NPA. The job itself is a much bigger one than that of the head of the SIU.”
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