Kubayi confirms no golden handshake for Johnson after resignation

Idac head Andrea Johnson testifies at the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee inquiry into alleged corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system at Good Hope Chambers on 6 November 2025 in Cape Town. Picture: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) head Advocate Andrea Johnson will not walk away with a golden handshake, though she will retain her pension. On Monday, 27 July 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa accepted Johnson’s immediate resignation following her request to vacate office under the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act.

The president’s decision follows a recommendationby Kubayi, supported by National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Andy Mothibi, that Johnson’s request be granted. Kubayi said Johnson will retain her pension benefits, but will not receive a golden handshake. “She will not get a golden handshake, but she will keep her pension.

I cannot withhold any payment for what she has worked for. There is no legal basis – I would be violating the laws of the country,” she told702 Kubayi added that with Johnson’s departure, not all Idac cases will be reviewed. “Not all Idac matters will be reviewed.

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Many of the cases are being handled with external support under Section 38 appointments, and we do not believe they will collapse,” Kubayi explained. Kubayi confirmed that Johnson’s resignation was handled in line with the NPA Act, stressing that the decision was made in the best interests of the NPA and its credibility. “We believed that indeed, in the best interests of the NPA and the integrity of the prosecution team, we needed to recommend acceptance of the request,” she said.

The minister noted that Johnson herself acknowledged the institution was bigger than any individual. “The organisation must sustain beyond individuals. We should never allow one person to become the source of destruction of the institution,” Kubayi added.

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