South Africa Opens Public Interviews for New NDPP as Batohi Prepares to Exit

The post is among the most scrutinised in government, with past controversies having shaped public expectations for transparency and accountability.

South Africa’s search for a new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) officially begins today in Tshwane, where a high-level, publicly broadcast interview process will determine the successor to Advocate Shamila Batohi, who retires next month after five years at the helm of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

The interviews, held over two days, mark a significant moment for the criminal justice system, given the NDPP’s central role in steering the country’s prosecution priorities—particularly around organised crime, corruption, and state capture-related cases. The post is among the most scrutinised in government, with past controversies having shaped public expectations for transparency and accountability.

A Transparent and Multi-Skilled Selection Panel

The interview panel is chaired by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, and reflects what President Cyril Ramaphosa described as a “combination of diverse skills and experiences” necessary for assessing candidates for such a critical position.

The panel includes senior leaders across governance, legal practice, human rights, and public administration:

• Andrew Christoffel Nissen – Chairperson, South African Human Rights Commission

• Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale – Chairperson, Commission for Gender Equality

• Tsakani Maluleke – Auditor-General of South Africa

• Professor Somadoda Fikeni – Chairperson, Public Service Commission

• Nkosana Mvundlela – President, Black Lawyers Association

• Machini Motloung – Representative, National Association of Democratic Lawyers

Ramaphosa emphasised last month that the open interview process strengthens public trust, noting: “This process is transparent and helps build confidence in the appointment of a person in this critical office.”

Six Candidates in Line for the Country’s Top Prosecution Post

Six high-profile legal professionals have been shortlisted. Their interviews will run today and tomorrow:

Day 1 – Wednesday

1. Advocate Nicolette Bell

2. Advocate Adrian Mopp

3. Advocate Andrea Johnson

Day 2 – Thursday

1. Advocate Xolisile Khanyile

2. Advocate Hermione Cronje

3. Advocate Menzi Simelane

These candidates bring a range of expertise, including experience in anti-corruption units, financial crimes, international cooperation, and senior roles within the NPA. The outcome of these interviews will shape the leadership direction of the prosecuting authority at a time when South Africa faces ongoing demands for accountability and institutional reform.

Public Access to the Interviews

In line with commitments to transparency, all interviews will be livestreamed from 10am via the official YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP0qi8o0cS0

The panel’s recommendations will be submitted to the President, who will make the final appointment.