By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Advisory Panel handling the selection process of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), chaired by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, announced that it had shortlisted six candidates for the position.
NDPP boss Shamila Batohi retires in January after a term in which she has had to reform the institution gutted by State Capture and neutered by the former president Jacob Zuma, who understood that to stay out of jail he needed a pliant NDPP.
Batohi is slated to be the first NDPP ever to leave without being removed, retiring based on age, not years of service.
The NDPP is the head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and is responsible for ensuring that criminal prosecutions are conducted without fear, favour, or prejudice.
The Advisory Panel met on Tuesday to finalise the screening nominated candidates, after receiving 32 applications.
The panel identified former NPA head Adv. Menzi Simelane, former NPA investigative directorate head Adv. Hermione Cronje, and current NPA investigative directorate against corruption unit head Adv. Andrea Johnson for interviews for the position.
The other three persons shortlisted for the interviews are the director of public prosecutions in the Western Cape, Adv. Nicolette Astraid Bell, the deputy director of public prosecutions in the Western Cape, Adv. Adrian Carl Mopp; and Adv. Xolisile Jennifer Khanyile, who currently serves as the chairperson of the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime.
The panel is considering December 10 to 11 for the interview process.
The panel comprises of Kubayi, chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission Andrew Nissen, chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale, Auditor-General of South Africa Tsakani Maluleke, chairperson of the Public Service Commission Prof. Somadoda Fikeni, president of the Black Lawyers Association Nkosana Mvundlela, and representative from the National Association of Democratic Lawyers Machini Motloung.
Kubayi stated that the remuneration is “not attractive enough” for a senior advocate doing well to accept the role.
The current legislation equates the NDPP’s salary to that of a judge. However, unlike a judge, the NDPP is not provided with additional benefits such as houses and cars.
The panel is discussing potential legislative amendments to decouple the salary from that of a judge and is exploring ways to convert typical judicial benefits into monetary compensation to make the package more appealing.
Kubayi said that the six candidates who met the minimum requirements have been sent a questionnaire concerning their suitability, ethical standards, legal and management experience, health issues, and financial situations.
The public has also been invited to comment on the suitability and fitness of these candidates. Submissions may be sent to the Secretariat at NDPPpanel@justice.gov.za by no later than 5 December 2025.