DA Demands Transparency: Release of NDPP Panel Report Following Mothibi's Controversial Appointment

GAUTENG – The Democratic Alliance (DA) is taking a stand for transparency, urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to publicly share the report detailing the process behind the recent appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).

Advocate Mothibi, currently at the helm of the Special Investigating Unit, is set to step into the role formerly held by Shamila Batohi, whose tenure concludes in January 2026.

The President's choice follows the advisory panel's review, which found none of the six interviewed candidates fit for the position, raising eyebrows as Mothibi was never a part of those interviews.

DA's Call for the Panel's Report

In pursuit of accountability, the DA has formally submitted a request under the Promotion of Access to Information Act to compel President Ramaphosa to disclose the advisory panel's report. Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach, the party's spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, asserted:

“This position undermines transparency in a process that was already marred by delays, an ill-equipped panel, and a failure to properly discharge its mandate.”

“The National Director of Public Prosecutions is a very important position, and South Africans deserve to know how Ramaphosa arrived at the decision to appoint Mothibi,” she emphasized.

Public Reaction to the DA's Initiative

Social media erupted with opinions regarding the DA's insistence on uncovering the report. Richard Peebles lamented:

“State capture all over again, but this time the judiciary is the target.”

Samuel Roelof Van Wyk expressed skepticism:

“Another NDPP selection of someone in the ANC bag.”

Sharon Botha posed a critical question:

“Why did they have all those interviews if he knew he was not going to appoint any of them? Just a waste of money and time.”

In a contrasting opinion, Wily Lewisha commented:

“The DA is lazy. They don't read the Constitution to understand.”

@Thokoza88288017 suggested a more drastic action:

“They could simply threaten him with a motion of no confidence; he will release the report at the speed of light.”

The Aftermath of Mothibi's Selection

• The Presidency has defended the appointment of Advocate Mothibi as the new NDPP.
• Criticism also arose from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
• Shamila Batohi has expressed her support for Mothibi, citing his potential to elevate the National Prosecuting Authority.