President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised outgoing National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Adv. Shamila Batohi for doing an “excellent job” in transforming the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and restoring public confidence during her tenure.
Ramaphosa appointed the current Special Investigating Unit (SIU’s) Head Adv. Andy Mothibi to replace Batohi as the next NDPP with effect from February 1, 2025.
Batohi’s non-renewable term of 10 years ends in January.
“Yes, Shamila Batohi came in at the time when the NPA was in serious need of transformation, and she has done excellently in transforming and repositioning the NPA. We all came to our offices at a very difficult time, a post state capture during the time, for instance COVID-19 when a lot of corruption happened and addressing all those things has been challenging.
“I don’t believe that one should be overly criticised for having made an effort. She made a great effort, and I think those who are criticising her are really unfair,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa stood by his decision to appoint Mothibi following an Advisory Panel’s report to him that none of the six interviewed candidates were suitable for the role of the NDPP.
“In the end because of the shortness of the time, I then relied on what the constitution empowers me as President to do and it is for that reason that I decided to appoint Mothibi. I have appointed a known figure, a person who is in the criminal justice system, who has distinguished himself, and who has demonstrated his ability,” added Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa was addressing the media at the Gary Player Gold Course in Sun City, near Rustenburg, before his tee-off to the ANC’s fundraising golf day ahead of the 114th anniversary celebrations on Saturday.
ANC NEC members and leaders continued to descend in the North West to mobilize support for the event to be held at the 20 000 seater Moruleng stadium outside Rustenburg on Saturday.
