Political Firestorm
Pretoria, Gauteng – President Cyril Ramaphosa’s surprise appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions at the National Prosecuting Authority has ignited a wave of heated debate across South Africa’s political landscape, with parties clashing over the process, timing, and what it means for fighting crime and corruption. Mothibi, the 63-year-old head of the Special Investigating Unit since 2016, steps into the role on 1 February 2026, replacing Shamila Batohi after her seven-year term ends due to reaching the mandatory retirement age. While some welcome his track record in uncovering graft, others slam the move as a sign of unchecked presidential power that could undermine the NPA’s independence. This comes at a critical time for the authority, which faces massive case backlogs, resource shortages, and public doubts about its ability to deliver justice swiftly and fairly.
The Unexpected Appointment and Its Background
The decision followed a recommendation from an advisory panel, chaired by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, which found none of the six shortlisted candidates suitable after interviews. This allowed Ramaphosa to appoint directly, a power granted under the law but one that has drawn sharp criticism for bypassing a more open process. Mothibi was not among the interviewed hopefuls, raising eyebrows about why the panel’s work seemed sidelined if the president could pick someone outside the list.
Mothibi brings a wealth of experience to the job. A former prosecutor and magistrate, he has led the SIU through high-stakes probes into corruption, recovering billions in misspent public funds. His work has exposed scandals in areas like healthcare and procurement, earning praise for tough investigations that hold the powerful accountable. At 63, though, his tenure might be short-lived – the NDPP role typically runs for 10 years, but mandatory retirement hits at 65, potentially making this the briefest stint in the position’s history. For many, this adds to questions about stability at the NPA, an institution already struggling with delays in prosecuting serious crimes like murder and rape, where cases drag on for an average of 197 and 219 days respectively.
The appointment aims to tackle these woes head-on. Expectations are high for Mothibi to clear backlogs, boost resources, and ensure the NPA works hand-in-hand with police to build airtight cases. He is tasked with prioritizing high-impact prosecutions, including those tied to the State Capture Commission report, where delays have frustrated the public. Without quick wins, experts warn, trust in the justice system could erode further, especially in a country where crime rates remain stubbornly high and impunity for the elite feels all too common.
Mixed Reactions from Political Heavyweights
Political parties wasted no time in sharing their views, turning what could have been a routine leadership change into a full-blown firestorm. The Democratic Alliance offered cautious congratulations but stressed the need for real results. Their justice spokesperson, Glynnis Breytenbach, said Mothibi’s background as a former prosecutor and SIU leader makes him well-suited, but his success hinges on turning the NPA into a “crime-fighting machine.” She called for better management, more prosecutions, and a drop in crime, noting the authority’s current challenges with criminality gripping the nation. The DA has gone further, filing a Promotion of Access to Information Act request for the panel’s report on why the shortlisted candidates fell short, demanding transparency to rebuild faith in the process.
The Economic Freedom Fighters took a harder line, warning of an “executive dictatorship” in key appointments. They argued that Ramaphosa’s unilateral choice shows too much power in one person’s hands, especially for roles in the judiciary and oversight bodies. The EFF slammed the NPA as “hollowed out” under Batohi, with withdrawn cases and struck-off matters allowing a culture of impunity to thrive. They demanded Mothibi prove his mettle through bold actions, prosecuting serious crimes without fear, favour, or political meddling. “South Africans want prosecutions, convictions and an end to impunity,” the party stated, urging visible steps to show the NPA’s independence.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party was even more pointed, calling the appointment “pre-orchestrated, politically deliberate and part of a systematic process” to place Mothibi in a key spot. They alleged it shields Ramaphosa’s nephew, Hangwani Maumela, from arrest linked to the Tembisa Hospital scandal uncovered by the SIU. The MK Party believes the panel was a “smoke screen” for a predetermined pick, and they vowed to watch closely, insisting Mothibi act swiftly on evidence against Maumela to prove otherwise. “The MK Party firmly believes that Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Adv. Mothibi as NDPP is intended to shield his nephew from imminent arrest and prosecution,” they claimed.
Other voices joined the chorus. The African Christian Democratic Party questioned the point of the panel if direct appointments override it, asking why Mothibi skipped interviews. The Inkatha Freedom Party echoed calls for stability, while the Progressive Civics Congress flagged potential conflicts of interest. Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane shared his thoughts, emphasizing the need for an NDPP who can restore credibility by jailing the “top 200 criminals” and ensuring justice is blind to wealth or status.
Broader Concerns Over NPA Independence and Credibility
At the heart of the backlash is worry about the NPA’s role in upholding democracy. Critics argue the appointment process lacks enough checks, allowing politics to seep in and erode public trust. Past NDPP picks have faced similar scrutiny, with some seen as tools to protect allies rather than pursue truth. For everyday South Africans, this matters because the NPA handles everything from street crime to grand corruption – delays mean victims wait longer for closure, and unpunished graft drains public coffers needed for schools and hospitals.
Mothibi’s defenders point to his SIU successes, like probes that recovered funds from dodgy deals. They hope his no-nonsense style will cut through red tape, targeting organized crime and state capture holdouts. But with backlogs stacking up and resources stretched, he faces an uphill battle. MPs across parties agree on one thing: justice must be swift, fair, and visible. “Justice delayed erodes public trust,” one lawmaker noted, calling for closer ties between prosecutors and investigators to speed up trials.
The social justice movement has weighed in too, urging Mothibi to focus on equal treatment – the rich and poor, young and old – without bias. In a nation still grappling with inequality, a credible NPA could rebuild faith in the system, but any hint of favouritism risks deepening divides.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Hopes for Mothibi’s Tenure
As Mothibi prepares to take the helm, the spotlight is on how he handles high-stakes cases. Will he push for arrests in lingering scandals, or will critics’ fears of protectionism prove true? His short expected term adds pressure to deliver fast, perhaps focusing on the “top 200 criminals” to show impact. Broader reforms, like better training for staff and tech to track cases, could help tackle delays that demoralize police and victims alike.
For South Africa, this appointment tests the balance between executive power and independent justice. If Mothibi succeeds, it could mark a turning point in the fight against crime. But with parties sounding off so loudly, his every move will be watched. As one opposition figure put it, “The credibility of the NPA depends as much on a transparent appointment process as it does on the individual appointed.” In the end, actions will speak louder than announcements, and Mothibi’s leadership could either calm the firestorm or fan its flames.
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