DA moves to compel Ramaphosa to release NDPP selection report

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed a Promotion of Access to Information Act application, to force President Cyril Ramaphosa to release the report into the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) selection process. 

Ramaphosa unexpectedly appointed Advocate Andy Mothibi, head of the Special Investigating Unit as NDPP.

This follows recommendations presented by an advisory panel, who led interviews of six shortlisted candidates for the NDPP role. 

According to Ramaphosa’s office, the panel presented a report to the president, recommending that none of the shortlisted candidates were suitable for the role. 

Mthibi is set to replace Shamila Batohi, whose term comes to an end this month.

DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach said that South Africans are entitled to see the NDPP advisory panel report. 

Breytenbach said that Ramaphosa cannot exercise such sweeping Constitutional powers behind a veil of secrecy.

"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 positions and South Africans deserve to know he (Ramaphosa) arrived at the decision to appoint Mothibi.”

Ramaphosa’s Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the report would not be made public.