Ramaphosa open to augmenting panel selecting candidates for NPA's top job

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he’s open to augmenting the panel that will select candidates to become the next head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

He appointed a panel to publicly interview candidates in October, but the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Glynnis Breytenbach on Thursday again raised concerns during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly about what she views as its lack of criminal prosecutorial experience.

The president said the panel, to be chaired by the justice minister, was selected for their broad experience, but he’s prepared to consider other suitable panelists.

While the Constitution only prescribes that the president appoints the national director of public prosecutions, Ramaphosa chose to open up the process in 2018 and is doing so again to choose the successor of incumbent Shamila Batohi, who is due to retire in January.

Ramaphosa believes the panel, which comprises representatives from the executive, Chapter 9 institutions and legal bodies, have the requisite skills and experience to nominate suitable candidates for appointment.

"This process is transparent and helps to build public confidence in the appointment of a person in this critical office."

But the DA is not happy.

Former-prosecutor-turned-MP, Glynnis Breytenbach, argued that the panel lacked someone who understands the ethos and culture of the NPA.

Ramaphosa said that it was not too late to add more members.

"I'm always open to good ideas. And if there are people who have good and superior knowledge in criminal prosecutions, I’m willing to consider them."

Ramaphosa said he’s instructed the justice minister to consider how a more transparent selection process for this position could be codified in law.

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