Tshwane: Interviews for South Africa's new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will get underway in Tshwane today. The position will become vacant next month when current NDPP Advocate Shamila Batohi retires. Wednesday's public interviews will be conducted by a panel led by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi.
According to South African Government News Agency, this process is transparent and helps to build public confidence in the appointment of a person in this critical office. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of a diverse panel, stating, "I selected a panel that would combine a variety of skills and experiences. These include the public service administration, financial management, legal and jurisprudence, administration of justice and the promotion of equality and human rights."
The panel includes Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Andrew Christoffel Nissen; Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale; Auditor-General of South Africa, Tsakani Maluleke; Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Professor Somadoda Fikeni; President of the Black Lawyers Association, Nkosana Mvundlela; and Representative of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, Machini Motloung.
The interviews of the six selected candidates will be held today and tomorrow. First in the hot seat will be Advocate Nicolette Bell, followed by Advocate Adrian Mopp, concluding the first day with Advocate Andrea Johnson. On Thursday, the interview of Advocate Xolisile Khanyile will kick off proceedings, followed by Advocate Hermione Cronje and Advocate Menzi Simelane. Interviews commence from 10am and will be streamed live.