Advocate Hermione Cronje delivered candid critiques of the National Prosecuting Authority during her interview for National Director of Public Prosecutions on December 11. She described a skills catastrophe and institutional dysfunction, emphasizing the need for honest reform. Her forthrightness contrasted with other candidates amid a rushed selection process.
The interviews for South Africa's next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) took place on December 11, amid criticism of the timing and process. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi chaired a seven-person panel that questioned six candidates, including advocates Hermione Cronje, Xolisile Khanyile, and Menzi Simelane. The selection occurs as current NDPP Shamila Batohi retires in January 2026, with the panel set to recommend three names to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Cronje, who has deep NPA experience since 1998, including roles in the Asset Forfeiture Unit and as head of the Investigating Directorate from 2019 to 2022, spoke bluntly about the institution's challenges. She left the NPA in 2011 due to state capture influences and resigned from the ID in February 2022, citing limited support and dysfunction. "The narrative was that, ‘Actually, everything’s fine in the NPA.’ That was definitely not my experience," Cronje told the panel. She highlighted a "skills catastrophe," noting that teams handling state capture cases were not equipped for the task and that a skills audit revealed depressing results withheld by the NPA.
Cronje advocated for systemic solutions like top-class training to attract prosecutors, arguing it is affordable and effective. She admitted her impulsive tendencies and potential resistance to her leadership, stating, "I’m the kind of person who will get the job done even if there are some bodies in the wake." Panel members questioned her commitment, to which she replied that without necessary budget and support, she would not stay.
In contrast, Khanyile, former Financial Intelligence Centre head, emphasized capacity building and claimed success in removing South Africa from the FATF greylist in October 2025, though her role is disputed. She faced scrutiny over CV inconsistencies and an optimistic view of NPA performance in organized crime, despite ongoing inquiries into cartels. Simelane's candidacy drew objections over past integrity issues from his 2009 appointment, ruled irrational by courts.
Critics noted flaws in the process, such as the added executive management requirement not in the NPA Act and the panel's lack of prosecutorial expertise. Public engagement was low due to year-end timing.
