President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Andy Mothibi, head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), effective from 1 February 2026. The appointment has been widely welcomed despite criticism of the process. It follows a panel's finding that none of the six shortlisted candidates were suitable.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Andy Mothibi as National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) on Tuesday, 7 January 2026, succeeding the outgoing Shamila Batohi effective 1 February. Mothibi, appointed SIU head by former president Jacob Zuma in 2016, has transformed the unit. Under his leadership, the SIU recovered R2.28 billion in stolen funds in the 2023/24 financial year and achieved total savings of R8 billion, including stopped contract payments and preserved assets.
Mothibi's background includes serving as a magistrate, helping establish the South African Revenue Service, and senior roles at South African Airways, Standard Bank, and Nedbank. The appointment is viewed as a positive outcome, but the process draws scrutiny. A panel hastily convened in December 2025 interviewed six candidates, including Hermione Cronje, yet deemed none suitable. The panel report will not be released, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated, to respect the candidates' professional standing.
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) welcomed the move. CEO Wayne Duvenage said Mothibi possesses the necessary leadership skills and SIU successes. "We want to see visible senior prosecutions within months," he added, referring to state capture cases. Legal academic Dr Jean Redpath, however, flagged Mothibi's age of 63 as a concern, with mandatory retirement at 65 limiting him to two years in the role.
Ramaphosa sought transparency, but the process is criticized as flawed, with the Democratic Alliance warning of delays for months. Despite uncertainties, Mothibi is seen as a capable choice for the NPA's challenges.
