President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions, effective next month, amid a broader leadership reshuffle at the NPA. Picture Credit: Polity.org.za
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa — President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Advocate Jan Lekgoa “Andy” Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), marking a key leadership change at the helm of South Africa’s prosecuting authority ahead of the 2026 legal calendar. Mothibi’s appointment is set to take effect on 1 February 2026, the Presidency confirmed on Wednesday.
Mothibi, who currently serves as the head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), succeeds Advocate Shamila Batohi, whose seven-year term as NDPP concludes this month. Batohi has been viewed as central to prosecutorial efforts since her appointment, and President Ramaphosa thanked her for her service during a formal announcement.
The selection process for a new NDPP included a public and transparent advisory panel chaired by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi. The panel interviewed six shortlisted candidates from a pool of about 30 applicants but ultimately advised that none met the suitability criteria for the position, citing the office’s demanding requirements.
In terms of South Africa’s Constitution and the National Prosecuting Authority Act, the President holds the authority to make the appointment regardless of the panel’s recommendations. Ramaphosa said he relied on his constitutional powers to choose a candidate he believes is able to steer the NPA effectively.
A seasoned legal professional with decades of experience, Mothibi began his career as a public prosecutor in the Johannesburg and Soweto magistrates’ and regional courts before serving as a magistrate in both jurisdictions. His public service record also includes senior legal and governance roles in both government and the private sector, including at the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and in corporate legal services.
As head of the SIU since May 2016, Mothibi has overseen major investigations and civil litigation aimed at recovering state funds lost through corruption and maladministration. His leadership has been credited with strengthening the SIU’s strategic focus and improving governance outcomes, according to industry insights.
The advocacy community and members of Parliament have expressed mixed reactions to the appointment. While the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development welcomed the decision, underscoring the need for strong, independent prosecutorial leadership, civil society group Corruption Watch raised concerns about the process, noting that Mothibi was not subject to the same interview process as other candidates. The organisation emphasised the critical role of the NDPP in upholding accountability and ethical standards in prosecution work.
President Ramaphosa has also moved swiftly to ensure continuity at the SIU. Leonard Lekgetho, currently the SIU’s Chief Operations Officer, was appointed Acting Head of the special investigations agency, effective 1 February 2026, while retaining his forensic leadership responsibilities. Lekgetho brings more than 22 years of experience in forensic investigations, including serving as a senior investigator at the former Directorate of Special Operations.
The leadership changes come at a pivotal time for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which is under increasing scrutiny to improve prosecution rates, reduce case backlogs and deliver tangible outcomes in high-profile corruption and organised crime cases. Stakeholders across the justice sector have emphasised the need for efficiency and integrity as the NPA transitions into new leadership.
