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Corruption Watch (CW) notes the surprise announcement on Tuesday, 6 January 2026 of the appointment of Advocate Jan Lekgoa (Andy) Mothibi, the current head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), as the new national director of public prosecutions (NDPP). 

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Adv. Mothibi follows the conclusion of the seven-person advisory panel tasked with leading the interviews of the six shortlisted candidates for the head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that none of them was suitable for the position. 

The panel, which was chaired by Justice and Constitutional Development minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, included: Andrew Christoffel Nissen, chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale, chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke, Prof Somadoda Fikeni, chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Black Lawyers Association president Nkosana Mvundlela, and Machini Motloung, president of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers. 

While Adv. Mothibi was not one of the final six, he does bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, having been at the helm of the SIU since May 2016. In the interests of transparency, notes CW, it would nevertheless have been preferable for him to be subjected to the same interview process as the other candidates. However, given the mandate of the SIU to investigate maladministration, malpractice, and corruption within state institutions and the private sector by way of proclamations issued by the president, Adv. Mothibi has fulfilled his role in executing that mandate with vigour and commitment. 

CW continues to highlight and advocate for the need for greater transparency, merit-based criteria, and public participation in the appointment of key leadership positions, especially in the anti-corruption institutions that bolster our democracy. In terms of the NDPP appointment process, while CW is satisfied that there was sufficient transparency in the initial process, there is concern that Adv. Mothibi was not part of that process. 

“The critical role of the NDPP in fighting corruption in the country cannot be overstated,” says Lebogang Ramafoko, executive director at CW. “The head of the NPA is at the forefront of seeking accountability in the country, and it is imperative that the appointed candidate undertakes this task without fear or favour, is committed to the highest ethical standards, and is well placed to collaborate with law enforcement stakeholders across the spectrum.” 

CW will continue to lobby for greater transparency, to ensure that leaders are continuously assessed against clear merit-based criteria, and for opportunities for public participation and engagement to be made available. The organisation will persistently call for proper vetting processes of candidates nominated to all key institutions, ensuring that they are qualified and suited for the position and that the proceedings are conducted in the public spotlight.

Issued by Corruption Watch