By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced his new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). President Ramaphosa appointed Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Head, Advocate Andy Mothibi as he is set to begin his tenure in the position from February 2026.

“Advocate Mothibi began his career as a Public Prosecutor in the Johannesburg and Soweto Magistrates and Regional Courts. He also served as a Magistrate in the Johannesburg and Soweto Magistrates Courts.” said the Presidency.

 President Ramaphosa has also a six member Advisory Panel in order to facilitate the selection of the NDPP which was led by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, and the panel had interviewed over 32 applicants for this position before settling on Mothibi.

 “The panel concluded its process and submitted its report to the President on 12 December 2025. In its report, the panel advised the President that none of the interviewed candidates were suitable for the role of NDPP “, said the Presidency.

 Advocate Mothibi is expected to leave his post at the SIU as Leonard Lekgetho will be instated as Acting Head of the SIU from February, as his previous had him serve as Chief Operations Officer of the SIU.

 The person who Advocate Mothibi will be replacing is Shamila Batohi as her term as the current NDPP is set to come to a conclusion at the end of January, as she completes seven years in the position. 

“Accordingly, President Ramaphosa has in terms of section 179 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, read with section 10 of the NPA act, decided to appoint advocate Jan Lekgoa [Andy] Mothibi with effect from the 02/01/2026 as the National Director of Public Prosecutions” said the Presidency.