Opposition cries foul over Ramaphosa’s appointment of Andy Mothibi as NDPP

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to bypass the official interview shortlist and appoint Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who are questioning the transparency and political implications of the move.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party have both raised concerns, with the MK Party making particularly explosive allegations about the timing and motive behind the appointment.

The EFF described the decision as a “legislative loophole” that grants the President wide discretion in appointing the head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). While acknowledging Mothibi’s experience at the SIU, the party stressed that its remarks should not be read as an endorsement of his appointment.

The party further argued that the NPA was “hollowed out” under outgoing NDPP Advocate, Shamila Batohi, pointing to her recent walkout from the Nkabinde Commission as evidence of what it called a broader leadership crisis within the prosecuting authority.

The party said it would judge Mothibi’s tenure strictly on outcomes, particularly his ability to dismantle what it describes as a culture of impunity for serious criminals.

EFF ON THE APPOINTMENT OF ADV. ANDY MOTHIBI AS NDPP pic.twitter.com/hXDedQereK

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) January 7, 2026

The MK Party, however, went further, alleging that Mothibi’s appointment was politically calculated and pre-orchestrated. The party questioned whether he was selected to shield President Ramaphosa’s nephew, Hangwani Maumela, from potential prosecution.

This follows SIU findings — led by Mothibi himself just months ago — that implicated Maumela in the R2-billion Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal. The MK Party claims the appointment is a smokescreen aimed at exerting political pressure on the incoming NDPP to delay or derail any prosecution involving the President’s family member.

The party has now challenged Mothibi to demonstrate his independence by making the arrest and prosecution of Maumela his first act in office.

[MEDIA STATEMENT]: UMKHONTO WESIZWE PARTY STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF ADV. ANDY MOTHIBI AS NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS (NDPP) AND THE CALL FOR THE ARREST OF MR. CYRIL RAMAPHOSA’S NEPHEW HANGWANI MAUMELA pic.twitter.com/yJWsh5c27O

— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) January 7, 2026

Meanwhile, the appointment has been welcomed by the executive and prosecuting authorities. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said she supports the President’s decision and also welcomed the appointment of Leonard Lekgetho as Acting Head of the SIU.

Kubayi said she would convene meetings with leadership within both the NPA and the SIU to ensure a smooth transition and strengthen the criminal justice system.

TO: ALL MEDIA
ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS
DATE: WEDNESDAY, 07 JANUARY 2026

MINISTER KUBAYI WELCOMES THE APPOINTMENT OF THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, welcomes the decision and announcement by…

— The DoJ & CD (@DOJCD_ZA) January 7, 2026

Outgoing NDPP Advocate Shamila Batohi has also endorsed Mothibi’s appointment, describing him as a person of integrity with a strong track record in upholding the rule of law. She said the NPA has prepared a comprehensive handover report and scheduled briefings to ensure continuity as Mothibi assumes office on 1 February.

As his start date approaches, Mothibi faces mounting pressure to demonstrate that the NPA will operate without fear, favour or prejudice — and, as opposition parties warn, without political protection.

Advocate Shamila Batohi, National Director of Public Prosecutions, welcomes the appointment of Adv Andy Mothibi as the new NDPP pic.twitter.com/WCexnujQn0

— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) January 7, 2026

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe