Kubayi calls for patience ahead of the appointment of NDPP

JUSTICE and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has asked that President Cyril Ramaphosa be given time to determine the process to follow in appointing the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

Kubayi also said NDPP Shamila Batohi will vacate office when she completes her seven-year term in early 2026 when she reached the retirement age.

She was responding to parliamentary questions from DA MP Damien Klopper and EFF MP Carl Niehaus.

In her written response, Kubayi said the National Prosecuting Authority Act expressly indicated that an NDPP must retire at the age of 65.

“The provision is peremptory. Thus, the NDPP’s tenure cannot be extended for a further period after she turns 65 in order for her to complete a full 10 years.

“This means that on 31 January 2026, when the NDPP has turned 65, she will be vacating office,” she said.

Kubayi also said there have been no discussions between her and Batohi on possibly extension of her term because the NPA Act was peremptory that the term cannot be extended after the age of 65 years.

Batohi was appointed to her position in February 2019 and is now due to complete her term next January.