CRIMINAL JUSTICE Ramaphosa not concerned with DA’s criticism of NDPP selection panel

THE Presidency says the Democratic Alliance (DA) criticises everything President Cyril Ramaphosa does and that it is used to such reactions.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

This was Ramaphosa’s spokesperson’s response to the DA’ criticism of the president’s choice of panel to nominate the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), which the party argues lacks sufficient legal expertise. Speaking at a media briefing at the Union Buildings yesterday, presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the Presidency had not issued an official response to the DA’s remarks.

“We have not responded to the criticism. The DA criticises everything the president does, so we are accustomed to that,” Magwenya said.

He added that Ramaphosa had not received any formal correspondence from the DA on the matter.

“As far as 'm concerned, there’s been no official correspondence that the DA has delivered to the president's office substantiating those claims. I've only seen press statements and headlines in that regard,” he said.

Magwenya said Ramaphosa remained confident in the panel’s composition.

“The president is satisfied that the individuals appointed to that panel are fit for purpose and suited to the task of assisting him in selecting the next NDPP he said.