Media Statement

Advisory Panel concludes NDPP Interviews and submits Panel Report to President Ramaphosa

12 December 2025

The Advisory Panel for the Selection of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and chaired by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, concluded its two-day interview process yesterday, Thursday, 11 December 2025.

The panel interviewed six candidates who met the minimum requirements for the position.

The Panel was mandated to identify and interview individuals worthy of consideration for appointment as the NDPP.

Following the completion of the process, the panel will submit its report to the President on Friday, 12 December 2025, for his consideration.

The Panel followed a transparent, structured process that included confirming its mandate, reviewing applications, information verification and setting timelines for shortlisting and interviews.

A total of 32 applications/ nominations were received and assessed, with six candidates meeting minimum requirements that led to them being interviewed.

The candidates interviewed were:

• Adv Nicolette Bell
• Adv Adrian Mopp
• Adv Andrea Johnson
• Adv Xolisile Khanyile
• Adv Hermione Cronje
• Adv Menzi Simelane

The Panel comprised of leaders from key constitutional and legal institutions, ensuring an independent, credible, and merit-based process:

• Mr Andrew Christoffel Nissen,t Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission
• Ms Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale, Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality
• Ms Tsakani Maluleke, Auditor-General of South Africa
• Prof Somadoda Fikeni, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission
• Mr Nkosana Mvundlela, President of the Black Lawyers Association
• Mr Machini Motloung, President of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers

We take this opportunity to thank South Africans who made public submissions that assisted the panel in their work.

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ADVISORY PANEL FOR THE SELECTION OF THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS