New NDPP appointment brings hope for accountability in South Africa

The appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) has ignited a wave of optimism across South Africa, particularly among those seeking justice against corruption.

With a legacy at the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Mothibi is seen as a beacon of hope for restoring integrity within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

However, the same appointment has seen law firm, B Xulu and Partners Incorporated (BXI) filing an urgent court application to halt the appointment of the next NDPP, arguing that serious procedural flaws undermined the fairness and transparency of the selection process.

In a statement on Tuesday, Barnabas Xulu, the long time counsel for former Western Cape judge president and now MK Party deputy president, John Hlophe said his firm seeks an interim interdict “to ensure that all material facts are placed before the President prior to the appointment of the next NDPP.”

“On December 29, 2025, BXI filed urgent papers in the Pretoria High Court seeking an interim interdict to restrain the President from appointing a new NDPP pending a review of the Advisory Panel’s recommendation report of December 12, 2025 and a full record of the NDPP selection process,” the statement said.

However, the Activists and members of the Citizens Forum have consistently stressed the importance of an apolitical appointment for this pivotal role. They believe that Mothibi's selection should transcend political affiliations, affirming that justice must prevail without bias or favour. As the nation grapples with rampant corruption, these stakeholders are eager to see real change unfold.

Expressions of support for the newly installed NDPP reflect the public's yearning for a robust legal framework that holds powerful figures accountable. With the shadow of the Zondo Commission looming large, Mothibi is expected to prioritise the swift prosecution of those identified in the report, reaffirming that corruption will not go unpunished.

"We are confident that Adv Mothibi is aware that the country wants to see urgent action on the Zondo Commission Report," said a representative from the Citizens Forum. "We want to see all those who have been fingered in the report face the full might of the law. They must all go to jail."

There are also specific anticipations regarding notable cases, such as the alleged looting at Tembisa Hospital, where the public is demanding accountability for the syndicates involved. Mothibi's reputation and integrity are seen as essential qualities for tackling these challenging cases head-on, with the expectation that he will instigate necessary arrests and restore public trust in a beleaguered institution.

However, the path forward is not without its challenges. Shortly after Mothibi's appointment, B Xulu and Partners Incorporated (BXI) filed an urgent court application seeking to halt the appointment, citing serious procedural flaws that potentially compromised the selection process's fairness and transparency.

This legal move has raised questions about the integrity of the appointment, but it has yet to dampen the spirits of those who view Mothibi's rise as a transformative opportunity for the NPA.