The Democratic Alliance has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application after President Cyril Ramaphosa refused to release the report used to inform his decision on the appointment of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).
While the DA has cautiously welcomed the appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi and expressed hope that it will stabilise and strengthen the National Prosecuting Authority, serious concerns remain about the deeply flawed appointment process and the President’s handling thereof.
The Presidency has now confirmed that it will not make the NDPP panel report public, claiming it was intended only to guide the President and that there is no obligation to release it. This position undermines transparency in a process that was already marred by delays, an ill-equipped panel, and a failure to properly discharge its mandate.
The President cannot exercise such sweeping constitutional powers behind a veil of secrecy. This report goes to the heart of whether the NDPP appointment process was lawful, rational, and fair. South Africans are entitled to see it.