Johannesburg - The ANC says Advocate Shamila Batohi’s appointment as National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) reflects the country’s efforts in advancing women empowerment.
“The ANC believes that this appointment reflects how far our nation has come in advancing women empowerment by producing capable women of the calibre of Adv. Batohi, who are able to hold their own and stand head and shoulders above their male counterparts,” said the party in a statement on Tuesday following Batohi’s appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Batohi is the first woman be appointed to head the NPA and starts the job in February next year.
The ANC welcomed her appointment saying it signals a new era for the NPA and strengthening the criminal justice system.
“We have no doubt that this appointment heralds a new era in our efforts to strengthen the criminal justice system characterised by a robust and incorruptible prosecution authority, able to execute its constitutional mandate without fear or favour,” said the party.
“We call on the incoming NDPP to work tirelessly in building a prosecuting authority that becomes a standard bearer of a criminal justice system that delivers on the constitutional promise that all citizens are equal before the law.”
Other political parties also spoke well of Batohi. The IFP said it was pleased with the transparency of the appointment process as Ramaphosa appointed an advisory panel to select candidates to be considered.
“We further welcome the unprecedented level of transparency in the appointment process, with shortlisted candidates’ interviews being televised. The IFP wishes Adv Batohi well in her new role as NDPP and it is our hope that she will serve her time in office with the highest levels of integrity and restore trust in the National Prosecuting Authority,” said the IFP in a statement.
The DA said it expected Batohi to deal with state capture head-on in her new role.
“The DA expects to see the new NDPP tackle state capture head-on as one of her first priorities. This means, among other things, reinstituting charges against the accused in the Estina dairy matter, ensuring that former president Zuma’s application for a permanent stay of prosecution is vigorously opposed, and take urgent steps to secure the extradition of members of the Gupta family in order to face justice in South Africa,” said the party.
The EFF said it will closely monitor the decisions taken by Batohi.
"The EFF will closely monitor all prosecutorial decisions of the NDPP because for the longest time, cases opened against high profile politicians and huge capitalist corporations, were not followed by thorough prosecutions," said the EFF.