dvocate Shamila Batohi has been appointed as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). Her appointment makes her the first female in South Africa’s history to take the top job. Batohi will commence her duties in February 2019 after serving her notice as Senior Legal Advisor at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The announcement was made by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday (December 4) following a gruelling interview process that was a culmination of a Constitutional Court directive in August for the appointment of a new NDPP within 90 days. The court had highlighted the severe challenges that have confronted the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in recent years, including leadership instability and a decline in public confidence in the institution. Addressing the media, President Ramaphosa said Batohi’s appointment was a response to the state of dysfunctionality and deficiencies in the NPA that were identified by the court. “I am confident that Advocate Batohi possesses all the attributes of a capable NDPP. Throughout her extensive and distinguished career, and in the course of the selection process, she has shown herself to be a fit and proper person.” The NDPP occupies a vital position in the country’s democracy, and makes an essential contribution to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the efficiency and integrity of law enforcement. “At this moment in our history, as we address matters that South Africans are most concerned about – such as state capture, corruption and widespread crime – our country needs a National