The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa is a vital institution in the country’s criminal justice system. As the state’s prosecution arm, the NPA plays a central role in ensuring justice by preparing and conducting criminal prosecutions following police investigations. Here’s a look at the leadership and key staff members who drive the NPA’s mission of upholding justice and the rule of law.
Leadership of the NPA
1. National Director of Public Prosecutions
- Adv Shamila Batohi is at the helm of the NPA as the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). She oversees the entire prosecutorial function of the NPA, ensuring that justice is served across South Africa. With her extensive experience, Adv Batohi leads the organization in achieving its core mandate of criminal prosecution.
2. Deputy National Directors of Public Prosecutions
- Adv Rodney De Kock (National Prosecutions Service): Responsible for overseeing the prosecutorial services nationwide, ensuring that all prosecutions are carried out with fairness and efficiency.
- Adv Anton du Plessis (Strategy, Operations, and Compliance): Manages the strategic operations and ensures compliance within the NPA.
- Adv Ouma Rabaji-Rasethaba (Asset Forfeiture Unit [AFU]): Heads the AFU, focusing on the seizure of assets related to criminal activities, particularly organized crime and corruption.
Special Directors of Public Prosecutions
- Adv Bonnie Currie-Gamwo (Special Director: Sexual Offences and Community Affairs [SOCA]): Spearheads efforts in prosecuting sexual offences and ensuring justice for vulnerable members of society.
- Adv Trish Matzke (Special Director: National Prosecutions Service [NPS]): Works alongside Adv De Kock to ensure that the NPS functions smoothly across all regions.
Directors of Public Prosecutions (Regional Leadership)
The NPA has a strong presence across South Africa, with each region being led by a Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). These leaders are tasked with overseeing prosecutions in their respective regions.
- Adv Nicolette Bell (Western Cape Division)
- Adv Andrew Chauke (Gauteng Local Division)
- Adv Nkebe Kanyane (Mpumalanga Division)
- Adv Barry Madolo (Eastern Cape Division: Mthatha)
- Adv Matodzi Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo (North West Division)
- Adv Sibongile Mzinyathi (Gauteng Division: Pretoria)
- Adv Livingstone Sakata (Northern Cape Division)
- Adv Navilla Somaru (Acting: Free State Division)
- Adv Ivy Thenga (Limpopo Division)
- Adv Elaine Zungu (KwaZulu-Natal Division)
Communications Team
The NPA’s communications team plays a crucial role in keeping the public informed about its activities and developments.
- Mr Isaac Dhludhlu (Deputy Information Officer)
- Ms Bulelwa Makeke (Head: Communications)
- Adv Mthunzi Mhaga (NDPP Spokesperson)
- Ms Phindi Mjonondwana (Regional Spokesperson: Gauteng Local Division)
- Mr Eric Ntabazalila (Regional Spokesperson: Western Cape Division)
- Ms Monica Nyuswa (Regional Spokesperson: Mpumalanga Division)
- Ms Natasha Ramkisson-Kara (Regional Spokesperson: KZN Division)
These individuals are instrumental in ensuring that the NPA continues to uphold its mission of prosecuting criminal offenses, supporting justice, and maintaining public confidence in South Africa’s legal system.
For more information about the NPA and its role in the country’s criminal justice system, you can visit the official page for the National Prosecuting Authority.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.