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In following our objection to the shortlisting of Adv. Menzi Simelane, ActionSA further objects to the candidacy of Adv. Andrea Johnson, whom we believe is not a fit and proper candidate to serve as National Director of Public Prosecutions.

ActionSA has made clear that South Africa’s justice system urgently requires an unimpeachable steward to restore public confidence in the institution. Adv. Johnson’s poor performance before the Ad-hoc Committee, coupled with comments she made in a meeting effectively advising prosecutors to “fake it until you make it” when handling serious cases, raises serious concerns about her suitability for this critical role.

Following a concerning interview last night, growing questions about whether Adv. Johnson can meet the demands required to turn around the NPA remain unanswered, leaving much to be desired and providing no confidence that she is fit for the job.

The fact that the majority of public comments submitted objected to Adv. Johnson’s candidacy further demonstrates the wide gap in public confidence in her, marking a clear signal that if we are to reverse the shocking decline of the NPA, she simply cannot serve as head of our prosecuting authority.

As ActionSA has previously articulated, the role of the NDPP has never been more critical, and no candidate facing serious questions over their integrity can be considered fit for the position when what is required is someone beyond reproach.

Issued by ActionSA Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip