Business organisation Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) welcomes the appointment of Advocate Jan Lekgoa Mothibi as the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA’s) National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).

“BLSA believes Mothibi’s extensive record within the criminal justice system make this an appropriate and relevant appointment that will ensure the NPA is able to continue its vital role in preparing and conducting criminal prosecutions.

“Under his leadership, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) made good progress in the fight against crime, including the recovery of millions of rands lost to corruption,” says BLSA CEO Busisiwe Mavuso.

“His record at the SIU is also marked by institutional reforms and enhanced collaboration with other anti-corruption bodies. We believe Advocate Mothibi brings the appropriate knowledge and experience that will ensure the NPA successfully achieves its objectives in our collective fight against crime and corruption,” she says.

This appointment matters to business. The rule of law is essential to a functioning democracy, but it is also critical to the business environment. An unreliable criminal justice system imposes huge costs on business, not only through increased crime but through the broader loss of trust across the economy.

When counterparts cannot be relied on to stick to agreements, when the probity of those in business cannot be trusted, transaction costs multiply across every deal and overall economic growth is hindered, she says.

“BLSA offers its full support as the NPA continues its work in prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state and ensuring offenders are held accountable,” Mavuso adds.