Future-proofing the NPA: the importance of independence

What should SA’s Government of National Unity do to ensure an effective and independent National Prosecuting Authority?

Date: 2024-10-15

Time: 11:00 to 12:30

Venue: Pullman Hotel, Cape Town and online via Zoom

Prosecutorial independence is central to fighting corruption, especially state capture and grand corruption. While South Africa has constitutional and legislative safeguards in place to protect the NPA, institutional weaknesses have undermined its de facto independence.

As part of the ISS’ Driving Justice series, this event will explore crucial lessons that South Africa’s Government of National Unity should consider to protect the NPA from future interference. Speakers will discuss practical solutions that can help build a strong and independent NPA, capable of effectively combating crime, restoring public trust in the state and strengthening the rule of law.

Moderator: Ferial Haffajee, Associate Editor, Daily Maverick

Panelists:

• Adv Shamila Batohi, National Director of Public Prosecutions, National Prosecuting Authority
• Dr Martin Schönteich, International Research Consultant, ISS
• Adv Lauren Kohn, Legal Scholar and Young Research Fellow, Public Law, University of Cape Town