SA PUBLIC LEADERS
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
LEADERSHIP IN FOCUS: Facilitating positive change across SA
New leadership to bring diversity to the National Prosecuting Authority Four senior appointments to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will lead the charges in ensuring the right to justice for all. The NPA, which was established under the Constitution in 1998, has the power to institute and conduct criminal proceedings on behalf of the State. The NPA is also mandated to carry out any necessary functions, such as investigating, related to conducting such criminal proceedings. The appointments will build the leadership of the NPA with a diverse and representative team of world-class and trusted experts, said President Cyril Ramaphosa. “These appointments are essential for the efficient functioning and rebuilding of the
NPA as part of the fight against serious crime, including sexual and gender-based crimes and corruption, and as a contribution to deepening the capability of the state”, President Ramaphosa said.
The RAASA will now require all members to be legally trained
When the successful candidates assume office, it would mark the first time the national director of public prosecutions will be surrounded by a full complement of senior leaders. Advocate Anton du Plessis has been appointed as the Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions: Strategy, Operations and Compliance. The former prosecutor led the NPA’s roll-out of specialised
22 | Public Sector Leaders | April 2021
sexual offences courts and Thuthuzela Care Centres. He is a globally recognised criminal justice, serious crime and rule of law legal expert, with over 20 years of management and operational experience in the field. The President has appointed Advocate Lebogang Dineo Baloyi as Special Director of Public Prosecutions: Specialised Commercial Crime Unit. Baloyi has been acting Special Director of Public Prosecutions since October 2019. Baloyi was previously appointed at the Scorpions, where she conducted and directed the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases. Advocate Bonnie Currie-Gamwo has been appointed as Special Director of Public Prosecutions: Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit. During her 22-year tenure, Currie-Gamwo has specialised
