Leadership, funding crisis cripples NPA
Prosecuting authority needs R761m to fill 1,064 vacant posts, including 244 that are critical
SA’s state prosecutions body, still leaderless after the Constitutional Court ruled former president Jacob Zuma’s appointment of Shaun Abrahams invalid, is in the midst of a financial and staffing crisis that is compromising its ability to do its job. About eight months since President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to address “leadership issues” at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the institution is being hamstrung by budgetary constraints and resignations that have left 1,064 posts, including 244 that are seen as “critical” to its functioning, vacant. Acting national director of public prosecutions Silas Ramaite told parliament this week that “budgetary constraints severely strain the NPA’s ability to function optimally and deliver mandatory services”. Business Day understands that the justice department has been talking to the NPA about possible solutions. The need for an effective prosecutions authority was highlighted this week by the release of a Reserve Bank-commissioned repo...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.