Menzi Simelane
Menzi Simelane is a South African advocate and former director-general in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. He served as National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) from 2009 to 2012, a tenure marked by significant controversy and legal challenges. Simelane's appointment to the NDPP was contested on grounds of fitness for office, leading to a Constitutional Court ruling in 2012 that declared his appointment invalid. The court found that he had not been a fit and proper person for the position at the time of his appointment, citing concerns about his conduct whilst director-general. Before his appointment as NDPP, Simelane held senior positions in government, including director-general of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development under the Mbeki administration. His career has been characterised by involvement in high-profile legal and political matters within South Africa's justice system. Following his removal from the NDPP, Simelane continued to practise as an advocate. He is a member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates. Simelane remains a figure of interest in South African legal and political circles, particularly in discussions concerning the independence and integrity of prosecutorial institutions.
Menzi Simelane Updates
Mixed reactions to Mothibi’s NDPP appointment 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 7th January 2026 Political parties on Wednesday expressed mixed reactions at the appointment of Special Investigating Unit head Advocate Andy Mothibi as the... →
DA cautiously optimistic about Andy Mothibi’s appointment as NDPP after President and panel fails to deliver
7th January 2026 The DA congratulates Advocate Andy Mothibi on his appointment as National Director of Public Prosecutions. His appointment must be intended to... →
NDPP interviews: ActionSA objects to Andrea Johnson’s candidacy
By: Thabi Shomolekae 11th December 2025 Following its objection to the shortlisting of Johannesburg Society of Advocates' advocate Menzi Simelane as a National Director of Public... →
Adv. Johnson’s Shortlisting and Poor Interview Performance Confirm Unsuitability to Lead the NPA
11th December 2025 In following our objection to the shortlisting of Adv. Menzi Simelane, ActionSA further objects to the candidacy of Adv. Andrea Johnson, whom we... →
Daily Podcast – December 10, 2025
By: Lumkile Nkomfe 10th December 2025 Making headlines: Parties question Menzi Simelane’s NDPP shortlist, DA threatens legal action; Cabinet approves draft Gas Bill for processing by... →
Parties question Menzi Simelane’s NDPP shortlisting, DA threatens legal action
By: Thabi Shomolekae 10th December 2025 The Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Wednesday it will interdict any appointment emerging from what it describes as a “flawed” National Director of... →
NDPP Shortlisting Process Tainted by Inclusion of Disgraced Menzi Simelane
9th December 2025 ActionSA has objected to the shortlisting of Adv Menzi Simelane, who is plainly not a fit and proper candidate, and whose inclusion is itself an... →
CDE urges NDPP panel to rigorously interrogate shortlisted candidates
By: Thabi Shomolekae 9th December 2025 Ahead of the interviews to determine the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), prominent think tank the Centre for Development and... →
The tough questions Ramaphosa’s panel must ask NDPP candidates
9th December 2025 The Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) has called on the panel appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to rigorously interrogate the six... →
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