It is a flaw that needs to be corrected. It can't be right that candidate judges have to go through a rigorous process at the Judicial Services Commission, and yet the same is not expected for the appointment of the equally important post of NDPP.
Ever since the Constitutional Court ruled Abrahams should vacate the NDPP's office, Ramaphosa has been under pressure to ensure the next NDPP is appointed in an inclusive manner.
He has responded positively, and for that he be should be commended. He could have hidden behind the fact that legislation, as it exists, gives him the sole prerogative as president to appoint the NDPP. But his decision to appoint the panel is an acknowledgement the current practice needs to be reformed.
We can only hope the advisory panel he has appointed, dominated by representatives of the legal profession, will provide a list of credible names to rescue the NPA from its ongoing crisis.
One thing is certain, with the professional bodies involved, the president would not end up with only ruling party hacks to choose from.