Ian Cameron
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police at Parliament of the Republic of South AfricaIan Cameron is a leading crime combatting expert in South Africa, with nearly 15 years of dedicated service advocating for the restoration of the criminal justice system and improving public safety. His efforts in organising programmes that unite law enforcement with communities have significantly contributed to creating safer environments, particularly in high-crime areas. Ian’s commitment to supporting good police officers and fostering a corruption-free work environment reflects his dedication to improving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and ensuring ethical, high-performing officers are empowered to lead. Currently serving as a Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Police Portfolio Committee, Ian plays a key role in overseeing SAPS, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), and other safety bodies. A vocal advocate for accountability, Ian is dedicated to exposing and removing corruption within SAPS, driving reforms to eliminate systemic misconduct, and improving trust between the public and law enforcement. His work also addresses critical challenges, such as retaining experienced officers, improving working conditions, and promoting specialised training to enhance crime-fighting capacity. Ian champions a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach involving law enforcement, social development, and the justice system to create lasting safety improvements. With a vision for a successful and secure South Africa, Ian remains a passionate advocate for responsible, community-driven crime prevention and reform.
Dean Macpherson
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure at Department of Public Works and InfrastructureMr Dean William Macpherson was appointed as Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure from 3 July 2024.
He is an experienced businessman and politician who is passionate about economic policy and job creation. Mr Macpherson has been serving as a public representative since 2009, initially as a local government councillor and since 2014 as a Member of Parliament for the Democratic Alliance (DA).
During the Fifth Parliament (2014-2019), he served as the DA’s Shadow Minister of Trade and Industry and a Whip in the National Assembly. He sits on the Advisory Board of the South Africa-United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce in London. In 2021, he was elected Chairperson of the DA in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mr Macpherson has extensive experience in policy creation, particularly in the economic and industrial sectors. He has piloted two Private Members’ Bills and played key roles in several legislative processes. His noteworthy achievements include negotiating the signing of the DA-Inkatha Freedom Party Service Delivery Pact in July 2023 to improve service delivery in hung municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. He also provided leadership in the formation of a Government of Provincial Unity in KwaZulu-Natal in 2024.
He holds a National Senior Certificate from Crawford College La Lucia, a Certificate in Public Administration from the Swedish Institute for Public Administration and a Certificate in Public Policy from the London School of Economics.
Shamila Batohi
National Director of Public Prosecutions at National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)Advocate Shamila Batohi serves in the position of National Director of Public Prosecutions South Africa, the first woman to be appointed in this position. Batohi completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Durban Westville and post-graduate LLB degree, at the University of Natal. She started her career as a junior prosecutor in Chatsworth Magistrates Court in 1986. In 1995, Batohi was seconded to the Investigation Task Unit, a multi-disciplinary Unit established by the former President Nelson Mandela, to investigate apartheid era atrocities in the province of KwaZulu Natal (KZN). In 2000 Batohi was appointed the first Regional Head of the erstwhile Directorate of Special Operations (DSO aka the Scorpions) in KZN. This was a multi-disciplinary Unit set up, in the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to investigate serious organised crime. Batohi is also known for her position as the Leader of the evidence in the high-profile King Commission of Enquiry into cricket match-fixing, which implicated the former South African captain, Hansie Cronje. In 2002 Batohi was appointed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the province of KZN, a position she held until 2009. For much of the last decade, 2009-2109, Batohi served as a Senior Legal Advisor to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court at The Hague, The Netherlands. Batohi’s appointment as the National Director of Public Prosecutions was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 4 December 2018. This, for the first time, followed public interview and selection process, by a panel of individuals from the legal fraternity and Chapter 9 institutions, who recommended 5 candidates to the President.
In announcing Batohi’s appointment, President Ramaphosa said:
‘The National Director of Public Prosecutions occupies a vital position in our democracy and makes an essential contribution to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the efficiency and integrity of law enforcement. At this moment in our history, as we address matters that South Africans are most concerned about – such as state capture, corruption, and widespread crime – our country needs a National Prosecuting Authority that is above reproach in the performance of its mandate and that enjoys the confidence of the public. The NDPP must ensure that the National Prosecuting Authority exercises its functions without fear, favour or prejudice and should not be beholden to any vested interests, whether in politics, in business or elsewhere. The NDPP needs to be able to take decisions independently and impartially.’
