The Democratic Alliance (DA) has decried the delay in the appointment of a permanent head of the National Prosecutions Authority, saying this was not good for the functioning of the entity.

President Thabo Mbeki appointed Silas Ramaite as acting head of the authority in September following the resignation of Bulelani Ngcuka as national director of public prosecutions, but there has been no indication when a permanent appointment would be made.

DA justice spokeswoman Sheila Camerer said that having someone in an acting capacity for such a long time was not an ideal situation .

The prosecutions authority comprises offices of the prosecuting authority based in each high court in the country.

It also includes the Asset Forfeiture Unit and the Scorpions.

The head of the prosecuting authority can only be appointed by the president and this has raised doubts as to whether the national director can be relied upon to act impartially and independently of the executive's interests.

Ngcuka resigned after a protracted public dispute over his handling of allegations that Deputy President Jacob Zuma had acted dishonourably in the government's multibillion rand arms deal .

"When Ramaite was appointed as acting director, we expressed the hope that he would be appointed permanently," Camerer said.

She said the party wanted someone with a low political profile and Ramaite fitted the bill.

The party was impressed with Ramaite's experience , she said. "We do not want a recycled politician in this position."

She said delaying the appointment of a permanent head was not good for building a strong prosecuting service.

"We would urge the president to make his appointment permanent or appoint someone else as soon as possible."

Ngcuka informed Mbeki on July 23 of his decision to resign, although he could not leave as the president had yet to approve his resignation.

Ramaite's appointment as acting head was made a day after Ngcuka left office.

With acknowledgements to Ernest Mabuza and the Business Day.