The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

South Africa cannot afford to have fraudsters as human rights commissioners nor can it afford to have people with track records that will ensure that ordinary South Africans have no confidence in the South African Human Rights Commission ("SAHRC").

One of the requirements to be a commissioner for the SAHRC is to be a fit and proper person. Adv Loyiso Mpumlwana is without a doubt not such a fit and proper person to be in a commissioner's position in the SAHRC. This was proven in a court case in the Bisho High Court of South Africa (See: Truth and Reconciliation Commission v Mpumlwana [2001] 3 All SA 58 (CKl)) where the court was satisfied that Mpumlwana fraudulently misrepresented himself and was not a fit and proper person to be employed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission ("TRC").

The fact that Mpumlwana did not disclose during his interview for Human Rights Commissioners that the High Court confirmed his fraudulent misrepresentation to the TRC resulted in the National Assembly of Parliament voting in favour of his appointment as a Commissioner.

It has been confirmed today by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Justice and Constitutional Development that a meeting has been scheduled between the Speaker of the National Assembly, Adv Mpumlwana and himself for tomorrow, 7th October 2009. This meeting will not be open to any other political party. COPE calls on Adv Mpumlwana not to waste unnecessary time and to be honest and tender his withdrawal from the list of Commissioners that will be send to the President for his approval.

COPE will further monitor the situation closely.