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The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services today recommended the names of seven candidates to fill vacancies on the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

The recommended names are: Prof Bongani Christopher Majola, Ms Matlhodi Angelina Makwetla, Ms Devikarani Priscilla Sewpal Jana, Adv Andre Hurtley Gaum, Adv Jonas Ben Sibanyoni, Rev Andrew Christoffel Nissen and Adv Bokankatla Joseph Malatji. The Committee has recommended that Rev Nissen and Adv Sibanyoni serve as part-time members of the Commission and the remainder of the candidates as full-time Commissioners. The Committee further unanimously agreed to recommend Prof Majola as Chairperson of the Commission and Ms Jana as the Deputy Chairperson. The recommendations will now be forwarded to National Assembly for final adoption.

Committee Chairperson, Dr Mathole Motshekga, said the Committee went through a rigorous process of trying to find the most suitable candidates to fill the positions. “The Committee had a lengthy and transparent participation process where the public were encouraged to give comments, inputs and objections on the 80 candidates that were initially nominated and or applied.

“After the Committee compiled a shortlist the process was opened to the public once more for inputs. This was all to ensure that the Committee find Commissioners that are suitable for South Africa as a whole and not just the choice of a grouping or any one individual,” said Dr Motshekga.

The Committee then interviewed candidates over two days to ensure that the candidates are given an equal opportunity to state their case. Dr Motshekga said the criteria that was taken into account include race, gender, disability, continuity, social (community) work, legal skills, a human rights background as well as past performance of Commissioners whose term has ended.  

Dr Motsthekga expressed his appreciation to the Committee for taking this criteria into account when recommendations were made. “We want a Commission who will serve all South Africans. A Commission that people will have full confidence in, a Commission that represents all sectors of our society,” he said.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, DR Mathole Motshekga