6 April 2000
The Government has appointed a committee of well-known community leaders and experts to advise Government on cultural, religious and linguistic rights.
President Mbeki has named Prof Cynthia Marivate, CEO from PANSALB (Pan South African Language Board) as the Chairperson of the 15 person Technical Committee.
The Technical Committee will advise Government on the establishment of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic communities. The Commission is one of the last independent institutions required by the Constitution to be established.
The main functions of the Commission are to promote respect of the rights of communities and to develop peace, tolerance and national unity among communities
The main task of the Technical Committee will be to assist Government in finalising the draft legislation on the Commission. The members of the Committee are representative of a wide spectrum of cultural, religious and linguistic communities.
The other members of the Committee are:
Dr Faried Esack from the Commission for Gender Equality,
Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris from the Union of Orthodox Synagogue,
Khosi Kutama from the Northern Province House of Traditional Leaders,
Mr Anthony le Fleur from the National Griqua Forum
Ms Manila Soni Amin from the Hindu Association of Western Cape
Dr Christo Landman from Afrikaaner 2000+
Dr SD Maluleke from the Uniting Reformed Church
Mr Harry Gouvelis from the Federation of Hellenic Communities
Prof Nomvula Mtetwa Adult Education Specialist formerly from the University of Transkei
Rev Cedric Mayson from the World Council on Religion and Peace (WCRP)
Dr Kgalushi Koka, African Traditional Religion Specialist
Prof Varijakshi Prabakaran of the University of Durban Westville
Prof Francois Venter of the University of Potchefstroom and
Rev S Molisiwa of African Independent Churches Development Programme.
In the process of finalising the draft legislation, the Committee will consult with national organisations and with role-players in the provinces.
The Committee will present its report to a Consultative Conference Scheduled for 9 May 2000, after which the Bill will be submitted to Cabinet and the State Legal Advisors, before it is introduced to Parliament.
Government is grateful to all these imminent South Africans for accepting the invitation to serve this important Committee.
More information:
Ms Tasneem Carrim
083 650 7119
(012) 337 5121
(012) 337 5226
or Freddy Pilusa at the Ministry of Provincial and Local Government
082 498 2001