The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services yesterday began interviewing people to serve on the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
Committee Chairperson Mr Bulelani Magwanishe said there are six vacancies, four full-time posts and two part-time. The committee had previously adopted the criteria for qualification to assume these roles, which are based broadly on the South African Human Rights Commission Act.
The SAHRC’s objectives are to promote respect for human rights and a culture of human rights. It also aims to promote the protection, development and attainment of human rights and to monitor and assess the observance of human rights in South Africa. The commission sits in Gauteng.
Applicants or nominees must be a South African citizen and a fit and proper person to hold office at the commission, as contemplated in section 193(1) of the Constitution. They must also have a record of commitment to promoting respect for human rights and a culture of human rights and be a person with applicable knowledge or experience with regards to matters connected with the commission’s objectives.
Thirteen candidates were shortlisted for interviews but one candidate was removed from this list on the day of the interviews as she did not provide her fingerprints for screening, as is required.
The committee interviewed five candidates yesterday – Adv Sandra Makoasha, Mr Aseza Arthur Gungubele, Dr Willem Hendrik Boshoff, Mr Kamohelo Rodney Teele and Mr Vernon Roderick Seymour. The remaining seven candidates will be interviewed today.
Adv Makoasha told the committee that she is a young, black and female with a focus primarily on issues related to gender-based violence. The right to life and right to healthcare came through strongly in her interview. She indicated that she is available for a part-time position.
The committee heard that Dr Boshoff, who currently serves on the Public Service Commission, has been visible in promoting the protection of whistleblowers. He highlighted the need for the SAHRC to be visible; currently in his view this is lacking in some areas in South Africa.
Mr Teele was clear that, should he be successful, he will be an activist commissioner. Members noted that he displayed a great passion for the disability community. He is active on the task team for people living with albinism. He also highlighted the SAHRC’s lack of visibility as a challenge.
The last candidate interviewed yesterday was Mr Seymour, a former legal advisor to the South African Football Association (SAFA) during World Cup held in South Africa in 2010. He believes that everyone is entitled to live in a clean environment, including the poor, and he said he would make this a project if he was appointed. In addition, schools should be engaged on the issue of human rights, he said, and to get the youth thinking about this, a debating competition on this topic should be introduced.
Mr Magwanishe made it clear to each candidate that the results of the State Security Agency’s security screening had not be received but it should be available by the end of this week. The committee resolved to recall any of the candidates for further clarity should the outcome of the screening necessitate it. The committee continues today with interviews with the remaining candidates.
Rajaa Azzakani
15 November 2023
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