Media Statement: Correction: Justice and Correctional Services Committee Shortlists Candidates for Human Rights Commission

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Parliament, Friday, 20 October 2023 – The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services has shortlisted 13 candidates to be interviewed for six vacancies, four full-time and two part-time, on the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

Committee Chairperson Mr Bulelani Magwanishe said at the beginning of the meeting yesterday that 98 candidates remained on the list, as seven candidates withdrew from the process.

He reminded members that the committee had already adopted the criteria for qualification as candidates, which is based broadly on the South African Human Rights Commission Act. The objectives of the SAHRC are to promote respect for human rights and a culture of human rights, to promote the protection, development, and attainment of human rights and to monitor and assess the observance of human rights in South Africa. The seat of the Commission is in Gauteng.

The nominee/applicant 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;
  • have a record of commitment to the promotion of respect for human rights and a culture of human rights;
  • be a person with applicable knowledge or experience with regards to matters connected with the objects of the Commission; and
  • Comply with any other requirements prescribed by national legislation, in particular section 5 (b) the South African Human Rights Commission Act, 2013.


The 13 shortlisted candidates are:
Prof T Mandlinkosi
Ms S Makoasha
Adv A Gaum
Mr JB Sibanyoni
Prof B Majola
Rev C Nissen
Ms Z Nzo
Mr KR Teele
Ms ENB Khwinana
Dr WH Boshoff
Mr G Son
Mr A Gungubele and
Mr V Seymour

Mr Magwanishe said the State Security Agency will over the next two weeks do the screening of the shortlisted candidates and their qualification will also be verified. The committee is likely to start interviews in November 2023.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR BULELANI MAGWANISHE.

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za