The Disability and Older Persons portfolio, under Commissioner Bokankatla Joseph Malatji, has a mandate to promote, protect and monitor the realisation of children’s rights, including the right to basic education. The work of the portfolio is informed by the mandate of the Commission which derives from the Constitution, relevant national legislation and applicable international and regional instruments.

The portfolio also benefits from the counsel of a Section 11 Advisory Committee set up in terms of the South African Human Rights Commission Act No.40 of 2013. The Advisory Committee comprises of experts from different disciplines and institutions, who advise the Commission on matters and interventions relating to people with disabilities and older persons. Such Advisory Committees provide critical input and expertise in the execution of the Commission’s mandate and guidance on strategic issues impacting on the work of the Commission from an external, independent and critical point of view.