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Office of the Commissioners

Commissioners provide guidance in developing the vision of the institution by setting its priorities and ensuring that its policies, programmes and allocated resources are consistent with their vision. This is done through exercising good corporate governance and providing leadership and guidance on the professional work of the Commission. Commissioners hold fortnightly performance reporting meetings with the CEO to oversee the quarterly plenary reporting processes. 

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Chris Nissen

Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission

Chris Nissen holds a Joint Board Diploma in Theology from the Federal Theological Seminary in Pietermaritzburg obtained in 1980. He then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours degree from the University of Cape Town in 1988. His dissertation: An Investigation into the supposed loss of Khoikhoi Traditional Religious Heritage, earned him his Masters of Arts degree in 1990. Due to his work, Mr. Nissen has been honoured by having streets named after him as well as a school in Knysna.
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Philile Ntuli

Full-time Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission

Commissioner Philile Ntuli’s life’s work focuses on women’s relationship with the state. She is particularly interested in exploring how/whether South Africa’s project of democratisation can disrupt historical gendered hierarchies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and English Literature, as well as a post-graduates Diploma on Public Policy Development from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. She further obtained an Honours Degree in Sociology (Gender Studies) and a Master’s Degree in Social Science – together from the University of Pretoria. Ms Ntuli has also graduated from the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute, on the topic of the African Political Economy. In addition, she has received training in Media Monitoring and Public Relations.
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Prof. Tshepo Madlingozi

Full-time Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission

Commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi studied law and sociology in South Africa, Cameroon, and the United Kingdom. Before being appointed to the Commission, he was the Director of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies at WITS University and an Associate Professor at the same university where he taught human rights and social justice. He has been a consultant for local organisations and inter-governmental organisations including the Pan-African Parliament and the U.N. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
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Dr. Henk Boshoff

Full-time Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission

Dr. Boshoff was appointed as a full time Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission with effect from the 3rd of January 2024.
Before this appointment, he served two successful terms as the Free State based Commissioner of the Public Service Commission of South Africa (PSC). He was appointed in 2014 for a five-year term, where after the President of Republic of South Africa reappointed him in 2019 for another five-year term.
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Elspeth Nomahlubi Berlinda Khwinana

Full-time Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission

Elspeth Nomahlubi Berlinda Khwinana is a renowned admitted attorney and a respected figure in the legal field, with an extensive career spanning over two decades. She holds an LLB and BJURIS degree from the University of North West and has been the Director of Mtimkulu Khwinana Attorneys since 2001. Elspeth's legal prowess encompasses various domains, including civil litigation, family law, and criminal law, showcasing her diverse expertise.
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Advocate Sandra Selokela Makoasha

Part-time Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission

Advocate Sandra Selokela Makoasha is an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. She obtained her LLB qualification from the University of Witwatersrand. She was a member of the Rules Board for Courts of Law of the Republic of South Africa. She represented South Africa in a regional conference program on sexual harassment and the law in Africa in 2022 organized by Africa End Sexual Harassment Initiative (AESHI).
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Aseza Arthur Gungubele

Part-time Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission

Aseza Arthur Gungubele brings extensive experience in public service, having worked in various government sectors. He has held positions in the Western Cape Department of Education, specifically in Supply Chain and Finance. Additionally, he has worked in the Bitou Municipality at political office bears as the Manager of the Deputy Mayor, Mayor's office and as the performance manager responsible for institutional and individual performance.

About us

Understanding PAIA

The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.

Sentinel House, Sunnyside Office Park, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa

011 877 3600 (Switchboard)