The Secretariat
The Secretariat is entrusted with the implementation of the organisational strategy of the Commission, and is led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Vusumuzi Mkhize. As the head of the executive, the CEO, with the support of approximately 150 staff members, executes the mandate of the Commission. The secretariat has offices in all nine provinces, and a Head Office in Johannesburg.

Vusumuzi Mkhize
Chief Executive Officer
Mr Vusumuzi Mkhize holds an MBA degree from the De Montfort University, Leicester, UK. Prior, he obtained Batchelor of Education (Honours) and Batchelor of Arts both from Unisa. Before then he obtained Primary Teachers Diploma from Indumiso College of Education.
Mr Mkhize was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the South African Human Rights Commission on 27 March 2023.
He is a former Director General of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture where he served from 2017 to 2022. Prior to that, served as the Chief Director as well Deputy Director General of the Department of Home Affairs. He also served as District Director at the Department of Education in Gauteng. He is a strategist who brings a lot of experience in management, leadership, organisational development and change (turn around).
Mr Mkhize has been passionate about education, human development and well-being of others from an early age. And as such is adamant to lead the Commission in conjunction with Commissioners and staff to tackle some of the prevalent human rights challenges facing the country. Racism, poverty, inequality, high level of violence especially against women and children are some of the immediate challenges that require urgent attention and must be uprooted.
“I believe that one can make a contribution towards advancing the realisation of human rights and development of a culture of human rights in the country for a better life of all citizens and a prosperous South Africa.”
Mr Mkhize was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the South African Human Rights Commission on 27 March 2023.
He is a former Director General of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture where he served from 2017 to 2022. Prior to that, served as the Chief Director as well Deputy Director General of the Department of Home Affairs. He also served as District Director at the Department of Education in Gauteng. He is a strategist who brings a lot of experience in management, leadership, organisational development and change (turn around).
Mr Mkhize has been passionate about education, human development and well-being of others from an early age. And as such is adamant to lead the Commission in conjunction with Commissioners and staff to tackle some of the prevalent human rights challenges facing the country. Racism, poverty, inequality, high level of violence especially against women and children are some of the immediate challenges that require urgent attention and must be uprooted.
“I believe that one can make a contribution towards advancing the realisation of human rights and development of a culture of human rights in the country for a better life of all citizens and a prosperous South Africa.”