The Commission is a state institution established in terms of Chapter 9 of the Constitution of South Africa to support constitutional democracy and is mandated in terms of section 184 (1) (a-c) of the Constitution to “promote respect, monitor, and assess the observance of human rights in South Africa”.
Commissioners provide strategic leadership to the Institution and are the statutory authority of the Commission, who undertake strategic interventions at national, international, and regional levels on behalf of the Commission.The incoming Commissioners will serve seven-year terms.

“The Commission is delighted with the President’s appointment of the seven new Commissioners. I welcome the newly appointed Commissioners and look forward to working with my colleagues in advancing essential Constitutional principles,” said the Commission’s current acting chairperson, Commissioner Mohamed S Ameermia.

The newly appointed full-time Commissioners are:
1. Prof Bongani Christopher Majola, Chairperson of the South African Rights Commission
2. Ms Devikarani Priscilla Sewpal Jana, Deputy Chairperson of the South African Rights Commission
3. Adv. Andrew Hurtley Gaum
4. Ms Matlhodi Angelina Makwetla
5. Adv. Joseph Bokankatla Malatji

The newly appointed Part-time Commissioners are:
1. Mr Andrew Christoffel Nissen
2. Mr Jonas Sibanyoni

In a statement issued by the Office of the Presidency, President Zuma wished “the new commissioners all the best in their new important responsibility of entrenching constitutional democracy through advocating and protecting the basic human rights of all South Africans.”
The Commission is confident that the newly appointed Commissioners will provide the leadership and guidance in taking our Constitutional mandate forward by ensuring that the rights as set out in Chapter 2 of the Constitution are respected, promoted, and progressively realised.

ENDS

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gail Smith – Spokesperson, SAHRC

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