An educationalist by profession, he was appointed this week to take over from Lorinda Lynn, who was acting after the suspension of Chantal Kisoon due to racism allegations. However, Mkhize is adamant to make a change within the Chapter 9 institution, saying racism still affects people and injures their human dignity. "People live in poverty, we still have challenges of inequality. Most vulnerable people, such as women and children, are still exposed to high levels of violence. I believe that one can make a contribution towards advancing the realisation of their rights." Mkhize's hunger to learn drove him to obtain an education diploma, BA, honours and an MBA degree. He affirmed that his educational background would be helpful in trying to bring about a shift. "What is the use of having rights if one cannot realise them? Our democracy is meaningless if rights are not realised," he added. Mkhize, who grew up in Mpangeni in KwaZuluNatal, is the former directorgeneral of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture where he served from 2017 to last year. Prior to that, the father of three and grandfather, held the positions of chief director and deputy directorgeneral in the Department of Home Affairs.

He also served as director in the Department of Education in Gauteng. "I have spent my entire working life serving in government and ensuring that our new state delivers a dignified service to its citizens," he said. He views human rights from a distinct angle. He thinks that since the job dealt with human rights, the cornerstone of the new society, it was a nobrainer for him to apply. "My task is to transcend every department and all spheres of and the three arms of government. As a result, I am very excited about being in the front seat or battle front of this SAHRC CEO Vusumuzi Mkhize. Chapter 9 institution so that we make human rights a culture synonymous with our country. "This is the mission and the staff, and the commission are determined to ensure that this is achieved. "I am delighted to join these South Africans so committed to human rights in our nascent democracy.

This institution needs to be a true champion of human rights, an aid to those who are vulnerable and a protection of the vulnerable." Mkhize acknowledged that the institution faces many difficulties due to the monumental job of defending human rights in the country. "There is a greater need for the commission to reach all corners of the country to educate and empower people to know their rights and how to defend them. "Together with every staff member of the commission in collaboration with other critical stakeholders, we need to work towards shifting focus and mindset to towards empowering communities at large," Mkhize said. "I was brought up by a family with a strong Christian background, married and blessed with three children." He believes that the SAHRC is both a conscience and a check on how to advance democracy. SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said: "The commission welcomes Mkhize and wishes him every success as he begins the journey of leading the secretariat of the commission to the execution of the mandate of the commission to promote and protect human rights and monitor and assess their observance in the Republic of South Africa."

Source: The Star