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.
The Commissioners are the public face of the Commission, representing the organisation at national, regional and international fora. They also interact with local communities and stakeholders at the national level in order to address human rights issues. In addition to the policy and legislative mandates of the Commission, Commissioners have adopted a document called the Human Rights Matrix.
The Human Rights Matrix tracks the various human rights obligations of South Africa at the international, regional and domestic levels. It is a tool that assists in identification of the Commissioners’ strategic focus areas and priorities. It assists in identifying the unique role of the Commission as a national human rights institution.
The strategic priority areas in the Human Rights Matrix were identified, discussed and integrated into the Strategic Plan. Each Commissioner is assigned a specific province and United Nations treaty body.
Chris Nissen
Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission
Commissioner Nissen was appointed as a part-time Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission in January 2018. During his first term at the SAHRC, Commissioner Nissen was responsible for the Civil and Political Rights Focus Area, as well as responsible for overseeing the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM). In 2023, he was elected to the UN Body for Prevention of Torture Worldwide.
Commissioner Nissen was appointed as a part-time Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission in January 2018. During his first term at the SAHRC, Commissioner Nissen was responsible for the Civil and Political Rights Focus Area, as well as responsible for overseeing the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM). In 2023, he was elected to the UN Body for Prevention of Torture Worldwide.
In January 2024, Rev Nissen was appointed as the Chairperson of the SAHRC. As Chairperson, Rev Nissen is the Executive Authority of the SAHRC and is also responsible for providing oversight and support to all other focus areas.
Chairperson Nissen leads the SAHRC’s interactions with Parliament (specifically the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development). Further, the Chairperson also represents the SAHRC at domestic and international forums of NHRIs, such as the Forum on Institutions Supporting Democracy, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and the National Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI). Through the GANHRI peer-review based accreditation process, the SAHRC has maintained status compliance with the Paris Principles (Principles Relating to the Status of National Human Rights Institutions). This means the Commission meets the minimum standards that National Human Rights Institutions must meet to be considered credible and operate effectively.
Chairperson Nissen leads the SAHRC’s interactions with Parliament (specifically the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development). Further, the Chairperson also represents the SAHRC at domestic and international forums of NHRIs, such as the Forum on Institutions Supporting Democracy, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and the National Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI). Through the GANHRI peer-review based accreditation process, the SAHRC has maintained status compliance with the Paris Principles (Principles Relating to the Status of National Human Rights Institutions). This means the Commission meets the minimum standards that National Human Rights Institutions must meet to be considered credible and operate effectively.
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.
Ms Ntuli’s areas of research interest include African feminisms, gender justice, public law and policy, and land reform. Her personal, academic and professional curiosities are founded on the connectivity of social, psychological, and structural systems and processes, and on the inter- relatedness of the notions of agency and power. Ms Ntuli’s combined working experience ranges between public policy development and analysis, social-entrepreneurship, academia, as well as in civil-society.
Human Rights questions that currently concern Ms Ntuli relate to climate justice/injustice, the politics of land (access, use, and ownership), human relationships with nature, ‘greener’ economy/ies, and the nature of feminist leadership.
Human Rights questions that currently concern Ms Ntuli relate to climate justice/injustice, the politics of land (access, use, and ownership), human relationships with nature, ‘greener’ economy/ies, and the nature of feminist leadership.
Prof. Tshepo Madlingozi
Full-time Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission
Trained in law and sociology, Madlingozi is a scholar-activist whose work focuses on decolonisation, reparative justice, human rights, and participatory democracy. In 2024, the President of South Africa appointed Madlingozi as a full-time Commissioner at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), an independent constitutional body. At the SAHRC, he is responsible for the Anti-racism, Education, and Equality key areas, and serves as Chairperson of the Commission’s Legal and Ethics Committee. Before joining the Commission, he was the Director of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS)—a law clinic and research centre—at the University of the Witwatersrand and an Associate Professor at the university's School of Law, where he taught social justice and human rights.
For over ten years, he worked for and with the Khulumani Support Group—a social movement advocating for reparations, redress, and sustainable reconciliation—serving as Advocacy Coordinator and later Chairperson. He has been a consultant to local and intergovernmental organisations, including the Pan-African Parliament and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. He is an Extraordinary Professor at the Faculty of Law, Stellenbosch University; an Adjunct Professor with the Chair for Critical Studies in Higher Education Transformation at Nelson Mandela University; a visiting Professor at the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam; and a faculty member at the Vienna Master of Arts in Applied Human Rights. He is a co-editor of 'Symbol or Substance: Socio-economic Rights in South Africa' (Cambridge UP) and of ‘Introduction to Law and Legal Skills in South Africa, 2nd Edition' (Oxford UP South Africa).
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.
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.
He holds a Doctorate in Public Management and also obtained the following qualifications: B.Iuris and Masters in Public Management cum laude.
He was employed in local government for eighteen (18) years and has a proven record of accomplishment, at the municipalities where he was employed as a senior manager (including accounting officer), of clean governance and being at the forefront of ensuring visible service delivery. These municipalities include the Motheo District Municipality and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
He served on the following statutory Councils as a Council/Board member:
• National Heritage Council of South Africa
• Free State Gambling and Liquor Authority
He was employed in local government for eighteen (18) years and has a proven record of accomplishment, at the municipalities where he was employed as a senior manager (including accounting officer), of clean governance and being at the forefront of ensuring visible service delivery. These municipalities include the Motheo District Municipality and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
He served on the following statutory Councils as a Council/Board member:
• National Heritage Council of South Africa
• Free State Gambling and Liquor Authority
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.
Since 2020, Ms Khwinana has served as an acting Judge of the Gauteng High Court, significantly contributing to jurisprudence through her insightful judgments. Her role extends beyond the courtroom; she is a fervent activist for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and a staunch feminist. As the National Coordinator for the South African Women Lawyers Association (SAWLA) Student Chapter, she is committed to empowering the next generation of attorneys, particularly women. Her efforts in mentoring aspiring lawyers highlight her dedication to nurturing talent and promoting gender equality in the legal profession.
Ms. Khwinana's influence transcends her professional obligations. She is a community leader who actively shares her knowledge and experience in churches and surrounding communities, emphasizing the importance of legal awareness and advocacy. Her role in organizations like SAWLA, National Democratic Lawyers Association (NADEL), and Lady of Peace Community Foundation (LOPECO) further exemplifies her commitment to legal excellence, peace, and community service. Ms. Khwinana is not just a legal professional; she is a beacon of hope and empowerment, shaping the legal landscape while inspiring and uplifting those around her.
Ms Khwinana has distinguished herself as a dedicated human rights activist, fervently working towards the advancement of fundamental rights and freedoms. Her activism is characterized by a deep commitment to addressing and resolving human rights violations, with a particular focus on the rights of the underrepresented and marginalized.
She is known for her tireless efforts in advocating for justice and equality, utilizing her legal expertise to challenge injustices and champion the cause of those without a voice. Her endeavours in this field are not just confined to legal battles; they also encompass educational outreach, where she enlightens and engages communities on their rights, fostering a culture of awareness and empowerment.
Mrs. Khwinana exemplifies "Inclusive Sensitivity" in her professional and personal interactions, showcasing a deep understanding of and empathy for the diverse abilities and challenges of individuals. Her approach highlights a respectful acknowledgment of everyone's unique experiences, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in all her endeavors. Her commitment to embracing and supporting this diversity is a testament to her empathetic and inclusive nature.
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).
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.
Mr. Gungubele has also been actively involved in youth activities, both as a student and politically. He has assumed leadership roles in civil society structures, serving as the District Secretary for the Eden District Youth Council and as the provincial organizer in the Youth in Agriculture Rural Development, among other organizations.
Mr. Gungubele holds a national diploma in Retail Business Management from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, an Advanced National Diploma in Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Administration Honours degree in the University of Western Cape.
Mr. Gungubele holds a national diploma in Retail Business Management from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, an Advanced National Diploma in Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Administration Honours degree in the University of Western Cape.