Commissioners are the statutory authority of the Commission and provide strategic leadership to the Institution through strategic interventions at national, international, and regional levels on behalf of the Commission. The incoming Commissioners will serve seven-year terms.

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 are the statutory authority of the Commission and provide strategic leadership to the Institution through strategic interventions at national, international, and regional levels on behalf of the Commission.

List of SAHRC Commissioners:

Professor Bongani Christopher Majola
Chairperson

Devikarani Priscilla Sewpal Jana
Deputy Chairperson

Advocate Mohamed Ameermia
Advocate Andrew Hurtley Gaum
Matlhodi Angelina Makwetla
Advocate Joseph Bokankatla Malatji
Full-time Commissioners


Mr Andrew Christoffel Nissen
Mr Jonas Sibanyoni
Part-time Commissioners

The rigorous process appoint the seven new commissioners started in September 2016, with 18 nominees being interviewed by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional services in mid-October 2016. The process culminated with President Jacob Zuma finalising the appointment of the Commissioners on 2 December 2016.

“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 then acting chairperson, Commissioner Mohamed S Ameermia.

The Commission re-iterates its confidence 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.

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Ms Gail Smith – Spokesperson
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Mr Gushwell Brooks - Communications Co-ordinator
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T: 011 877 3814