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On behalf of President Mbeki, the Acting President, Minister Matsepe-Casaburri, today, Wednesday 24 September 2003, announced the appointment of members of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities.

BACKGROUND

The 1996 Constitution provides for a Commission to be established to promote and protect the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities. This Commission is the last of the independent constitutional institutions to be established and will play an important role in nation building.

In 2002 the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities Act, 2002 (Act 19 of 2002) was passed. This Act came into operation on 30 November 2002.

The Act empowers the President to appoint, as chairperson of the Commission, either one of the individuals short-listed by the Selection Panel or "another person satisfying the qualifications set out in section 10" of the Act.

On 8 December 2002, the President determined that the Commission should be composed of the chairperson and 17 other members.

In February 2003, South Africans were invited to submit names of nominees to serve on the Commission. 30 April 2003 was the final date for the lodgement of nominations.

Subsequently a Selection Panel, which was chaired by Professor CN Marivate, then considered all the nominations. The Panel thoroughly studied the 196 nominations received and interviewed 54 candidates, during August and September 2003, with the view of selecting the final 26 names to be submitted to the President. The Panel completed its work by 10 September 2003.

NAMES OF COMMISSIONERS

After applying his mind to the recommendations of the Selection Panel, the President appointed 18 members of the Commission. The Commissioners are broadly representative of the cultural, religious and linguistic diversity of the country and are men and women who are committed to nation building. The Commission will be chaired by Dr MD Guma.

The following 18 South Africans have been appointed to serve on the Commission:

* Dr MD Guma (Chairperson): Dr Guma is the Executive Director of the Ecumenical Service for Socio-Economic Transformation of the Anglican Church. He has a Doctorate in Ethics and Theology and is an ordained priest of the Anglican Church. Dr Guma is knowledgeable in both religion and culture and has extensive experience as a facilitator in resolving conflict.
* Mrs M Bethlehem (Deputy Chairperson): Mrs Bethlehem is the National President of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies. She is also the Life Vice-President of both the Jewish Community Services and Jewish Women's Benevolent Society. Mrs Bethlehem possesses the knowledge and expertise relating to all South African Jewish organisations (cultural, communal and charitable).
* Mr BB Mgcina: Mr Mgcina is a traditional healer of the Zifozonke Traditional Healers Association. He possesses knowledge and skills relating to traditional healing, conflict resolution and the indigenous knowledge systems.
* Dr ON Mndende: Dr Mndende is a researcher on African Traditional Religion at the Icamagu Institute. She is in possession of a Doctorate in African Religion and has wide experience and knowledge in African traditional religion, including interfaith dialogue.
* Dr MD Jobson: Dr Jobson is a Training Coordinator in gender and human rights from All Africa Women for Peace. She is a qualified medical doctor and has expertise in the field of culture, human, social and economic rights. She is currently pursuing a qualification in Gender Studies.
* Pastor MKS Ntlha: Pastor Ntlha is the General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of South Africa. He is also actively involved in forums within the South African Council of Churches. Pastor Ntlha has been practically involved in reconciliation and has ecumenical and interfaith experience.
* Ms M Soni Amin: Ms Soni Amin is an adherent of the Hindu Vedanta Ramakrishna Mission of South Africa. She is in possession of a Masters Degree in World Religions and Education, and is currently working on a Doctorate in Education. Ms Soni Amin has a long history of community involvement and has expertise in religious, cultural and language-related matters.
* Prof S Dangor: Prof Dangor is a professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Durban-Westville. He has a wide-ranging history of involvement in the Islamic religion. He is also an expert on Muslim jurisprudence and is also involved in interfaith work.
* Dr MAE Dockrat: Dr Dockrat is a lecturer in Arabic and Islamic Studies at Rand Afrikaans University. He has a strong religious commitment to and involvement in the Muslim community. Dr Dockrat is a specialist in Indian and Arabic languages and also chairs the Gauteng Provincial Language Committee.
* Dr JCH Landman: Dr Landman is a part-time Lecturer in Philosophy and Ethics and an executive member of the Afrikaner Alliance. He also serves as a director for the Foundation for National Minorities. Dr Landman teaches religion, has experience in culture, speaks a number of languages and is actively involved with organised Afrikaner cultural interests.
* Dr TSC Magwaza: Dr Magwaza is the Programme Director of Gender Studies at the University of Natal and a researcher on Zulu culture and the Shembe religion. She is also the General Secretary of the Southern African Folklore Society and possesses practical research experience in cultural-related issues and fieldwork in rural areas.
* Prof SE Ngubane: Prof Ngubane is a Professor of isiZulu and Head of Undergraduate Studies in the Faculty of Human Sciences at the University of Natal. He is in possession of a Doctorate in Onomastics, is committed to the preservation of Zulu culture and is widely involved in various cultural forums and the African renaissance.
* Dr LP Boshego: Dr Boshego is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of African Languages at the University of South Africa and Chairperson of the Sesotho sa Leboa National Language Body. He is knowledgeable of African languages, especially Sotho languages and more specifically Northern Sotho. Dr Boshego plays an important role in language development and is involved in national and provincial language bodies.
* Ms DKK Mboweni-Marais: Ms Mboweni-Marais is a language practitioner and provider of professional language services. She is a former member of the Pan South African Language Board and has expertise in the promotion of multilingualism. She also advises on cultural, religious and linguistic rights.
* Ms M le Roux: Ms Le Roux is the Director of Performing Arts Development and Education at the Artscape Theatre Centre and is also Chairperson of the Western Cape Cultural Commission. She is a qualified music teacher and has in-depth practical experience on matters related to culture and reconciliation. Ms Le Roux also has expertise in the development of the visual and performing arts, especially the previously neglected art forms.
* Mr H Gouvelis: Mr Gouvelis is a businessman and a member and past President of the Federation of Hellenic Communities of South Africa. He has experience in international relations and local government and is actively involved in the Hellenic community. Mr Gouvelis also served on the Ministerial Task Team established to draft legislation for the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities.
* Dr WA Boezak: Dr Boezak is a Minister of Religion and a member of the National Council of Khoi Chiefs of South Africa. He possesses knowledge of and expertise in Khoi-San culture and has a strong religious and academic background.
* Dr WRJ Langeveldt: Dr Langeveldt is the Project Manager of the Barendse Griqua Trust, Chairperson of the Khoi-San National Trust and serves on the National Khoi-San Language Board. He has in-depth knowledge of Khoi-San African history, culture and traditions and the promotion of the Khoekhoegowab language.

Of the 18 members, the racial composition is follows: 8 African (44,4%), 4 White (22,2%), 3 Indian (16,7%) and 3 Coloured (16,7%). Overall, the Commission comprises 14 Blacks (77,8%) and 7 women (38,9%).

For more information contact David Hlabane on 082 561 9428, Lisa Combrick on 082 821 4886 and Jerry Matjatladi on 082 889 3381.

Issued by: The Presidency and the Department of Communications

24 September 2003