Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Filling of the Vacancy on the South African Human Rights Commission, dated 12 November, reports as follows:

The Ad Hoc Committee on the Filling of the Vacancy on the South African Human Rights Commission was established on 26 September 2008 and was mandated to recommend a person to fill a vacancy on the South African Human Rights Commission (“SAHRC”).

In accordance with section 193 of the Constitution, members of the SAHRC must be women or men who are South African citizens, who are fit and proper to hold the particular office and who comply with any other requirements prescribed by national legislation.

From 10 to 21 October 2008 the Committee called for nominations by placing advertisements in both national and regional newspapers. A number of nominations were received. Due to public interest in the matter, the Committee agreed to allow for an extended period within which nominations could be made and thereupon placed further advertisements in national newspapers, with 31 October as the closing date.

A total of 79 nominations were received. The Committee deliberated and the following five nominees were short-listed for interviews: Dr D Titus, Ms V Mentor, Adv W Krull, Ms R Kadalie and Ms P Govender. The interviews were subsequently held on 11 and 12 November. On 12 November the Committee Secretary informed the Committee that Adv Krull had withdrawn his nomination on 11 November, and therefore only 4 nominees were interviewed.

Following its deliberations, the Committee hereby, in accordance with section 193(5) of the Constitution, nominates Ms P Govender to fill the position of a full-time Commissioner on the SAHRC.

Report to be considered.