Commissioners to be sworn in
29 January 2009
Judge Thulani Skweyiya will on Friday, 30 January 2009 swear in the new
commissioners to serve in the Commission for Religious, Linguistic and Cultural
Rights, a section set up to promote and protect the rights of these groups in
terms of the Constitution.
The ceremony will take place at the Constitutional Court at 11h00.
The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the
Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities was established under Act 19 of
2002 with the main purpose of promoting respect and protecting the rights of
cultural, religious and linguistic communities. This was after the Constitution
of 1996 called for the establishment of a commission of this nature.
Minister for Provincial and Local Government, Sicelo Shiceka, initiated a
process from 3 October 2008 to 3 November 2008 whereby the commission requested
South Africans to nominate people to serve on the commission. Out of the 90
applications received, only 30 were shortlisted with 27 interviewed. A
selection panel chaired by Dr Mathole Motshega chose the following list of
commissioners to serve for the next five-year term starting from February
2009:
* Rev Wesley Madonda Mabuza, Chairperson: a man with expertise in religion,
cultural and interfaith issues. Reverend Mabuza is a member of the Wilgespruit
Fellowship Centre, a United Religious initiative based in San Franscisco,
Carlifornia. He currently holds a Masters Degree in Science Religion, working
towards his PhD studying Science of Religion.
* Ms Julia Helen Mabale, Deputy Chairperson: Ms Julia Helen Mabale holds a BA
Honours. She is a School Liaison Officer for the University of Venda with
expertise in the Khilobedu language.
* Ms Marlene Francis Le Roux: residing in the Western Cape, Ms Le Roux is the
Manager of Arts Cape Theatre. She is the member of the Stigting vir die
Bemagtiging deur Afrikaans.
* Hosi Pheni C Ngove: Hosi Ngove belongs to the Limpopo House of Traditional
Leaders and sits on the National Houses of Traditional Leaders as well. He is
the Head of the Shangaan-Tsonga Cultural Community.
* Mr Mlawu Tyatyeka: Mr Mlawu Tyatyeka has knowledge and expertise in African
religion and language. He is well-known for his writing skills and has done
extensive research on Xhosa culture.
* Prof Nogwaja Shadrack Zulu: a lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch,
Professor Zulu is among others a member of the Southern African Folklore
Society. He holds an MA in African Language from the University of
Stellenbosch.
* Ms Marjorie Dorothea Jobson: Ms Jobson works for the Khulumani Support Group
as a community enabler, medic and gender relations facilitator. She works
closely with marginalized communities in all provinces facilitating the process
of healing, re-empowerment as well as reconciliation.
* Mrs Marlene Lina Bethlehem: Ms Bethlehem serves on the South African Jewish
Board of Deputies. She is currently a member of the CRL Commission serving as a
Commissioner.
* Ms Maria Juliet Mokgatlhe: residing in Rustenburg in the North West, Ms
Mokgatlhe is the member of the Shekina Tabernacle School of Ministry and
Christian Counselling. She has in-depth knowledge in fundraising and caring for
the poor. She holds a Diploma in Marketing Management.
* Dr Anton Wynand Knoetze: Dr Anton Knoetze is the Vice Chair of the
Accelerated Christian Education of South Africa organisation. He has completed
his BA in Theology and is now the Minister in the Dutch Reformed Church.
* Mr Matshikiri Christopher Neluvhalani: An educator in Limpopo, Mr Neluvhalani
holds a BA Degree from University of South Africa (UNISA).
* Dr Gilbert Martin: Dr Martin is a motivational speaker as well as an HIV/
AIDS counsellor. He is part of the Tshwane Traditional and Faith Healers
Forum.
* Dr Dorasamy Moodley: Dr Moodley holds a Doctoral Degree from the University
of Zululand with a thesis based on âReligion-Cultural perspective on some
problems arising in Hindu families in Durbanâ. He is the Deputy Chairperson of
the Reservoir Hills Interfaith Forum.
* Mr Cornelius Kok: a small scale farmer in Keimoes, Mr Kok represents the
Khoi-san community. He holds a Diploma in Nasionale Onderwys.
* Mr Mandla Darnece Mathebula: Mr Mathebula is the member of the Xitsonga
Heritage Foundation. He did his Degree in Government Communications and
Marketing with the Wits Technikon (University of Johannesburg). He has
expertise in communications, history as well as politics.
* Mr Bonginkosi Petros Mkhize: a legal consultant, Mr Mkhize is an expert in
dispute resolution, mediation and development law. He is a member of the Black
Lawyers Association.
* Sheik Omar Gabier: Mr Gabier is the Vice President of the Supreme Council of
the Muslim Judicial Council. He holds a Bachelor in Arts specialising in
theology and jurisprudence. He has vast experience in instant translation from
English to Arabic.
Issued by: Department of Provincial and Local Government
29 January 2009
Source: Department of Provincial and Local Government (http://www.thedplg.gov.za/)
