Comment by SAFF on nomination process

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development 30 Sep 2016

Attention: Mr Vhonani Ramaano

Committee Secretary

3rd Floor, 90 Plein Street

Cape Town, 8001

Email: vramaano@parliament.gov.za

Dear Commissioners

Re: Appointment of the new Commissioners to the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)

As the South African First Forum that is founded on the principle of constitutionalism, who gets appointed as Commissioners are crucial to the advancement of our people's rights as enshrined in our country's Bill of Rights. Protecting our Constitution and putting our people and country first is the reason d'être of the South Africa First Forum. It is our contention that most of the current Commissioners have spectacularly failed in their task of ensuring that this important Chapter Nine institution is both an effective shield and spear for the benefit of all our people. Our contention is that the SA Human Rights Commission does not inspire confidence within society that it is on the side of ordinary men & women against those who ride roughshod over their human rights. This is especially concerning when it is trampled upon by those in authority or the powerful. The current SAHRC is extremely tardy in how it conducts its affairs and many ordinary South Africans are not even aware of its existence.

We would have liked to have made a substantial input on the candidature of each and every candidate for appointment to the new SAHRC but due to the long list of candidates, as a voluntary body consisting of patriotic South Africans we don't have the capacity to investigate the credentials of each and every one with the necessary rigor that is required. This is mostly due to the short time period that was available for the public to make comment on the candidates. We will however do so once the shortlist of candidates is made public.

We are however, strong in our resolve that most of the current crop of Commissioners, especially its current chairperson should not be re-appointed. We feel that the body must be infused with a new crop of South Africans whose fair-mindedness; integrity; independent mindedness; and ability to speak truth to power. The new Commissioners must be able to provide South Africans with the confidence that the new SAHRC will speedily and effectively protect and advance their human rights as enshrined in the South African Constitution.

We trust that your Committee will do South Africa proud by dispensing of your responsibility to select a worthy individuals for the shortlist of Commissioners from those nominated, taking our views expressed above, into account.

Adv. Rod Solomons

Convener of SAFF