President Cyril Ramaphosa Appoints New CRL
By Thabo Mosia
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed 13 members to the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) for a five-year term. This constitutional body is tasked with safeguarding the rights of South Africa’s diverse cultural, religious, and linguistic communities.
The newly appointed commissioners are:
• Ms Thoko Nonhle Jeanette Mkhwanazi-Xaluva: Former commissioner and Head of the Public Education and Advocacy unit within the Commission, she is an activist dedicated to promoting and protecting cultural, religious, and linguistic rights.
• Mr George Henry Mahlangu: A prince in the Amandebele wakwa Ndzundza Sokhulumi, he has extensive knowledge of culture and experience in ensuring safer initiation practices within communities.
• Dr Tsholofelo Masetshaba Mosala: A former commissioner with a focus on youth matters, she is a researcher in culture and anthropology, and an emerging poet.
• Mr James Petrus Mapanka: An activist for Khoi, Nama, and San languages, he is a former teacher and local government official recognized for his contributions to Northern Cape tourism and education.
• Mrs Doris Tsakane Nkwe: A linguist, culturist, educator, and researcher with a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics, she advocates for indigenous languages and has experience as a teacher and lecturer.
• Dr Sylvia Mmamohapi Pheto: A former commissioner and public servant in the North West provincial legislature, she has served as Secretary of the Women’s Wing of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa.
• Professor Muneer Abduroaf: A law lecturer and Executive Council Member of the Muslim Judicial Council, he combines legal expertise with a deep understanding of the Muslim religion.
• Advocate Sipho Gideon “Rasta” Mantula: Previously a researcher in the CRL Rights Commission, he actively participates in dialogues concerning South Africa’s cultural and linguistic diversity, including the Rastafari community.
• Ms Xolisa Donna Makoboka: A social justice practitioner and former senior manager in the Department of Social Development, she has experience in nation-building and social cohesion initiatives.
• Dr Rajendran Thangavelu Govender: A seasoned social anthropologist with extensive academic and professional experience in Zulu and Hindu cultures, he has held senior leadership roles within cultural, linguistic, and religious organizations.
• Professor Mokgale Albert Makgopa: A language practitioner dedicated to promoting and protecting indigenous languages, he teaches Northern Sotho, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga, and has contributed to linguistic development in higher education.
• Advocate Aubrey Kgositoi Sedupane: With extensive experience in human rights law and a Master of Law degree in Human Rights Law, he has worked in various communities, investigating and mediating cases involving violations of cultural, religious, and linguistic rights.
In accordance with Section 12 of the CRL Rights Act, President Ramaphosa has appointed Ms Mkhwanazi-Xaluva as Chairperson and Mr Mahlangu as Deputy Chairperson of the Commission.
The President expressed his deep appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their service and extended his best wishes to the new appointees, emphasizing the critical role they play in promoting social transformation and nation-building.
The CRL Rights Commission, established under the South African Constitution, is mandated to promote respect for and strengthen the rights of cultural, religious, and linguistic communities, as outlined in Section 31 of the Bill of Rights. The Commission undertakes its mission through proactive and reactive approaches, ensuring that individuals and communities can freely observe and practice their culture, religion, and language.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, responsible for administering the CRL Rights Act, initiated a public nomination process for the 2024-2029 term. Nominees were shortlisted and interviewed by a selection panel chaired by Professor Itumeleng Mosala, who then submitted recommendations to the President.
The appointment of the new commissioners marks a significant step in advancing the work of the CRL Rights Commission, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting the diverse cultural, religious, and linguistic rights of all South Africans.
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