Interviews of candidates to serve on the Commission for Gender Equality (day 2)

Meeting report

Interviews
Candidates were asked the following questions:

•Candidates were asked what their understanding was about the role of the CGE.
•They were asked how they saw the role of the CGE in relation to the newly established Ministry of Women, Children and People with disabilities.
•They were asked what changes that needed to be made in order for the CGE to effectively execute its mandate.
•They were asked about their understanding of the challenges in society that the CGE needed to respond to.
•Candidates were asked if there was any duplication in the mandate of the CGE and those of the other chapter 9 institutions, and if yes, they should elaborate.
•They were asked if they perceived the CGE as an organisation that had failed to carry out its mandate and also an organisation that was based on feminism. If so, how would they change those perceptions?
•They were asked what personal value they would add to the CGE so that they could enhance its work in improving inequality in society.
•They were asked if the CGE’s role to recommend and review legislation had been performed in the past.
•They were asked how they saw the link between the value they brought to the CGE and community participation in a country that was striving to be a developmental state.
•Candidates were asked if they intended to become fulltime or part-time Commissioners.

The Chairperson thanked the Candidates for availing themselves for interviews.

Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on filling of vacancies on the CGE
The report of the Ad Hoc Committee on filling of vacancies on the CGE having considered the resolution of the House to identifying 9 suitable candidates for the filling of vacancies on the CGE reported as follows:

The Ad Hoc Committee had received 175 nominations from 11 January 2012, 15 candidates were short-listed to be interviewed however one candidate withdrew leaving the Ad Hoc Committee to interview 14 Candidates namely;

1. Ms Janine Hicks
2. Ms Thoko Mpulwana
3. Dr Yvette Abrahams
4. Mr Mbuyiselo Botha
5. Ms Lorraine Landrew
6. Ms Nomvuyo Stofile
7. Ms Lulama Nare
8. Ms Ndileka Loyilane
9. Mr Mfanozelwe Shozi
10. Ms Amanda Gouws
11. Ms Nondumiso Ranuga
12. Ms Sylvia Steven-Maziya
13. Mr Wallace Mgoqi
14. Ms Zandile Mxaku

After having interviewed the above candidates in an open meeting in Parliament on the 25 and 26 January 2012, the Ad Hoc Committee resolved to the House in accordance with section 195 (5) of the Constitution of 1996 recommended that the following candidates be appointed:

Mr M Shozi
Ms L Nare
Ms S Steven-Maziya
Ms J Hicks
N Loyilane
Mr W Mgoqi
Ms N Ranuga
Ms T Mpumlwana
Ms A Gouws

Ms B Dlulane (ANC) moved for the adoption of the report.

Mr G Snell (ANC) seconded the move.

The Committee adopted the report.

The Chairperson thanked Members for showing high level of commitment to the interview process.

The meeting was adjourned.

Please refer to audio recording for responses.