Filling of vacancies: criteria for appointments

Ms Nozizwe Routledge (ANC - in the chair)

Ms P De Lille. (PAC)

Ms N K Hangana (ANC)

Ms T J Malan (NP)

Ms L Mbuyazi (IFP)

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 June were approved. At that meeting it had been decided that the closing date for nominations could not legally be extended and to fill the four vacancies each shortlist should preferably consist of 9-12 names.

A few nominations had arrived late, having been wrongly routed via the committee chair and the Speaker's Office (see attached letter). It was agreed that, in terms of the good of the Commission and the good of the country, all the nominations received would be considered.

The chairperson had contacted the acting chairperson of the Commission for input on the skills and qualities found necessary for effective commissioners; and on the position with regard to geographic representivity. She had commented that at present the Commission is heavily weighted with members from Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwazulu-Natal. A wider geographic spread would be preferable. She would provide a list of skills required by commissioners. She noted a need for a black lawyer who could reach out to the disadvantaged majority.

Most people felt there should be further motivation for the request for a specifically black lawyer. It was also noted by several members that although equitable provincial representation is not a legal requisite, wider representation, particularly from areas where the bulk of women live who most need help, such as Eastern Cape, would be valuable.

Ms Malan noted that the CVs should be considered in terms of the Act, which recommends that commissioners have gender-sensitivity, a knowledge of international developments in the field and of relevant NGOs, and report-writing and mediating skills. The chairperson pointed out that the Commission is involved with issues of gender equality, not solely women's issues, although they form the majority of those marginalised.

It was decided to meet next at 9 am on Friday 31 July, by which time the list of required skills and any CVs still missing would be obtained. At that meeting individual shortlists would be compared and debated to arrive at a composite shortlist for interviewing and then presentation to Parliament.

The meeting ended at 11.45 am.

Office of the Speaker

16/7/98

The attached letter regarding nominations to the Commission on Gender Equality was received by the Speaker's Office some time ago. I am not sure whether it was previously referred to you.

Lawson Naidoo

______________________________________________

African National Congress

Office of the Secretary General

To Frene Ginwala

From: Kgalema Motlanthe: Secretary General, ANC

Please be advised the African National Congress wishes to nominate the following people to fill vacancies in the Commission on Gender Equality:

Florence Manana Tlake

Romina van Wyk

Zanele Makina