Election of Chairperson; Planning

Meeting report

The Committee Secretary, Ms Cindy-Joy Balie asked the Committee for nominations for the position of Committee Chairperson.

Adv L Joubert (DA) nominated Adv C Johnson (ANC).

Ms S Seaton (IFP) seconded the nomination.

Adv Johnson accepted the nomination. Ms Balie stated that since there were no other nominations, Adv Johnson was appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee.

The Chairperson informed the Committee that Members’ were asked to make recommendations as to who had to fill the vacancy in the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The Committee had to report to the House by 5 November 2008. She also informed Members that the Committee Secretary had been asked to draft an advertisement for the vacancy. She asked Members to look at the advert and to send the changes to Ms Balie within the next two days.

The Chairperson stated that the advert had to address the public, organisations and civil society so that it could reach as many people as possible. She informed the Committee that all the existing Commissioners’ terms expired the following year and suggested that the Committee include in their report that consideration be given to filling more than one vacancy.

The Chairperson stated that although the Committee hoped to advertise the vacancy for two weeks, it would mean that they would have very little time to shortlist and interview candidates. The new deadline for applications would be 21 October 2008 and shortlisting of candidates would take place on 22 and 23 October. This would give the Committee one week to interview candidates.

Ms Seaton added that the advertisement should stipulate that email addresses should be included in the applications.

The Chairperson wondered in how many newspapers the Committee should advertise the vacancy.

Mr S Dithebe (ANC) stated that the vacancy should be advertised in at least two national newspapers.

Ms Seaton added that the vacancy should be advertised in at least one newspaper in each of the nine provinces.

The Chairperson reminded Members to forward the Committee Secretary their suggestions within the next two days.

The meeting was adjourned.