Cape Town: The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has expressed concern over allegations of a ‘toxic’ environment in the office of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). This follows the suspension of the commission’s CEO Vusumuzi Mkhize and other complaints against the SAHRC chairperson Reverend Chris Nissen and Commissioner Philile Ntuli.

According to South African Government News Agency, calls are mounting for the removal of the three officials through Section 194 of the Constitution. However, committee chairperson Xola Nqola emphasized that the issues at the SAHRC had not yet reached that point. Nqola stated, “We are not there yet, at Section 194. We want to stabilize the institution so that it can focus on its core mandate of service to our people. Now it seems it is rather hamstrung by those opposing the current leadership.”

The committee held a ‘frank and robust discussion’ with the SAHRC, addressing various allegations and concerns. Rev Nissen dismissed the new
allegations, attributing them to his former public life, which had been vetted multiple times without issue. The committee noted that no public input was received questioning his suitability prior to his appointment as Chairperson of the SAHRC.

The committee also expressed concern over the deteriorating environment within the SAHRC, noting that the situation has seemingly persisted for some time. Commissioner Ntuli suggested that the attacks on her were politically motivated, accusing senior staff and former commissioners of conspiring against her and Rev Nissen. She expressed fears for her safety, prompting the committee to recommend a risk assessment by security agencies.

Further allegations suggested that former staff members were creating divisions and factions within the SAHRC by holding meetings outside the commission. Regarding Mkhize, the committee was informed of alleged inappropriate remarks made during a meeting and his subsequent instruction to delete the meeting’s recording, which reportedly vi
olated protocol.

Concerns were also raised about Mkhize’s appointment process, citing a report from the Public Protector regarding his actions during his tenure at the Department of Home Affairs. The committee chairperson vowed accountability, stating, “We decided to adopt the Commission; we conditionally support it. When it does good work, it will have our support, but when we hear of shenanigans, we will take them to task. We will do unannounced visits to its headquarters as well as to provinces to ascertain the real conditions in the institution.”