The Advocate Loyiso Mpumlwana Matter

29 October 2009

On 1 October the Office of the Chief Whip announced that it will recommend to the Speaker of the National Assembly that he request the President of the Republic to delay the appointment of Advocate Loyiso Mpumlwana to the South African Human Rights Commission.

The request was informed by the information that came to light, alleging amongst others that Adv Mpumlwana had misrepresented himself to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission when it employed him in 1996.

We felt that the allegations were of serious nature as they put into question his eligibility to serve on the Commission in line with the Constitution. The Constitution stipulates that a person must be fit and proper to be eligible to serve as a Commissioner.

The President’s recent appointment of the candidates recommended by the National Assembly last month, with the exception of Adv Mpumlwana, provided an opportunity for the matter to be dealt with through a fair, just and transparent parliamentary process. The process entails, amongst others, affording Adv Mpumlwana an opportunity to make a representation to the Speaker in response to the allegation levelled against him.

The process will at the end enable Parliament to arrive at an informed decision with regard to his fitness to serve on the SAHRC.

Issued by
The Office of the ANC Chief Whip
ANC Parliamentary Caucus
Parliament of the Republic of SA
Cape Town, 8000

Enquiries:
Moloto Mothapo 082 370 6930

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