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Pretoria, 29 January 2009- Judge Thulani Skweyiya will on Friday the 30th January 2009 swear in the new commissioners to serve in the Commission for Religious, Linguistic and Cultural Rights, a section set up to promote and protect the rights of these groups in terms of the Constitution. The ceremony will take place at the Constitutional Court at 11h00. The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities was established under Act 19 of 2002 with the main purpose of promoting respect and protecting the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities. This was after the Constitution of 1996 called for the establishment of a Commission of this nature. Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sicelo Shiceka, initiated a process from the 03rd October 2008 to the 3rd November 2008 whereby the Commission requested South Africans to nominate people to serve on the Commission. Out of the 90 applications received, only 30 were shortlisted with 27 Interviewed. A selection panel Chaired by Dr. Mathole Motshega chose the following list of Commissioners to serve for the next 5 year term starting from February 2009: 1. Rev Wesley Madonda Mabuza, Chairperson: a man with expertise in religion, cultural and interfaith issues, Reverend Mabuza is a member of the Wilgespruit Fellowship Centre, a United Religious initiative based in Franscisco, Carlifornia. He currently holds a Masters Degree in Science Religion working towards his PhD studying Science of Religion. 2. Ms Julia Helen Mabale, Deputy Chairperson: Ms Julia Helen Mabale holds a BA Honors. She is a School Liaison Officer for the University of Venda with expertise in the Khilobedu language. 3. Ms Marlene Francis Le Roux: residing in the Western Cape, Ms. Le Roux is the Manager of Arts Cape Theatre. She is the member of the Stigting vir die Bemagtiging deur Afrikaans. 4. Hosi Pheni C Ngove: Hosi Ngove belongs to the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders and sits on the National Houses of Traditional Leaders as well. He is the Head of the Shangaan-Tsonga Cultural Community. 5. Mr Mlawu Tyatyeka: Mr. Mlawu Tyatyeka has knowledge and expertise in African Religion and Language. He is well-known for his writing skills and has done extensive research on Xhosa culture. 6. Prof Nogwaja Shadrack Zulu: a lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch, Professor Zulu is among others a member of the Southern African Folklore Society. He holds an MA in African Language from the University of Stellenbosch 7. Ms. Marjorie Dorothea Jobson: Ms. Jobson works for the Khulumani Support Group as a community enabler, medic and Gender relations facilitator. She works closely with marginalized communities in all Provinces facilitating the process of healing, re-empowerment as well as reconciliation. 8 Mrs. Marlene Lina Bethlehem: Ms. Bethlehem serves on the South African Jewish Board of Deputies. She is currently a member of the CRL Commission serving as a Commissioner. 9. Ms Maria Juliet Mokgatlhe: residing in Rustenburg in the North West, Ms. Mokgatlhe is the member of the Shekina Tebernacle School of Ministry and Christian Counselling. She has in-depth knowledge in fundraising and caring for the poor. She holds a Diploma in Marketing Management. 10. Dr Anton Wynand Knoetze: Dr Anton Knoetze is the Vice Chair of the Accelerated Christian Education of South Africa organization. He has completed his BA in Theology and is now the Minister in the Dutch Reformed Church. 11. Mr. Matshikiri Christopher Neluvhalani: An educator in Limpopo, Mr. Neluvhalani holds a BA Degree from Unisa. 12. Dr Gilbert Martin: Dr. Martin is a motivational speaker as well as an HIV/ AIDS Counsellor. He is part of the Tshwane Traditional and Faith Healers Forum. 13. Dr Dorasamy Moodley: Dr. Moodley holds a Doctoral Degree from the University of Zululand with a Thesis based on “Religion-Cultural perspective on some problems arising in Hindu Families in Durban”. He is the Deputy Chairperson of the Reservoir Hills Interfaith Forum. 14. Mr. Cornelius Kok: a small scale farmer in Keimos, Mr. Kok represents the Khoi-san community. He holds a Diploma in Nasionale Onderwys. 15. Mr Mandla Darnece Mathebula: Mr. Mathebula is the member of the Xitsonga Heritage Foundation. He did his Degree in Government Communications and Marketing with the Wits Technikon, (University of Johannesburg). He has expertise in Communications, History as well as Politics. 16. Mr. Bonginkosi Petros Mkhize: a legal consultant, Mr. Mkhize is an expert in dispute resolution, mediation and development law. He is a member of the Black Lawyers Association 17. Sheik Omar Gabier: Mr. Gabier is the Vice President of the Supreme Council of the Muslim Judicial Council. He holds a Bachelor in Arts specializing in Theology and Jurisprudence. He has vast experience in instant translation from English to Arabic.
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