Farewell to four Chapter 9 leaders
PARLIAMENT has bid farewell to the heads of four Chapter 9 institutions and thanked them for the role they played in advancing democracy.
The event was held to see off Bongani Khumalo, of the Financial and Fiscal Commission, Lawrence Mushwana, of the SA Human Rights Commission, former public protector Thuli Madonsela, and Commission for Gender Equality head Mfanozelwe Shozi.
Only Shozi and Khumalo were able to attend the event.
“They have made our constitutional democracy much stronger and have made citizens feel that the supreme law of the land protects them,” National Assembly chair Thoko Didiza said.
Deputy Justice and Correctional Services Minister John Jeffery said there was more public interest than ever before in Chapter 9 institutions.
He said the public was showing more interest in who was appointed to lead them.
“It’s not enough for people to just have rights, it’s about knowing where to go when those rights are infringed,” Jeffery said.
He said while there had been some robust exchanges between Madonsela and the Justice Committee and some court challenges, these were signs of a mature and strong democracy.
“It’s not a bad thing or something to fear when they face off in court,” he said.
In his final speech, Shozi called on lawmakers to consider adopting legislation to ensure gender equality in politics, government and business.
He recalled some of the highlights of his term, including arriving at a wedding in KwaZulu-Natal where a 13-year-old girl was about to be married off to a 60-year-old man.
“They had already slaughtered the cows and the wedding was imminent,” he said.
“I thought they were going to slaughter me, but luckily I had the police on my side. The lobola went back and the girl is now doing her matric.”