By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
14 April 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has shortlisted candidates for interviews to fill vacancies on the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE). The committee said while it agreed to shortlist 12 candidates, 14 received five or more nominations, meaning the top 14 will be interviewed by Parliament.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Liezl van der Merwe said guided by the ruling of the Constitutional Court, the committee will implement an extended public commentary period to ensure meaningful public participation. Van der Merwe said redacted CVs will be published on Parliament’s website from 13 April to 26 May 2026 (30 working days or six weeks) for public commentary.
“Interviews are scheduled for 28 and 29 May 2026, during which the committee will also consider public comments and verification reports from the State Security Agency and Parliament’s human resources department regarding qualifications.
“The committee invites all members of the public and civil society to engage and share their views on the candidates, as their contributions will help determine whom the next Commissioners will be,” she said.
Van der Merwe further said the shortlisted candidates are (in alphabetical order) Ms Chriscentia Caroline Blouws, Dr Corné Davis-Buitendag, Ms Mamohapi Claurina Diseko, Adv Thando Gumede, Ms Berenice Lue Marais, Mr Alfred Ofentse Macheke, Ms Nonyameko Magida, Ms Patricia Mohlolo Makofane, Ms Alexandrina Sikelelwa Msitshana, Ms Sixolile Delight Ngcobo, Ms Thandeka Ntshangase, Adv Nthabiseng Sepanya Mogale, Ms Leonashia Leigh-Ann van der Merwe and Mr Xolisa Yekani.
She added that the recruitment process follows a 31 July 2025 Constitutional Court judgment, which invalidated the appointment of five commissioners due to non-compliance with the provisions of sections 59(1)(a) and 193(6) of the Constitution, as stated in Corruption Watch (RF) NPC v Speaker of the National Assembly and Others.
“The court emphasised Parliament’s obligation to facilitate reasonable public involvement. The committee received 88 applications and invited public and civil society comments on the suitability of the shortlisted candidates for the CGE vacancies.
“A summary of each candidate’s resume is available on the parliamentary website. Public comments can be submitted through an online form accessible via the provided link PUBLIC COMMENTARY – SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES COMMISSION FOR GENDER EQUALITY 2026 – Google Forms Comments should be sent to Ms Yolanda Sili at: cge-application@parliament.gov.za,” said van der Merwe.
The Guardian 