Hon Deputy Speaker, six candidates were short-listed as this is a full-time position in the Human Rights Commission. Then, out of these six candidates that were shortlisted and interviewed, Adv Mohamed Shafie Ameermia was appointed. I must also emphasise that the Human Rights Commission is the only Chapter 9 commission that has the right to litigate. Adv Ameermia is a practitioner and an advocate of the High Court of South Africa. He was nominated by the Judge of the High Court of South Africa and seconded by an advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
His CV speaks volumes of his experience and exposure as a person who is suitable for this position. He was involved in street law projects and thereafter, while working in the Limpopo province, he conducted and undertook cases, among other cases, of communities evicted from a farm school. He won that case.
During the interview, he came out - I must emphasise - head and shoulders above the other candidates who were interviewed. The candidate that is recommended by the DA, Prof Vijay Chand, we are told, and he also admitted that, was offered a job by Wits University. As I speak now, he has accepted that appointment. On the other hand, Adv Ameermia indicated that he had to leave work and look after his two children, his two sons, because his wife was ill and that had affected his family. He is available to start at any time. Therefore, based on what I have said here, the ANC recommends Adv Shafie Ameermia. Thank you, Deputy Speaker. [Applause.]