Fatima Chohan
Fatima Chohan | |
|---|---|
| Deputy Minister of Home Affairs | |
| In office 1 November 2010 – 29 May 2019 | |
| President | Jacob Zuma |
| Succeeded by | Njabulo Nzuza |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | South African |
| Political party | African National Congress |
| Alma mater | University of Witwatersrand Rhodes University[1] |
Fatima Ismail Chohan (formerly known as Fatima Chohan-Kota[2]) is a South African politician and activist who is currently deputy chair of the South African Human Rights Commission.[3] A member of the African National Congress (ANC), Chohan was formerly a member of the National Assembly of South Africa, where she served from 1996 to 2019.[4][5]
From 2010 to 2019, Chohan served as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs under President Jacob Zuma. A Muslim South African, Chohan is a former member of the Executive Committee of the Muslim Student Society.[6]
Early life and education[edit]
Chohan completed her schooling in Laudium, Gauteng. She attended the University of Witwatersrand, where she received her B.Proc. degree. As a student, Chohan was a member of the Black Students Society from 1987 to 1990 and served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Muslim Student Society.
Legal career[edit]
In 1998, Chohan was admitted to the Side Bar. Chohan was a legal advisor to the Gauteng Legislature and chairwoman of the Western Cape's Provincial Committee on the Magistrates Commission. She later became deputy head of Metro Legal Services in Greater Johannesburg.[6]
Political career[edit]
In 1996, Chohan became a member of the National Assembly of South Africa.[6] During the presidency of Thabo Mbeki, Chohan was considered a "rising star" within the ruling African National Congress (ANC).[7]
Chohan was appointed Deputy Minister of Home Affairs in November 2010 and was reappointed in May 2014, serving in the position until May 2019.[8] In this role, Chohan was an outspoken supporter of liberal refugee resettlement policies.[9] In the 2019 South African general election, Chohan served as a surrogate for the ANC's outreach into Muslim communities.[10] However, as a result of the party receiving a reduced majority in the election, Chohan lost her seat in parliament.[5]
South African Human Rights Committee (SAHRC)[edit]
In 2021, Chohan was recommended for the position of deputy chair of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) by the parliamentary committee on justice and correctional services.[11] Since taking office, Chohan has advocated for an increase in funding for the SAHRC, arguing that budget constraints hinder the commission's activities.[3]
See also[edit]
- African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
- Constitution of South Africa
- History of the African National Congress
- Politics in South Africa
- Provincial governments of South Africa
External links[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Fatima Chohan". People's Assembly. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
- ^ "Asmal gets top Parliament post". The Mail & Guardian. 7 May 2004. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ a b Monama, Tebogo. "SAHRC says financial constraints are hampering its work". News24. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ "Fatima Chohan". People's Assembly. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ a b February, Judith. "JUDITH FEBRUARY: What's needed for our new Parliament to be effective". ewn.co.za. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ a b c "Fatima Ismail Chohan, Ms | South African Government". www.gov.za. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ "The day the president came calling". The Mail & Guardian. 2 November 2010. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ Pillai, Venugopal (21 January 2014). "Profile: Fatima Chohan". Archived from the original on 20 December 2011. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
- ^ "SA to continue with liberal refugee policy". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ Davis, Rebecca (30 May 2018). "CYRIL REACHES OUT: Ramaphosa accelerates Western Cape charm offensive as he targets Muslim vote". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ "Two women candidates recommended for SAHRC". SAnews. 25 May 2021. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
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