Media Statement

United Nations Secretary General appoints Advocate Mojankunyane Gumbi as Special Adviser For Addressing Racism in the Workplace

27 January 2023

The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services has congratulated Advocate Mojankunyane Gumbi on her appointment as the Special Adviser for Addressing Racism in the Workplace.

On the 26th of January 2023, the United Nations Secretary General, Mr António Guterres, announced the appointment of Advocate Gumbi to this very important position. In her role as Special Adviser, Adv Gumbi will provide strategic advice to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on addressing racism and racial discrimination, as well as overseeing the implementation of the long-term Strategic Action Plan adopted by the UN in 2022 to address racism in the workplace.

“As a nation we are extremely proud of Adv Gumbi’s achievements. Her appointment is of great significance. With Adv Gumbi’s wealth of experience in government and as someone who was at the heart of constructing the foundations of our democratic, non-racial post-apartheid South Africa, she is ideally placed to help the global community eradicate systemic colonial and racist practices which continue to be deeply embedded in society,” said Min Lamola.

Although there have been significant improvements in race relations since 1994, post-apartheid South Africa continues to face incidents of racism, racial discrimination and other forms of intolerance.  The Department of Justice and Constitutional Developments baseline study 2021 on the levels of racism, has revealed that the most common form of racial prejudice identified was labour market racism.

“The data presented in our own baseline study showcases the need for well-resourced anti-discrimination interventions. We intend to work closely with Adv Gumbi in her new role. This will enable us to further develop anti-discrimination interventions which are line with international best practices,” said Minister Lamola.

Enquiries: Chrispin Phiri
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services
Cell: 081 781 2261