LINDIWE KHUMALO: CELEBRATING SWAZI WOMEN CHANGING AFRICA AND THE WORLD
Lindiwe Khumalo has emerged as one of Africa’s most influential human rights advocates and governance experts.
With a career spanning over two decades, she has made remarkable contributions to the promotion of justice, democracy, and institutional reform across the continent. Currently serving as the Acting Executive Secretary to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), Khumalo continues to be a driving force in shaping human rights policies at the highest levels.
Khumalo’s career is deeply rooted in law and human rights. As an admitted attorney of the High Courts of South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho, she boasts 20 years of extensive litigation experience in private legal practice. She has held executive and advisory positions in public service and international organizations, including the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the African Union Commission (AUC).
Her academic background reflects her commitment to justice and governance. She holds a Master of Laws degree specializing in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa and a Master of Management degree in Public and Development Management. These qualifications have underpinned her ability to navigate complex legal and policy landscapes across the continent. Leadership in Human Rights Institutions Khumalo has held several key positions within human rights institutions.
Lindiwe Khumalo
At the SAHRC, she served as Provincial Manager, where she led investigations, mediation, and litigation of human rights complaints. She later became the Chief Operations Officer and, subsequently, the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the institution’s core operations and programmatic performance across nine provincial offices in South Africa. Beyond South Africa, she played a crucial role at the African Union Commission from 2017 to 2020, advising the Chairperson and driving institutional collaboration among the AU’s governance and human rights organs.
Her leadership in the African Governance Architecture (AGA) strengthened coherence between the AU’s specialized agencies and regional economic communities. Historic Appointment as Clerk of the Pan-African Parliament In 2023, Khumalo made history as the first female Clerk of the Pan-African Parliament since its inception in 2004. In this role, she oversees financial and human resources, provides technical support to mandate-holders, and ensures effective implementation of parliamentary programs.
Her appointment was a significant milestone in breaking gender barriers within Africa’s highest legislative body. Recognized Excellence Khumalo’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. On December 10, 2024—International Human Rights Day—she was honored with the prestigious Vera Chirwa Prize at the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights. This award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to human rights and democratization in Africa.
Notably, Khumalo is an alumna of the Centre’s Master’s in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa (HRDA) program, class of 2010. Shaping Policy in Eswatini and Beyond Khumalo’s influence extends to her home country, Eswatini. From 2000 to 2006, she served as Chairperson of Public Commissions of Inquiry for the Eswatini Parliament, leading critical investigations into governance matters. Between 1996 and 2009, she chaired the Board of Directors for the Government of Eswatini while also managing her law firm, LKM Attorneys.
Whether in the courtroom, boardroom, or policy arena, Khumalo has consistently championed human rights, governance, and institutional reform across Africa. Her leadership at the ACHPR places her at the forefront of continental efforts to strengthen human rights protections. As Africa continues to navigate challenges in governance, democracy, and human rights, Lindiwe Khumalo remains a steadfast advocate, ensuring that justice and accountability remain central to the continent’s future.