Commissioner for Children
Christina Nomdo
Childrens.Commissioner@wccc.gov.za
Commissioner Christina Nomdo was appointed as the Western Cape Commissioner for Children for a five-year term from 1 June 2020. Her mandate is to promote and protect the rights, needs, and interests of children in the Province. The Commissioner is an oversight mechanism for the Department of Education, Health, Social Development, as well as Cultural Affairs and Sport. Christina has worked professionally for over 30 years on issues affecting children's rights.
Christina holds a Masters degree from the University of Cape Town and a Bachelors degrees from the University of South Africa in Library and Information Sciences as well as the Arts (majoring in Child Psychology). Christina is passionate about children's participation in governance.
Deputy Director: Investigations and Advice
Cameron Cyster
Cameron Cyster joined the Office of the Children's Commissioner on 1st July 2021. He will support the Commissioner by managing the Investigations and Advice branch of the office. This includes setting up and managing of systems to monitor and investigate provincial government service delivery and to manage staff and operations for the Office.
Cameron holds a Master's degree in Organisational Psychology from the University of Cape Town. He has a mix of experience from both the public sector and civil society. Cameron has vast experience in research and, policy and strategy development in provincial government, as well as funding innovative programmes in the early childhood development sector.
Assistant Director: Monitoring and Awareness
Xolane Ndlovu
Xolane Ndlovu joined the Office of the Children’s Commissioner in November 2023. He will support the Commissioner with the advocacy mandate of the Office.
Xolane holds a Masters's degree in Political Science. He has a strong background in research, diplomatic missions, advocacy, and human rights. His work over the years has involved supporting policy research, monitoring and reporting on socioeconomic initiatives and managing community outreach
programmes.
First Work Experience PAY Programme Intern
Emma Walker
Emma.Walker2@westerncape.gov.za
Emma Walker joined the Children's Commissioner's office in April 2024 in the capacity of an intern enrolled in the First Work Experience PAY Programme. Her role entails providing assistance to the Children's Commissioner in any manner required.
Emma is eager to acquire the knowledge and skills essential for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the office
First Work Experience PAY Programme Intern
Jayden Deysell
Jayden.Deysell@westerncape.gov.za
Jayden Deysell joined the office in April 2024 as a First Work Experience PAY Programme PAY intern In this capacity, he diligently provides assistance to the Commissioner and staff members as required.
Jayden's conscientious nature and eagerness to acquire knowledge enable him to contribute effectively to enhancing efficiency within the office environment.
Children’s Commissioner Officer: Investigations and Advice
Aubrey Van Rooy-Brandt
Aubrey joined the Office of the Children’s Commissioner in March 2023. He will support the Children’s Commissioner with the investigations and advisory functions.
Aubrey has a solid foundation in community development, social work, and law. He possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to represent vulnerable children and their interests at the highest level of law and policy development in the country.
Aubrey has an undergraduate qualification in Advanced Certificate in Community Development and two bachelor's degrees, in Social Work and Law. He is currently studying towards his Master’s degree.
Assistant Director: Investigations and Advice
Tessa Goldschmidt
Tessa Goldschmidt joined the Office of the Commissioner for Children on the 1 February 2021. Tessa provides administrative support to the Commissioner, is the liaison for the Child Government Monitors Initiative, and works alongside the Commissioner in communities listening to children, and parents, and making their voices heard in society.
Tessa holds a Masters degree in Research Psychology and Bachelors degree (majoring in Psychology and Language and Communication Studies) from the University of the Western Cape. Her interests include child development and well-being, as well as nurturing parenting.
Assistant Director: Monitoring and Awareness
Malcolm Hess
Malcolm Hess joined the Office of the Children’s Commissioner in November 2023. He will support the Commissioner with the Monitoring mandate of the Office.
Malcolm has a strong background in community engagement and research as a Social Crime Prevention Project Manager, an Educator, and a Program Manager capacitating communities in urban and semi-urban settings.
He holds a Masters in Development Studies with an emphasis on social protection, development management, social policy and economics in development.
Children’s Commissioner Officer: Monitoring and Awareness
Mthuthuzeli Ntseku
Mthuthuzeli.Ntseku@wccc.gov.za
Mthuthuzeli joined the office of the Children's Commissioner on 01 May 2023 as the Communications Officer in the Awareness unit. He will support the Commissioner in creating awareness and understanding of the Office, its mandate, projects and programmes and report on the Office’s activities.
He is a qualified journalist, with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Communications Management and has worked in mainstream media.
He has experience in teaching and learning and brings with him expertise and knowledge in the media industry. He is a community and youth development champion.
First Work Experience PAY Programme Intern
Ahmed Begg
Ahmed joined the office of the Children's Commissioner in April 2024 as a First Work Experience PAY Programme PAY intern. His primary responsibility is to provide comprehensive support to the Commissioner and her team. This may include tasks such as data collection following workshops or maintaining the organisation of the office space.
Ahmed possesses a keen eagerness to acquire knowledge and experience during his one-year internship. He approaches his role with an open and receptive mindset, ready to absorb as much information and skills as possible.