Philile Ntuli is a committed human rights advocate, cultural preservationist, and social justice leader serving as a commissioner at the South African Human Rights Commission. She holds a Master of Social Science from the University of Pretoria and a certificate in African Political Economy from the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute (UNISA) — academic foundations that reinforce her work in policy, advocacy, and transformative community engagement. Her days are guided by dialogue, investigation, and collaboration with communities, government, and civil society, turning lived experiences into practical policy recommendations. Her work spans land and housing rights, food security, cultural preservation, and social cohesion — ensuring that marginalised voices are both heard and acted upon. Philile’s commitment is deeply personal. Growing up on a farm during South Africa’s transitional years, she witnessed inequality alongside the beauty of the land — shaping her conviction that justice and healing begin with dignity, culture, and belonging. She channels this through initiatives like the South African Water Justice Tracker, the Kwa-Ntu Heritage Sanctuary, and the Sisters’ Keepers Football Club for young girls. A creative at heart, she expresses herself through clay sculpture and storytelling, honouring women’s resilience and preserving cultural memory. Guided by collaboration and empathy, Philile believes lasting change begins with people.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master of Social Science (MSocSci), University of Pretoria
- Honours degree in Gender Studies, University of Pretoria
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Bachelor of Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Certificate completed: African Political Economy, Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute, UNISA – Media Monitoring, Institute for the Advancement of Journalism – Public Relations Writing, Provox Centre for Public Relations.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Human Rights Leadership – serving as a commissioner at the South African Human Rights Commission, leading inquiries and advocacy on land rights, food security, social cohesion, and cultural rights.
- Water Justice – co-initiating and developing the South African Water Justice Tracker, South Africa’s foremost database for monitoring the government’s progressive realisation of the right to water.
- Environmental & Health Advocacy – working with activist communities across South Africa to secure the banning of Turbofos, a harmful pesticide, successfully achieved in June 2025.
- Housing Rights – advocating for women denied their right to adequate housing and ensuring the government delivers safe and dignified homes.
- Community-Centred Projects – coordinating and establishing the girls’ soccer team “Sisters’ Keepers Football Club”, promoting leadership, teamwork, and confidence among young girls.
- Cultural Preservation & Knowledge Work – advancing projects that protect indigenous knowledge, including research and documentation of the Durban Medicine Market, preserving living traditions of healing.
- Regenerative Development – developing the Kwa-Ntu Heritage Sanctuary, a regenerative tourism initiative that integrates land, culture, and community renewal.
- Creative Expression – using art and storytelling, including clay sculpture and oral histories, to celebrate women’s resilience and preserve cultural memory.
