“Magtig, pragtig!” Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya exclaims, quoting her favourite Afrikaans teacher from school. “He always used to say that when he was very impressed and today it is my turn,” explains the North-West University’s (NWU’s) deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation.

The reason for her excitement? It is the opening of the Faculty of Law’s first-ever South African Research Chair in Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability (CLES), jointly funded by Nedbank and the National Research Foundation.

CLES forms part of the faculty’s research unit for Law, Justice and Sustainability and has been awarded for the period 2019 to 2024.

The purpose of this research chair is imbedded in the negative impact and opportunities various phenomena pose. These include the globalisation of urban governance, unprecedented urbanisation on the African continent, the adoption of an urban goal in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the contribution of cities to global climate change and the growing need for improved environmental service delivery in metropolitan areas, medium-sized cities and smaller towns.

Under the leadership of Prof Anél du Plessis, the chair will focus on the priorities set in South Africa’s National Development Plan and the Integrated Urban Development Framework. These priorities are to address developmental challenges and build community resilience in an environmentally sustainable way.

“It is a significant achievement that comes with great responsibility,” says Prof Phaswana-Mafuya. “Now a new generation of young researchers will be equipped to tackle problems such as sustainability.”

Prof Stephen de la Harpe, dean of the Faculty of Law, also commended Prof Du Plessis and her team for their superlative efforts and hard work in securing the research chair. “The research chair’s focus is highly relevant for not only the country, but the continent as a whole, and we are all looking forward to seeing what this chair will be able to achieve.” 

Prof Anél du Plessis addresses the audience during the opening of the Faculty of Law's CLES research chair.