A timely new academic publication has joined South Africa’s shelves of legal scholarship. Commercial Law and Related Issues: A Review of Contemporary Legal Issues and Regulatory Development in South Africa and Selected Jurisdictions, published by Juta, was officially launched during a recent legal research conference at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU).
The launch by Juta formed part of the second Annual International Banking, Competition & Corporate Law (BCCL) Conference that took place from 13 to 15 August. The event featured contributions from endorsers, editors and authors discussing the relevance and perspectives presented in the book. The book, edited by Prof Howard Chitimira, Prof Moses Retselisitsoe Phooko and Prof Tapiwa Victor Warikandwa, delves into pressing areas of law, regulation and society.
With contributions from across South Africa and beyond, the book is set to become a reference point for scholars, practitioners and policymakers seeking insight into contemporary commercial law. Key themes include financial regulation (frameworks for financial inclusion and consumer protection in South Africa and Zimbabwe), digital economies, trade and integration, empowerment and transformation, and cross-jurisdictional perspectives. Together, the 13 chapters showcase how commercial law intersects with technology, trade, regulation and social justice.
The publication seeks to evoke debates and discussions on how legal education, scholarship and practice can develop and adapt to new, complex and controversial issues informing legal education, writing and practices. According to the authors, the book is a useful read for policymakers, students, legal practitioners and academics focusing on multidisciplinary research and development.
“A substantial contribution”
At the launch, one of the reviewers, Dr Menelisi Ncube from UNISA, praised the collection as “a substantial contribution to our legal scholarship”. He highlighted chapters exploring Zimbabwe’s tax regulation of mobile money services, socio-economic rights under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, and frameworks for financial inclusion.
A representative from Juta, Stephen Roy Allcock, echoed this sentiment. “This book is not just an academic exercise – it is a call to action,” he noted, and applauded the editors and contributors for producing a resource that is “rigorous, relevant and impactful”.
Prof Chitimira, speaking on behalf of the editors, expressed pride in the collaborative spirit of the project. “We are especially delighted that so many emerging scholars feature in this book. Seeing others grow and contribute gives us joy beyond diamonds or gold.”
Prof Henk Kloppers, acting executive dean of the Faculty of Law at the NWU, with Prof Howard Chitimira, one of the editors of Commercial Law and Related Issues: A Review of Contemporary Legal Issues and Regulatory Development in South Africa and Selected Jurisdictions.
