Law

Addressing corporate reporting issues in South Africa

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles have become essential to modern business operations, marking a significant shift in the corporate responsibility landscape. In South Africa, this transition brings with it unique challenges and opportunities, particularly for corporations that are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

Prof Neels Kilian from the Finance, Trade and Innovation (FTI) research group at the Faculty of Law has dedicated his work to understanding and addressing the legal challenges surrounding the application of ESG principles.

Submitted on Tue, 06/17/2025 - 15:08

NWU law student selected for national Siyaphumelela Scholars programme

A final-year law student at North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus has been chosen for the 2025 Siyaphumelela Scholars programme, a national initiative focused on student success and leadership in higher education.

Musa Bizani and four other students from the University of Cape Town, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of the Witwatersrand and University of the Western Cape will attend the Siyaphumelela Conference at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre in Fourways, Johannesburg, from 8 to 11 July 2025.

Submitted on Tue, 06/17/2025 - 10:15

NWU and Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman formalise transformative partnership

In a landmark step toward deepening legal education, community engagement, and access to justice, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman (CGSO). The signing ceremony took place on 11 June 2025, marking the formalisation of a collaboration that has been evolving since 2022.

Submitted on Fri, 06/13/2025 - 11:19

NWU honours Prof Christa Rautenbach with the Chancellor’s Medal

Her transformative leadership through her editorship of the Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal stands as a beacon of achievement in the vision and mission of the North-West University (NWU) to be a pre-eminent university in Africa. Her achievements in legal academia and journal development have earned Prof Christa Rautenbach the NWU Chancellor’s Medal.

She received this honour during a graduation ceremony on 6 June. The Chancellor’s Medal is awarded to people who show exceptional merit or have made significant contributions to society.

Submitted on Fri, 06/06/2025 - 10:48

South Africa urged to adopt sustainable model for mine rehabilitation

Sitting on a R49 billion environmental liability tied to 6 100 legacy mines, South Africa needs to consider a dedicated rehabilitation fund supported by mandatory levies on mining companies to meet its mine rehabilitation targets.

Speaking during a public lecture hosted by the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law, Dr Fredua Agyemang pointed to Western Australia’s model, backed by industry levies and steady investment returns, as a possible solution to unlock consistent rehabilitation funding.

Submitted on Mon, 05/05/2025 - 08:44

Faculty of Law to host lecture on judicial limits and apex court authority

Is the Constitutional Court within its powers when it rules against decisions made in Parliament? Or is it stepping across the line between separate branches of government?

Setting out to answer these questions, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law is set to host a public lecture, “The functions of an apex court: Who empowered 11 unelected judges to strike down laws of a democratically elected parliament?” on Wednesday, 2 April 2025.

Submitted on Fri, 03/28/2025 - 09:10

Sustainability reporting poses challenges for JSE-listed companies

Companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) must navigate evolving sustainability reporting requirements to ensure compliance, credibility and investor confidence.

Prof Neels Kilian of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law outlined the complexities of this shift in his inaugural lecture – titled “The legal background to integrated financial reporting” – on 5 March 2025 at the Potchefstroom Campus.

“The JSE has taken steps to standardise sustainability reporting,” Prof Kilian said. “But ensuring consistent compliance remains a challenge.”

Submitted on Wed, 03/12/2025 - 11:05

Academic urges students to play a role in decolonising South Africa’s legal system

“Will you be a benchwarmer, enforcing the status quo, or will you be part of the legal revolution?” This is North-West University (NWU) law professor Boitumelo Mmusinyane’s challenge to students as he advocates for their greater involvement in efforts to decolonise South Africa's legal system.

Prof Mmusinyane highlights the ongoing challenge of integrating indigenous knowledge into the country's Eurocentric legal framework, a legacy of colonisation and apartheid that continues to marginalise African governance traditions.

Submitted on Fri, 11/08/2024 - 09:59

Land degradation expert to share his expertise with national working group

The goal of achieving land degradation neutrality is still achievable, especially with the recent appointment of Prof Klaus Kellner from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM) at the North-West University (NWU) to serve on the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) National Working Group.

Submitted on Thu, 09/05/2024 - 08:44

Faculty of Law honours undergraduate excellence and leadership

On 31 July and 1 and 2 August 2024, the Faculty of Law at the North-West University (NWU) hosted its annual Undergraduate Prestige Awards across the three university campuses. These awards celebrate the academic excellence and outstanding leadership of students, recognising their dedication to both scholarly pursuits and community service. 

Submitted on Wed, 08/21/2024 - 08:35