Law

South Africa urged to adopt sustainable model for mine rehabilitation

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 05 May 2025 06:44:32 +0000

South Africa urged to adopt sustainable model for mine rehabilitation

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/05/2025 - 08:44

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.

Dr Agyemang, a postdoctoral fellow at the South African Research Chair Initiative (SARCHI): Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability (CLES), said South Africa’s approach to legacy mines must change if it is to meet its rehabilitation goals. “South Africa needs R49 billion to meet its rehabilitation targets, but only 44% of that amount is currently covered by financial provision,” he said.

“In 2010, the government planned to repair approximately 2 000 dissolved organic matter mines (DOMs) by 2021 because of their significant dangers and far-reaching consequences for society and the environment. The goal was to rehabilitate 6 100 DOMs by 2038. However, as of 31 March 2021, there has been relatively limited progress.

“Apart from asbestos mines, none of the 2 322 high-risk commodity DOMs had undergone rehabilitation. Among the 1 170 identified holdings, 507 (43%) were recorded as closed in the DOM database. Of the 261 asbestos mines, only 32 (12%) had been rehabilitated since the programme’s launch in 2006–07, with the remaining 229 mines earmarked for rehabilitation by 2033. Generally, rehabilitation efforts in South Africa have shown modest progress over the past 12 years (31 March 2010 to 31 March 2021), with the average annual percentage of rehabilitated mines increasing from 1,67% in 2009 to 2,35% in 2021,’’ said Dr Agyemang.

“Progress has stalled due to funding constraints, lack of coordinated enforcement and the difficulty of identifying responsible parties for mines abandoned decades ago,” he added.

How Western Australia has tackled the problem

Dr Agyemang has done a comparative legal study focused on how South Africa and Western Australia are managing the rehabilitation of legacy mines, meaning mines abandoned before the introduction of environmental laws.

Western Australia recorded about 60 000 abandoned mines and responded by establishing the Mining Rehabilitation Fund, a levy-based system requiring operating mining companies to contribute annually to a central fund, which is managed by the government.

"The central fund currently holds AUD 291,2 million and generates AUD 3,1 million in annual interest. The principal amount (AUD 291,2 million) is allocated to the rehabilitation of operating mines for which it has been specifically assigned, while part of the interest (AUD 3,1 million) is used to fund the rehabilitation of legacy mines," Dr Agyemang said.

The Western Australian model shifts the financial responsibility to industry while generating investment returns that support ongoing rehabilitation. “This enables ongoing rehabilitation without placing the financial burden on taxpayers.”

Rehabilitation delays are a health hazard

The environmental risks posed by unrehabilitated mines were also outlined in the lecture. These risks include acid mine drainage, water and soil pollution and land instability. Communities living near these sites face exposure to contamination, disruptions to livelihoods and limited land use. Informal and unsafe mining activities have emerged in some abandoned shafts, increasing health and safety risks.

Dr Agyemang noted that South Africa’s current framework, based on the National Environmental Management Act and the National Programme for the Rehabilitation of Derelict and Ownerless Mines, lacks long-term financial stability. "Because of legal constraints, the state cannot always enforce retroactive liability on polluters," he said, adding that this weakens accountability for environmental damage.

He recommended the creation of a dedicated rehabilitation fund supported by mandatory levies on mining companies. “Strengthening enforcement and coordination is critical to accelerating rehabilitation efforts and ensuring sustainable land use.”

Without a stable source of funding, Dr Agyemang warned, the pace of rehabilitation would remain slow, and the financial burden would continue to fall on the public sector – and therefore taxpayers.

Dr Fredua Agyemang

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

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:10:47 +0000

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

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/28/2025 - 09:10

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.

The lecture will explore the judicial process and the limits of judicial authority in South Africa, and will take place from 09:00 to 11:00 via Microsoft Teams.

Guest speaker Justice Albert ‘Albie’ Louis Sachs, a South African activist and former Constitutional Court judge, will lead the discussion.

Justice Sachs has participated in major legal debates and played a role in reform efforts, offering insight into the interplay between judicial review and legislative decisions. His career reflects years of engagement with constitutional matters and legal activism, making him a central figure in contemporary discussions about the power of the judiciary.

Lecture host, Prof Howard Chitimira, says: “This lecture offers a forum to analyse the balance of power within our legal system. It allows us to understand the impact of judicial review on our democratic process.”

His comment reflects the commitment of the faculty to foster a clear discussion on the separation of powers and the influence of legal decisions on public policy.

The session is expected to engage academics, legal practitioners and students in a comprehensive examination of judicial limits and the roles played by apex courts in South Africa’s evolving democracy.

Interested parties can join the public lecture via this MS Teams link on 2 April at 9:00

Sustainability reporting poses challenges for JSE-listed companies

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:05:05 +0000

Sustainability reporting poses challenges for JSE-listed companies

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 03/12/2025 - 11:05

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.”

The JSE introduced sustainability metrics in 2022, requiring companies to report on about 60 factors related to environmental, social and governance practices. This framework builds on the World Federation of Exchanges model, which outlines 30 key indicators. Unlike the New York Stock Exchange, which views these guidelines as recommendations, the JSE integrates them into its reporting rules.

“Companies are adjusting to the new framework, but full compliance is still developing,” said Prof Kilian.

Asset managers such as BlackRock and Old Mutual use independent rating agencies to assess sustainability performance. The JSE also collaborates with the London Stock Exchange for the FTSE/JSE Top 30 Index, which is rated for sustainability compliance by FTSE Russell. However, Prof Kilian pointed to a lack of publicly available ratings for companies in the index.

“There’s a transparency gap in how companies are rated for sustainability. Investors need access to clear and reliable data.”

Other exchanges, such as the Paris Stock Exchange, employ rating systems like Morningstar and Equitics® to evaluate sustainability compliance. Prof Kilian suggested that the JSE may need to adopt similar independent assessment models to strengthen investor confidence.

“The future of financial reporting is tied to sustainability. Stock exchanges must adapt to ensure compliance and credibility.”

Prof Neels Kilian

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

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 07:59:38 +0000

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

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 11/08/2024 - 09:59

“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.

He also points out that South Africa’s judiciary remains deeply influenced by European legal and governance systems, even as it plays a role in transforming society.

“Our judiciary continues to mirror Eurocentric legal frameworks, yet it is responsible for societal transformation.”

While lawyers are well-trained in navigating the current system through established precedents, Prof Mmusinyanei says they often face difficulties incorporating African legal principles into their practice.

According to Prof Mmusinyane, a major issue is the untapped potential of indigenous knowledge, which has been neglected for centuries. He notes that indigenous governance systems, which were once central to African societies, have been overshadowed by laws introduced during colonialism. "The African population is trying to navigate a legal system that contributed to the dismantling of their traditional governance structures."

Prof Mmusinyane also addresses the resistance that often accompanies discussions about the integration of indigenous laws. "If you mention indigenous knowledge systems, people laugh or dismiss the idea." This reaction, he argues, perpetuates the dominance of colonial legal frameworks and slows down efforts to revive African legal traditions.

African legal concepts were erased

He raises important questions about the existence of African legal concepts in various areas, including insurance, construction law, intellectual property and trade. “Do these laws exist? Yes, they existed, but were wiped out by the legal systems we rely on today.”

Prof Mmusinyane challenges both legal professionals and students to take responsibility for rediscovering and developing these indigenous legal concepts.

He also cautions against relying on the same colonial systems that shaped South Africa’s laws in the 20th century to address the country’s current legal challenges.

"The majority of the laws we depend on today were not created with the involvement of the entire population." He adds that many people’s beliefs and legal systems remain marginalised, even decades after the end of apartheid.

Indigenous languages come to the fore

Prof Mmusinyane emphasises that decolonising the legal system is not limited to formal legal education. “You don’t need to study law in your mother tongue at university to challenge the system,” he says, adding that the restoration of dignity to community laws is a shared responsibility.

With the recent appointment of Justice Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice, Prof Mmusinyane says he expects that indigenous languages will soon play a larger role in South African law. He encourages students to prepare for this change.

“If tomorrow the courts adopt Setswana, Xhosa, Zulu or Pedi as official languages, are you ready to engage with the law in your own language?”

Finally, he reminds students that universities and legal scholars alone cannot overhaul the legal system: “You also have a role to play in decolonising the law!”

Prof Boitumelo Mmusinyane.

Land degradation expert to share his expertise with national working group

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 06:44:27 +0000

Land degradation expert to share his expertise with national working group

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 09/05/2024 - 08:44

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.

Prof Kellner has been appointed by Nomfundo Tshabalala, the director-general of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), and he will provide strategic oversight for the process of reviewing and updating the LDN targets and will bring together key relevant stakeholders at all levels.

Prof Kellner says he feels honoured to be appointed and promises to prioritise the review and validation of reports related to LDN target setting in South Africa.

"I will raise awareness about LDN among stakeholders and promote a culture of information sharing. Additionally, I will ensure that LDN target setting is integrated into national and provincial policies," he adds.

South Africa is a participant in the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which is aimed at addressing serious desertification, land degradation and drought, particularly in Africa. The UNCCD provides a framework for countries affected by desertification to effectively tackle land degradation at national, regional and international levels. The DFFE serves as the national focal point responsible for implementing the UNCCD in the country.

In 2018, South Africa, through the DFFE in partnership with the National Action Programme contributing partners, established LDN targets for the country. These targets align with Sustainable Development Goal 15: life on land, which emphasizes the protection and sustainable management of land-based ecosystems, specifically target 15.3 aimed at achieving a land degradation-neutral world by 2030. The Cabinet approved these targets for implementation in 2018.

Accordingly, South Africa committed to restoring, conserving and sustainably managing around 17 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2030 through the set LDN targets. These LDN targets complement the implementation of South Africa’s National Action Plan to combat desertification and other environmental programmes.

South Africa has been designated as one of the leading countries worldwide to participate in the LDN target-setting process, acknowledging the nation's constructive role in the UNCCD.

Furthermore, the UNCCD has launched its first-ever Data Dashboard, compiling national reporting figures from 126 countries. The data shows that land degradation is rapidly advancing across all regions, and that – between 2015 and 2019 – the world lost at least 100 million hectares of healthy and productive land each year.

In sub-Saharan Africa, Botswana has successfully reduced land degradation from 36 percent to 17 percent of its territory. The country has committed a total of 45,3 million hectares to land degradation neutrality. This includes measures to prevent further degradation as well as restore interventions in specific land degradation hotspots. Additionally, Botswana has identified 1,42 million hectares as "bright spot" areas, which are regions rehabilitated through appropriate remediation activities.

Land degradation trends differ by region, but UNCCD data warns that if current trends continue, the world will need to restore 1,5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 to achieve the LDN targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Although global trends are moving in the wrong direction, it is still feasible to not only meet but exceed land degradation neutrality goals. This can be achieved by halting further degradation while accelerating efforts on existing commitments to restore one billion hectares of land by 2030, with funding and action going hand-in-hand," says Dr Barron Orr, UNCCD chief scientist.

In a positive step towards creating a more resilient future, 109 countries have committed to voluntary LDN targets for 2030, and another 21 are in the process of doing so. From 2016 to 2019, around $5 billion from bilateral and multilateral sources supported global efforts to fight desertification, land degradation, and drought. This aid assisted 124 nations in carrying out various projects to achieve land degradation neutrality and tackle the challenges presented by desertification, land degradation, and drought.

Prof Kellner says he is satisfied with South Africa's engagement in the UNCCD and has been involved in the convention for many years. He has represented South Africa at many conferences of parties for the UNCCD at a global scale as the president of the Committee for Science and Technology.

He also serves on the national coordinating body of the UNCCD and was appointed on the Roster of Experts regarding DLDD matters in South Africa.

Prof Kellner regards his appointment as a promising initiative that will not only benefit other Southern African Development Community nations, but will also yield global significance.

Prof Klaus Kellner

Faculty of Law honours undergraduate excellence and leadership

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 06:35:08 +0000

Faculty of Law honours undergraduate excellence and leadership

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 08/21/2024 - 08:35

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.

The ceremonies honoured the top 10 academic performers in each year group, as well as student leaders, mentors and tutors who played pivotal roles in the Law Student Academic Chapter (LSAC). The awards also highlighted students who exemplified the spirit of Ubuntu, showcasing the values of compassion and human connection within their communities.

Kagiso Masilo, senior lecturer and director for undergraduate studies, congratulated the students on the Vanderbijlpark Campus on their remarkable achievements. "There is no telling how high you can soar. Dedicate yourself to your goals, make your parents proud, but most importantly, make yourself proud."

He also emphasised that academic excellence is not solely about intelligence and talent, but also about relentless hard work and a commitment to self-discovery.

Moffat Ndou, senior lecturer and deputy director for undergraduate studies, praised the student chapter for their significant contribution to student life. He highlighted the role of the chapter in supporting students’ professional development and in leading community engagement efforts.

Prof Michelle Barnard, associate professor and deputy dean for quality assurance and stakeholder relations, addressed the students at the Potchefstroom Campus and acknowledged their hard work and determination. "Your achievements are a testament to your drive for excellence," she said. Prof Barnard also expressed her gratitude to the academic staff and various stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event.

At the Mahikeng Campus, Dr Neo Morei, executive dean of the Faculty of Law, commended the students for their academic accomplishments and shared her own journey to success. "I am a village girl, and as I always say, your background does not determine your success." She inspired the audience with her story of resilience and determination, and emphasised the importance of humility, respect and integrity as keys to future success.

In light of Women’s Month, she also encouraged female students to be proud of their achievements.

Dr Morei concluded by encouraging students to continue their education, and reminded them of the university’s proud history of producing top legal professionals, including judges at the Constitutional Court, High Court, and the Appeal Court. "If you remain humble and true to yourself, you will go places," she advised, leaving the students with a powerful message of hope and perseverance.

Award recipients on the Mahikeng Campus pose for a photo with Eagi, the NWU mascot.

Dr Neo Morei, executive dean of the Faculty of Law address attendees at the Mahikeng Campus.

Parents and students gathered at Crista Galli in Potchefstroom to celebrate the academic excellence of undergraduate students.

Prof Michelle Barnard, associate professor and deputy dean for quality assurance and stakeholder relations, addresses Potchefstroom students and their parents.

Award recipients on the Vanderbijlpark Campus pose proudly with their lecturers.

Kagiso Masilo, senior lecturer and director for undergraduate studies, address students and their parents on the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Lecturer shines as judge at prestigious African Moot Court competition

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 06:16:12 +0000

Lecturer shines as judge at prestigious African Moot Court competition

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 08/14/2024 - 08:16

Showcasing her passion for legal education and human rights awareness across the continent, Dr Mahlatse Maake-Malatji, a senior lecturer in law at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus, served as a distinguished judge at the 33rd Christof Heyns African Moot Court Competition (CHAMCC).

This prestigious competition, co-hosted by the University of Pretoria and the University of Rwanda, was held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 22 to 28 July 2024.

The annual CHAMCC is a vital platform for students from higher education institutions across Africa to showcase their legal acumen.

Dr Maake-Malatji’s role at the competition was pivotal and encompassed several key responsibilities. One her primary duties was evaluating the written submissions of the competing teams. This rigorous process involved a detailed assessment of legal arguments, structure, clarity and adherence to the competition’s stringent rules. Her keen eye for detail and profound legal knowledge ensured that each submission was thoroughly scrutinised.

After the evaluation process, Dr Maake-Malatji joined her fellow judges in the oral hearings where they had to listen to the participants’ arguments.

The judges assessed the teams’ oral advocacy skills, focusing on their ability to present coherent arguments, respond adeptly to questions, and adhere to legal protocols. “I actively engaged with the participants, posing challenging questions to test their understanding, the robustness of their arguments, and their ability to think on their feet,” she says.

Dr Maake-Malatji’s feedback was not only critical for determining the competition’s outcomes, but also served as a valuable educational tool for the participants. By providing constructive feedback, she helped these aspiring lawyers refine their skills and deepen their legal knowledge.

Ensuring fairness and adherence to the established rules of the competition was another vital aspect of her role. She addressed procedural issues and made rulings on objections or disputes that arose, thereby maintaining the integrity of the competition.

Reflecting on her experience, Dr Maake-Malatji says she is fortunate to have been part of this critical educational role. “As a judge, I believe that I have contributed significantly to fostering a deeper understanding of international human rights law and the judicial process among the participants, and provided them with the necessary guidance and mentorship. By setting an example and upholding high standards of legal analysis and advocacy, we nurture and mould the legal leaders of tomorrow.”

Honourable Lady Justice Imani Daud Aboud, president of the African Court on Humans and Peoples’ Rights, and Dr Mahlatse Maake-Malatji.

From left are HE Mandisi Mpahlwa, South African High Commissioner to Rwanda, Tshepo Ramatabana, lecturer, and Dr Mahlatse Maake-Malatji, senior lecturer at the NWU.

Competition Commission to deliver public lecture

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 06:37:15 +0000

Competition Commission to deliver public lecture

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 08/07/2024 - 08:37

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law will host a significant hybrid public lecture on 15 August 2024, featuring the Competition Commission.

The event – themed “25 Years of Competition Law Enforcement in South Africa” – will take place at the Mahikeng Campus and will focus on the commission’s role and achievements over the past 25 years.

This lecture aims to engage the academic community and the public in understanding the Competition Commission’s mandate and its impact on South Africa’s economic landscape. By providing a comprehensive overview of its operations and enforcement activities, the commission hopes to raise awareness and foster a deeper appreciation for competition law.

Mr Makgale Mohlala, head of the Cartels Division at the Competition Commission, will be the keynote speaker. As a seasoned expert in competition law, he will share insights on the commission's enforcement actions and highlight key milestones achieved in the last 25 years.

Dr Elfas Torrerai from the Faculty of Law says attendees can look forward to an in-depth discussion on the importance of competition law in promoting fair business practices, preventing monopolistic behaviour, and protecting consumer rights.

“The lecture will also address contemporary issues in competition law enforcement and explore future directions for the commission,” he adds.

“This event is part of the Competition Commission’s broader outreach strategy to engage with educational institutions and local communities, ensuring that the public is well-informed about its role and activities. The faculty is honoured to host this important dialogue and encourages participation from students, academics and community members alike,” says Dr Torrerai.

Please click her e for more information on the lecture and to register.

Law Clinic satellite centre continues to bring hope to Mpumalanga communities

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 07:27:43 +0000

Law Clinic satellite centre continues to bring hope to Mpumalanga communities

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 08/02/2024 - 09:27

University-based law clinics offer law students a unique opportunity to gain practical legal training through service learning and work-integrated learning. These clinics also provide free legal services to needy and marginalised members of the community who cannot afford the services of a private legal practitioner.

These law clinics engage with communities by informing them of their rights and enabling them to use the law to enforce their rights rather than taking the law into their own hands.

Recognising this need, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) satellite law clinic in Mpumalanga – the Mpumalanga Access to Justice Cluster – is going from strength to strength, offering invaluable assistance to those in need.

This satellite clinic is one of three at the NWU. The Mahikeng Law Clinic was established in the late 1980s and is headed by director Simon Rasikhalela. The Potchefstroom Law Clinic, headed by director Chrisna Nicholson, was established in the early 1980’s. The Mpumalanga clinic – the NWU’s first satellite branch and a project of the Potchefstroom Law Clinic, has been operating since 2004 and is also headed by Chrisna.

The satellite office consists of eight staff members, including the director who is based in Potchefstroom, a project manager, a legal practitioner, a paralegal, two candidate legal practitioners, and two administrative staff members from Potchefstroom providing support. They offer free legal services to indigent individuals or anyone unable to afford legal representation in any court of law, tribunal, or other body.

Chrisna explains how the satellite branch came into being. “At that time, Mpumalanga did not have a university, and we approached the Association of University Legal Aid Institutions (AULAI) Trust for funding to establish cluster programmes in various provinces in the country.

"We received the necessary funding, and following approval from the NWU’s Faculty of Law, the satellite office was established.”

She adds that, even though the University of Mpumalanga has since been established in 2014, it does not have a Law Faculty or department, and therefore the satellite office continues to add value.

“The office has been successfully managed since 2004 – with the gracious support from the external funders – and we continue to serve the community. The office also provides legal services to several community-based paralegal advice offices throughout the Mpumalanga province, as well as back-up legal services and advice to the staff of those offices and to the communities they serve,” she adds.

The six onsite staff members of the NWU’s satellite law clinic in Mpumalanga.

The satellite law clinic offers invaluable free legal services to members of the community.

Public Protector commits to collaborate on matters of mutual interest

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:23:21 +0000

Public Protector commits to collaborate on matters of mutual interest

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 08/01/2024 - 11:23

The North-West University (NWU) is excited to announce that plans are afoot for a groundbreaking partnership with the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA).

The move follows an undertaking by the Public Protector Adv Kholeka Gcaleka during the public lecture she delivered at the Mahikeng Campus on Thursday, 11 July 2024.

As a strategic directive, the PPSA aims to partner with higher education institutions to expand the reach of its services to vulnerable communities across the country. During the lecture, Adv Gcaleka indicated that the PPSA was committed to collaborating with the NWU on areas of mutual interest.

The proposed partnership between the university and the constitutional institution will expose NWU students to the PPSA through job shadowing exercises.

It will further allow both institutions to collaborate in outreach and advocacy through law clinics, monthly webinars and a proposed specific course focusing on ombudmanship.

The PPSA is a member of the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA), a continental body of public protector-like institutions with a mandate to promote human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. The AOMA has a research center based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.