UWC is a research-led university responsive to the needs of a changing world through excellence in learning, teaching and research, and the generation and application of new knowledge.
Firmly anchored in its local and sub-regional context and inspired by its distinctive academic role in building a more equitable and dynamic society, the University continues to empower its students, staff and partners to advance its mission of serving the greater public good and searching for humane and sustainable solutions to the challenges of our time. This is pursued through high academic standards, intellectual rigour and productive partnerships and networks beyond the confines of disciplinary and geographic boundaries.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR
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Welcome to this important day in the life of the University of the Western Cape. Today we celebrate you, our graduands, and we honour the discipline and perseverance that have brought you to this point. We also acknowledge those who have supported you along the way, especially your parents, guardians, families, friends and loved ones. Reaching this day has taken sacrifice and determination. For many of you, the journey has not been easy. There were pressures and moments of uncertainty. But you continued, and today we recognise what you have achieved.
You enter the world at a time of great complexity. Across the globe, many societies are living with conflict and socioeconomic strain. Many are also affected by division. Here in South Africa, we continue to face inequality, unemployment and the unfinished work of building a more just and inclusive society. These issues influence the daily lives of millions of people, especially those who continue to live on the margins. Yet there is still hope for humanity in those who continue to care for others and for the world we share.
That is why your education is so important. It is indeed for personal advancement, but it is also for service. It is part of the work of restoring dignity and widening opportunity. It is also for helping to build communities in which people can live with hope. Your degree is an achievement to be proud of, but it also comes with responsibility. As UWC graduates, you are part of a university guided by courage and critical thought. It is also a university with a strong sense of social purpose. Whatever path you follow from here, I hope that will remain with you. Use what you have learned with integrity. Do so with generosity and a clear sense of justice.
Ubuntu recognises that our lives are bound up with those of others. In a time when many people still feel excluded or unheard, that understanding still holds. The world needs graduates who are capable and thoughtful about how they use their knowledge and how their choices affect others. Congratulations on all that you have achieved. May you go forward with confidence and a sense of responsibility to others. God bless.
Welkom by hierdie belangrike dag in die lewe van die Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland. Vandag vier ons julle, ons gegradueerdes, en ons eer die dissipline en deursettingsvermoë wat julle tot op hierdie punt gebring het. Ons erken ook diegene wat julle langs die pad ondersteun het, veral julle ouers, voogde, families, vriende en geliefdes. Om hierdie dag te bereik, het opoffering en vasberadenheid geverg. Vir baie van julle was die reis nie maklik nie. Daar was druk en oomblikke van onsekerheid. Maar julle het voortgegaan, en vandag erken ons wat julle bereik het.
Jy betree die wêreld in ’n tyd van groot kompleksiteit. Regoor die wêreld leef baie samelewings met konflik en sosio-ekonomiese druk. Baie word ook deur verdeeldheid geraak. Hier in Suid-Afrika staar ons steeds ongelykheid, werkloosheid en die onvoltooide werk om ’n meer regverdige en inklusiewe samelewing te bou in die gesig. Hierdie kwessies beïnvloed die daaglikse lewens van miljoene mense, veral diegene wat steeds op die kantlyn leef. Tog is daar steeds hoop vir die mensdom in diegene wat steeds omgee vir ander en vir die wêreld wat ons deel.
Daarom is jou opleiding so belangrik. Dit is inderdaad vir persoonlike bevordering, maar dit is ook vir diens. Dit is deel van die werk om waardigheid te herstel en geleenthede te verbreed. Dit is ook om gemeenskappe te help bou waarin mense met hoop kan leef. Jou graad is ‘n prestasie om trots op te wees, maar dit kom ook met verantwoordelikheid. As UWK-gegradueerde is jy deel van ’n universiteit wat gelei word deur moed en kritiese denke. Dit is ook ’n universiteit met ’n sterk sin vir sosiale doel. Watter pad jy ook al van hier af volg, hoop ek dit sal by jou bly. Gebruik wat jy geleer het met integriteit. Doen dit met vrygewigheid en ‘n duidelike sin vir geregtigheid.
Ubuntu erken dat ons lewens verbind is met dié van ander. In ’n tyd wanneer baie mense steeds uitgesluit of ongehoord voel, geld daardie begrip steeds. Die wêreld het gegradueerdes nodig wat bekwaam en bedagsaam is oor hoe hulle hul kennis gebruik en hoe hul keuses ander beïnvloed. Baie geluk met alles wat jy bereik het. Mag jy vorentoe gaan met selfvertroue en ’n gevoel van verantwoordelikheid teenoor ander. God seën.
AARTSBISKOP THABO MAKGOBA
KANSELIER
UNIVERSITEIT VAN WES-KAAPLAND
Dear Graduands,
MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR
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Few moments in university life speak more clearly to the purpose of higher education than graduation. It is a time to celebrate achievement. It is also a time to recognise discipline and perseverance, and to acknowledge the support of families, friends, lecturers and mentors who have walked this journey with you.
Your graduation comes at a time when South Africa, and the world, continue to face serious challenges. We are living through a period of socioeconomic pressure and technological change. It is also a period affected by conflict, persistent inequality and climate instability. We are living through a complex time in which public trust and social justice remain urgent concerns. These realities form part of the world you are entering as graduates. Amid these issues, it remains possible to act with purpose and to help build a better future.
For that reason, your qualification is significant both as a personal achievement and as a public good. A university education equips you with knowledge and skills. It also develops your judgement, your ethical sense and your capacity to work with others in addressing the challenges of our time. At UWC, we believe that higher education should prepare graduates who can think critically, act responsibly and contribute meaningfully to society.
You have reached this day through sacrifice and determination. Many of you had to overcome various obstacles. That experience will have influenced what you know and who you are becoming. The strength you have shown in completing this journey will serve you well. As UWC graduates, I hope you will take with you a strong sense of social purpose and thoughtful engagement. Use your education with purpose and in ways that widen opportunity for others. In a society still facing deep inequality, that responsibility should be taken seriously. Congratulations on your achievement. We wish you every success in the years ahead.
PROF ROBERT J. BALFOUR RECTOR AND VICE-CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
Min oomblikke in die universiteitslewe spreek duideliker tot die doel van hoër onderwys as graduering. Dit is ’n tyd om prestasie te vier. Dit is ook ’n tyd om dissipline en deursettingsvermoë te erken, en om die ondersteuning van families, vriende, dosente en mentors wat hierdie reis saam met jou gestap het, te erken.
Jou graduering kom in ’n tyd wanneer Suid-Afrika, en die wêreld, steeds ernstige uitdagings in die gesig staar. Ons leef deur ’n tydperk van sosio-ekonomiese druk en tegnologiese verandering. Dit is ook ’n tydperk wat geraak word deur konflik, aanhoudende ongelykheid en klimaatsonstabiliteit. Ons leef deur ’n komplekse tyd waarin openbare vertroue en sosiale geregtigheid dringende bekommernisse bly. Hierdie realiteite vorm deel van die wêreld wat jy as ’n gegradueerder betree. Te midde van hierdie kwessies bly dit moontlik om doelgerig op te tree en te help om ’n beter toekoms te bou.
Om daardie rede is jou kwalifikasie betekenisvol, beide as ’n persoonlike prestasie en as ’n openbare bate. ’n Universiteitsopleiding rus jou toe met kennis en vaardighede. Dit ontwikkel ook jou oordeel, jou etiese sin en jou vermoë om met ander saam te werk om die uitdagings van ons tyd aan te spreek. By UWK glo ons dat hoër onderwys gegradueerdes moet voorberei om krities te kan dink, verantwoordelik te kan optree en betekenisvol tot die samelewing kan bydra.
Julle het hierdie dag deur opoffering en vasberadenheid bereik. Baie van julle moes verskeie struikelblokke oorkom. Daardie ervaring sal beïnvloed het wat julle weet en wie julle word. Die krag wat julle getoon het om hierdie reis te voltooi, sal julle goed te pas kom. As UWK-gegradueerdes hoop ek dat julle ’n sterk gevoel van sosiale doel en nadenkende betrokkenheid sal saamneem. Gebruik julle opleiding doelgerig en op maniere wat geleenthede vir ander vergroot. In ’n samelewing wat steeds diep ongelykheid in die gesig staar, moet daardie verantwoordelikheid ernstig opgeneem word. Baie geluk met julle prestasie. Ons wens julle alle sukses toe in die jare wat voorlê.
PROF ROBERT J. BALFOUR
REKTOR EN VISEKANSELIER
UNIVERSITEIT VAN DIE WES-KAAPLAND
AND FIGURES
UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
TOTALSTUDENTPOPULATIONENROLMENT
SUCCESSRATE
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HISTORIC MILESTONES
UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
1960: The University College of the Western Cape opens its doors.
1970: The institution gains independent university status and is allowed to award its own degrees and diplomas.
1975: Prof Richard van der Ross is appointed as UWC’s first black Rector.
1978: UWC’s Cape Flats Nature Reserve is declared a National Monument (now known as a provincial heritage site).
1987: New Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jakes Gerwel, declares UWC as the ‘university of the left’. The University deracialises and opens its doors to African students.
UWC inaugurates its longest-serving Chancellor, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who would serve for more than 25 years.
1990: UWC becomes the first university to award the late President Mandela an honorary doctorate upon his release from prison.
1994: Many academics from UWC join President Mandela’s government and are appointed to ministerial and advisory positions, including its Rector, Prof Gerwel, who became the Director-General in the Presidency.
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1994: UWC’s leadership takes part in writing the higher education policy for the incoming government. The South African interim Constitution and final Constitution are drafted at UWC.
1995: UWC launches its first website – joining the internet age before other universities in the Mother City.
UWC launches the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) to engage in research, training, policy development and advocacy in relation to land reform, rural governance and natural resource management.
2002: Under the leadership of Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Brian O’Connell, UWC successfully resists being merged. Instead, its Dentistry Faculty is merged with that of the University of Stellenbosch, making UWC the only dentistry faculty in the Western Cape.
2010: 10 SARChI chairs awarded to UWC, the highest number awarded to any university in SA that year (as of 2018, UWC hosts 17 SARChI Chairs).
2012: UWC launches its Technology Transfer Office to help promote the development and protection of the intellectual property of the University’s research community, staff and students.
HISTORIC MILESTONES
UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
2012: UWC is declared Africa’s Greenest Campus in the inaugural African Green Campus Initiative Challenge.
2013: UWC signs the Berlin Declaration on Open Access in the Sciences and Humanities, joining hundreds of institutions around the world dedicated to supporting the principles of open access and working to achieve openness in publicly funded projects.
2015: Prof Tyrone Pretorius is inaugurated as the new Rector and Vice-Chancellor.
2016: UWC’s Centre for Humanities Research is awarded the Flagship on Critical Thought in African Humanities by the NRF.
UWC is ranked number 1 in Physical Science – not just in South Africa, but for Africa as a whole – in the 2016 Nature Index.
2017: A group of UWC students, led by Prof Nico Orce, conduct the second major African-led experiment at the CERN laboratory in Switzerland.
UWC’s former Vice-Chancellor, Prof Brian O’Connell, receives the National Research Foundation’s highest honour, the NRF Lifetime Achievement Award.
2018: The Faculty of Dentistry launches a state-of-the-art video conferencing system that allows students to watch live surgeries in class or at home – a first for South Africa.
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2018: UWC Choir made its debut at the World Choir Games. The choir came first in its category, bringing home the gold medal and the titleWorld Champions.
2019: UWC Rugby makes its historical debut in the Varsity Cup, by becoming the first team from an historically disadvantaged institution to qualify for the competition.
2020: UWC’s South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), in collaboration with researchers from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), sequenced the first SARS-COV-2 genome in South Africa, providing a genetic “fingerprint” helped us understand - and contain - the spread of COVID-19.
UWC celebrates its 60th anniversary.
2022: Professor Russell H Kaschula is appointed as the Research Chair in Forensic Linguistics and Multilingualism – a first in Africa.
The UWC Main Hall is renamed the Jakes Gerwel Hall to honour this iconic leader.
2023: Professor Marion Keim is appointed as the UNESCO Chair for Sport, Development, Peace and Olympic Education – the first ever awarded UNESCO Chair in Sport in Africa
HISTORIC MILESTONES
UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
2023: Four significant infrastructure projects are completed in 2022 and 2023, including the Education Faculty building on the main campus, the 2700-bed Unibell Residence complex in Belhar, the Centre for Humanities Research building in Woodstock, and the UWC Innovation Hub in Parow.
2024: The first year of the full implementation of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, which provides full bursaries to 250 undergraduate and 250 Master’s students as part of a seven-year agreement.
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2024: UWC is the first and only university team to compete in the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions LeagueAfrica’s premier club competition for women’s football.
2025: Prof Robert John Balfour is inaugurated as the 8th Rector and Vice-Chancellor
OFFICE BEARERS
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
CHANCELLOR
The Most Reverend Dr TC Makgoba (PhD, Doctorate of Divinity: Hon. Causa)
CHAIR OF COUNCIL
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Ms X Mpongoshe (Dipl. Juris, B. Proc, Cert in Compliance Management, Cert. CRO (Euromoney London))
RECTOR AND VICE-CHANCELLOR
Prof R Balfour (BA, BA (Hons), HDE, MA, PhD)
VICE-RECTORS AND DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLORS
Prof MK Ralarala (HDE (Arts), BA (Hons), MA, DLitt, PhD)
Prof P Baker - Acting (BSc, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD)
Prof M Madiba (BA (Paed), B.Ed (Hons), B.Ed (Hons), BA (Hons) (English), MA Linguistics (Applied Studies), PhD)
REGISTRAR
Dr N Lawton-Misra (BA, BEd, MEd (Educational Psychology), PhD (Educational Psychology))
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Mr ME Magida (BProc, LLB, LLM)
Mr M Regal (BCom (Hons), CA (SA), M Dev Studies)
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Prof F Moola (BA Hons, MA, PhD)
DEANS
Prof A Padmanabhanunni (BA Hons (Psych), MA (Counselling Psych), PhD)
Prof V Yengopal (BChD, BSc (Hons), PGDip, MChD, PhD)
Prof MV Esau (BAdmin, BAdmin (Hons), MAdmin, PhD)
Prof R Govender (BSc; BSc Honours (Mathematics); MEd and PHD (Mathematics Education))
Prof JR De Ville (BCom, LLB, LLD)
Prof D Holgate (BSc, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD)
08 APRIL 2026 | 14H30
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FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS
FACULTY OF LAW
1. Academic Procession (THE AUDIENCE IS REQUESTED TO STAND AS THE PROCESSION ENTERS THE HALL)
2. The Chancellor / Vice-Chancellor constitutes the congregation
3. National Anthem
4. Address: SRC
5. Address: Rector and Vice-Chancellor
6. Item in song
7. Presentation of Graduands to the Chancellor / Vice-Chancellor
8. The Chancellor / Vice-Chancellor dissolves the congregation
9. The Academic Procession leaves the hall
NB: THE AUDIENCE IS REQUESTED TO REMAIN STANDING UNTIL THE PROCESSION HAS LEFT THE HALL.
TIME AND VENUE
GRADUATION CEREMONY 08 APRIL 2026 (WEDNESDAY) UWC CAMPUS 14H30
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso, O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho, O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, Setjhaba sa South Afrika – South Afrika.
Uit die blou van onse hemel, Uit die diepte van ons see, Oor ons ewige gebergtes, Waar die kranse antwoord gee,
Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom, In South Africa our land.
FACULTY OF LAW
DOCTOR’S DEGREES DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
HUSSEIN AL-KHADHER HUSSEIN AL-DAHBALI
Department: PRIVATE LAW
Supervisor: PROF M ABDUROAF
Co-supervisor: PROF N MOOSA
Thesis:
A comparative analysis of the obligatory bequest within Muslim countries with a specific focus on its application within the Egyptian context
Description:
Hussein Al-Khadher Hussein Al-Dahbali’s research, A comparative analysis of the obligatory bequest within Muslim countries with a specific focus on its application within the Egyptian context, examines the legal protections for orphaned grandchildren. Comparing the laws of Egypt, Jordan, and Malaysia, Al-Dahbali identifies legislative gaps, such as calculation ambiguities and the exclusion of cognate descendants. Grounded in the jurisprudence of scholars like Ibn azm, the study evaluates the foundations of bequests mandated for those blocked from traditional inheritance. His work offers pivotal recommendations to amend statutes, advocating for expanded beneficiary eligibility to additional non-inheriting relatives to better achieve social justice and the higher objectives of Islamic law.
STEWART BOBO
Department: MERCANTILE AND LABOUR LAW
Supervisor: PROF V LAWACK
Co-supervisor: DR A PUJA
Thesis:
The impact of digital transformation on banking business models: The case of South Africa
Description:
This thesis examines the impact of digital transformation on banking business models in South Africa and evaluates whether current policy, legal and regulatory frameworks adequately address emerging opportunities and risks. Using the business model canvas, it shows how technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, blockchain and cloud computing are transforming products, customer engagement, operations and financial structures. The study identifies benefits including increased financial inclusion, customer experience, and efficiency, alongside risks such as cybersecurity, data privacy and digital exclusion. It concludes that although progress has been made, further regulatory reform is required to ensure a balanced, inclusive and innovation supportive environment.
FACULTY OF LAW
DOCTOR’S DEGREES
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
ADI DEKEBO DALE
AFRICAN CENTRE FOR TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Supervisor: PROF J IYI
Co-supervisor: PROF F JESSBERGER
Thesis:
The Tigray Conflict in Ethiopia and Crimes Under International Law: An Evaluation of the Accountability Mechanisms in a Comparative Perspective
Description:
This study investigates international crimes committed in the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia (20202022) and available accountability mechanisms. It argues that accountability in Ethiopia is highly contested because Ethiopia is a deeply divided society and relevant Ethiopian laws do not meet international standards. Adopting a national accountability mechanism in Ethiopia risks accusations of victor’s justice, but an international mechanism will also face insurmountable obstacles. The study recommends a hybrid model of accountability mechanism for Ethiopia and contributes to our understanding of accountability processes in deeply divided societies.
MAHMOUD HAJAHMED
Department: CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PROCEDURE
Supervisor: PROF A HAMMAN
Co-supervisor: DR S MABUNDA
Thesis:
Re-thinking Doctrines of Culpability and Criminality within Context of Cybercrime: A Comparative Perspective
Description:
Advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), including widespread internet access, digital connectivity, and artificial intelligence, have contributed to new forms of criminal behaviour and an expanding field of cybercrime law. This thesis examines whether the traditional doctrines of culpability and criminality in criminal law adequately apply to cybercrime. It explores whether cybercrime creates doctrinal and jurisprudential tensions requiring the adaptation or recalibration of fundamental criminal law principles. Using a comparative framework, the study analyses cybercrime legislation in five jurisdictions, focusing on issues of culpability, liability, harm, and blameworthiness. Employing a triangulated methodological approach, the thesis finds that conventional doctrines can accommodate computer-enabled crimes but struggle with offences wholly dependent on computers. It proposes a culpability scale to measure the severity of different forms of cybercrime.
FACULTY OF LAW
DOCTOR’S DEGREES DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
OTTO SAKI
Department: MERCANTILE AND LABOUR LAW
Supervisor: DR T KONDO
Co-supervisor: PROF F MOOSA
Thesis:
Privacy and Cross-Border Data Transfer in Zimbabwe: An Assessment of the Legal Framework
Description:
In 2021, Zimbabwe passed the Cyber and Data Protection Act, its main data privacy law. This thesis assesses Zimbabwe’s legal framework, including common and statutory laws, the Constitution, the Cyber and Data Protection Act and other sectoral laws, and compares them to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation and South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act. Using an analytical and comparative approach, the thesis concludes that Zimbabwe’s legal framework falls short of what is required to effectively protect personal data privacy as its laws focuses more on national security interests than on economic, trade, or human rights concerns. The thesis recommends a multidisciplinary approach to establishing a data-driven economy that safeguards personal data.
FACULTY OF LAW
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER
OF LAWS
ADAMS NICOLE BERNICE
Thesis:
Evaluating the right to primary healthcare of transgender inmates in South Africa
Department: CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PROCEDURE
Supervisor: DR K CHINNIAN-KESTER
ALLISON GRANT
Thesis:
Youth at War: The Impact and Effectiveness of International Laws against Child Soldier Recruitment
Department: CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PROCEDURE
Supervisor: PROF W NORTJE
AWADH AALIYAH
Thesis:
Towards low carbon public transport in South Africa: A critical legal analysis of the City of Johannesburg’s local environmental governance instruments
Department: GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTRE (GELC)
Supervisor: MS B QUMBU
AKANBI FAVOUR FUNKE
Cum Laude
Thesis:
Child marriage in Nigeria: a legal analysis of domestic laws and customary practices in relation to international human rights standards
Department: PUBLIC LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE
Supervisor: DR U ASSIM
AURAKEASAMY CARMINE
Thesis:
A critical appraisal of the new provisions in the Child Justice Amendment Act 2019 relating to the criminal capacity in South Africa
Department: CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PROCEDURE
Supervisor: PROF R NANIMA
DLOMO NOKWANDA
Thesis:
Gender discrimination in the South African Workplace: A Critical Analysis
Department: MERCANTILE AND LABOUR LAW
Supervisor: DR J VAN DE RHEEDE
FACULTY OF LAW
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF LAWS
FARAO LOGAN
Thesis:
Presenteeism and the law of dismissal in South Africa: A comparative analysis
Department: MERCANTILE AND LABOUR LAW
Supervisor: PROF A OSIKI
HERMANS SIMONE ABEGAIL
Thesis:
An analysis of South Africa’s efforts to realise the right to health through vaccine access during Covid-19
Department: PUBLIC LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE
Supervisor: MRS G MIRUGI-MUKUNDI
KARIKARI KWAKU AGYEMANG
Thesis:
The ICC-african union relationship: in the interest of justice, or a continuation of politics by other means?
AFRICAN CENTRE FOR TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Supervisor: DR L MUSHORIWA
GOOLAM HUSSAIN WASEEM
Thesis:
Resignation and Section 186(1)(e) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995: Are Employees Bound to Notice Periods?
Department: MERCANTILE AND LABOUR LAW
Supervisor: PROF P BENJAMIN
HEYNES CHANTE EVELYN
Thesis:
The private prosecution of political corruption
Department: CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PROCEDURE
Supervisor: PROF R NANIMA
LOURENS COURTNEY
Thesis:
The extent to which South African law protects women with disabilities against unfair discrimination in the workplace
Department: MERCANTILE AND LABOUR LAW
Supervisor: DR J VAN DE RHEEDE
FACULTY OF LAW
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF LAWS
MAHAMBA THANYANI CHARLES
Thesis:
Exploring corporate complicity in genocide: an African perspective
AFRICAN CENTRE FOR TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Supervisor: DR L MUSHORIWA
MOSES LINDZAY MARILEE PRECIOUS SUNSHINE
Thesis:
The expungement of criminal records in South Africa: A constitutional analysis of Section 271B(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977
Department: CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PROCEDURE
Supervisor: DR C ALBERTUS
MANKAYI AKHONA
Thesis:
A reappraisal of the legal definition and protection of child soldiers under International Criminal Law
AFRICAN CENTRE FOR TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Supervisor: DR L MUSHORIWA
MASTER OF LAWS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE, INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS LAW
HUMPHRIS DANÉ
Thesis:
The Influence of Automation and Autonomy on the Shipping Industry: How to determine and attribute liability for damages
Department: MERCANTILE AND LABOUR LAW
Supervisor: PROF R WANDRAG
FACULTY OF LAW
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY
BABA AWONKE
Thesis:
Analysis of the law regulating the declaration and publication of financial interests by senior managers in municipalities
DULLAH OMAR INSTITUTE
Supervisor: MRS T CHONCO-SPAMBO
Co-supervisor: PROF J DE VISSER
DENYSSEN SHUAIB
Thesis:
Curative measures in law for financially distressed municipalities
DULLAH OMAR INSTITUTE
Supervisor: DR J WRIGHT
Thesis:
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism: Any Imperative for participation therein and the implementation of its recommendations by the South African Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development (PCJ&CD)?
Department: PUBLIC LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE
Supervisor: PROF L MUNTINGH
MOLO MKHULULI PATRICK
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMAS
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN LABOUR LAW
DU TOIT DANIELLE CHRISTINE
SHEZI KWANELE
AYLWARD HEINRYCH
BADISE CYNTHIA LESEDI
BEZUIDENHOUT COLLEEN SAMANTHA
MARIE
BRITZ NIGEL LESLIE
CAMERON LEIGH-SHANE SELENA
CIBINI MXOLISI
CLOETE JASON
DAYIMANI ZOLA
DU PLESSIS GERSHWIN
DYANTYI BULELWA
FAKIER GOOLAM
GAIKA PAUL PAULOS
GOVINDASAMY KESHNIE
HENDRICKS MARIAM
HOHO ANELE
HUFKE SU-NOLAN JACQUES
JACOBS JEAN-PIERRE JEROME
KEKANA MABUTI BENJAMIN
KGOEDI DEKLER JUNIOR
KGWARE OLEHILE SHADRACK
KHANYE MATHAPELO
KHUMALO LUNGILE
KISTEN PRIYANKA
LAUBSCHER MARNA
LESUFI KIBI VALSEIN
LETHOLE TUMELO
LOFAFA MAJORO GEORGE
LOSPER NICOLENE NATASHA
LOTT ELROY CHARL
MABINZA PATRICK MTHETHELELI
MABUZA STEVE TUTIN
MADUNA TIEHO ROSE
MADZIVHANDILA SHIRLEY
MAGWAXAZA ANDISWA
MAJIYEZI SISIPHO
MAKHUBELE MARCIA LUCINDA
MAKOLA MAMPELEGE DEBORA
MARUMO DINEO
MKHALIPHI KATE LINDIWE
MKWEDINI ANELE
MNISI GLORY KHANYISA
MOCHWAEDI WAGENG JOHANNES
MOHLAKE REBECCA
MOLUSI REBAONE MATTHEWS BODOKO
MONDLEKI LUNGANI
MOROBE MEMMENG MOTLALEPULE
MOTIBANE MAROPENG SOLOMON
MOYERE MPHO
MTSHALI HAZEL NTOMBIKAYISE
MURPHY COURTNEY
MUTHAVHI NKHETHENI
MVOVO PHUMZILE LUTHER
NDABA SIBONGILE HEDVIG
NELANI SISANDA NATATIA
NGWENYA SIYABONGA WILFRED
NKELEMBA MELISA
NTEYI BALUNGILE
NTULI ELIJAH MAFU
THEMBELIHLE
NTULI KHULEKANE
FACULTY OF LAW
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMAS 2026
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN LABOUR LAW
RACHAPO MATSHABA
RADU MZOXOLO
SAMUELS JAMIE
SANDI SHADRACK KHOLISILE
LILKIM
SEKATANE RICHMAN
SEKWENA NKUNYANE
SESANA NKHABE REBECCA
SIKWE SIVUYILE BAYANDA
SITHOLE MOSES HAPPY
SIZAKELE NOMBULELO
SKHOSANA GODFREY
SOKOTI NKOSEKHAYA
TABO MONGEZIDANIEL
TAUNYANE MOTSILISI
THOBEGA BOTSHELO
THOMPSON MEGAN
TIKOANE MALEFETSANE PETRUS SPENCER
TSHEHLA RAKHOTHWAGO GIDEON
TSHOSE MADITSE ABRAM
VILAKAZI NOMBUSO ROSEMARY
XATISA YANGA
XEGO NOPASIKA NONCEDO
FACULTY OF LAW
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF LAWS
SAFODIEN ZAHAA
Magna Cum Laude
SIBHENSANA CHARLENE
Magna Cum Laude
SOOFIE AMMAARA
Magna Cum Laude
VALLIE AQEELAH
Magna Cum Laude
WICOMB TIYANA KIM
Magna Cum Laude
PLAATJIES BIANCA CHANTE
Cum Laude
SIKHOSANA THOBANI
Cum Laude
WILLIAMS ROBYN-LEE
Cum Laude
ALBERTYN FATIMA
HAMMAN RA-EES
OLIVIER EBRAHIM
OSANO RANI
OSMAN EBRAHIEM HASSAN
PATEL ZAAKIR
PATO ALULUTO
PETERSEN BILQEES
PETERSEN JESSE DANIEL
PETERSEN STEPHANIE
PHAFA ASENATHI SABRINA
PHUNGULA NOKUTHULA
PIENAAR JODY ANTHEA
PIETERS WILVINECIA CHEREL
PILLAY KAYLENE KASHIKA
PONTSANA YOLANDA YOLISA
POOLE TATUM
POSWAYO ZENATHI REQUELLE
PRETORIUS JADE
PRETORIUS KAYDEE JEAN
QATA YOLISA PAMELA
QHAYISA KHANYISA
QUKUBANA UYATHANDWA
RABOLIBA THATO JOYCE
RADEBE TSHEPANG
RAMAHANEDZA HLANGANANI THERRENCE
RAMASHI KEABETSWE
RAMASOBANA KGABO ALPHIUS
RAMUDZULI SHANDUKANI
RASMENI ASEMAHLE
ROBINSON NIKITA JANELLE
SAIDI ITAI RUSSEL
SALIE KAUTHAR
SALIE NATHEER
SAMPSON DENVER
SAMPSON TASHREEQ
SANA ATHAMKELE
SCHROEDER VIRGIL CUREN
SEBALO LESEGO KEARABILWE
BOIPELO
SGUDLA SIYABONGA MPUMELELO
SHABANGU THEMBISILE
PHENWILINAH BETTY
SHIBA ZINTLE SIMANGELE
SHONGWE AYANDA AUGUSTINE
SIBUYI HOPE
SIKO XHANTILOMZI
SINGH KAMIYA
BACHELOR OF LAWS
SINGH SIDHARTH KUAR
SINGO OLIVER
SITHOLE PERFIDIA
STHELWESIHLE
SIVES ZADÉ KATELYNNE
SIWELE NSUKU
SKOSANA SIBUSISIWE
SMITH KIERAN CATHRINE
SMITH RAGIDA AMBER
SMITH RUBY GILL
SNELL LEANDRÉ EDWINA
SOLOMON ABDUS-SAMAD
SOMERS MATTHEW KEITH
SONDAY RAEES
SONTO ANAM
SOOBRAMONEY JAYLENE
SOPHAZA VUYOKAZI
SPOCHTER LISA NICOLE
STEPHANUS SHAKETHA
STEPHENS MATTHEW ARTHUR
STEYN KIARAH
STOFILE KHANYA KRILAKAZI
STRAUSS CINDY MARYNA
SWARTZ CHELSEA
SWARTZ ZACHARY
TAMELLA ESETHU
TATAW ARREY MAUREEN
TEFFO KHUTJO
TERBLANCHE ZAAHIRAH
THABALE KGOTLELLO TAMIA
THABE BASETSANA
THABEDE SIXOLILE WENDY
THATHANA NAKISANI
FACULTY OF LAW
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
THELEDI NGOAKO
THEMELI NDALAMO
THOBEJANE THATO
THOMAS CHUMA
THOMAS KELLY
THOMAS TAMIA
TINYANI RINAE RONALD
TJIE LETHABO
TSEHLOANE LEHAKWE AGGIE
TSOAELI ORATILE DINTLE
TSOAELI THUSO
TWAISE SIPHESIHLE
TYULU ANELISA
VAN NIEKERK ANDREA-CHANELL
VAN OORDT QUINN
VAN SCHALKWYK MOHAU AARON
VAN VUUREN SHANICE ROCHELLE
VAUGHAN ANTONIA KIRISHNI
VILAKAZI NJABULO SIYABONGA
VUNDLA ABONGWE
VUSANI NTANDOKAZI NOWETHU
WALKER SIOBHAN ROSE
WALLJEE FATHIMA
WEBER MONIQUE
WENN DEMI LEIGH
WENTZEL JHAYDE
WILLIAMS ALEX ERIN
WILLIAMS LAKEISHA
WILLIAMS TARAH CAYLIN
WILLIAMS TOWFEEQ
WILLIAMS ZOPHANY
2026
FACULTY OF LAW
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF LAWS
XALISA AZOBONGA
XHALISILE SINOVUYO TANIA
YENIE BAFIHLILE MAHLATSE
TINAH
YOUNG ALICIA BRONWYN
ZIMRI AUDEN BERTRAM
ZINYANE ONGEZWA ABIGAIL
ZINYANGA THALENTE
ZOTWA QHAMANI
ZULU NONTOBEKO
ZUMA LUYANDA NATASHA
ZWANE NTOKOZO THOLUMUSA
DIPLOMAS 2026
ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN LABOUR LAW
CONRADIE CLAUDIO DONOVAN
DREYER JOHANNES
JOHNSON TARA
LOUBSER DEBORAH JANE
LUBBE THOMZODWA
MASEBE NKAPENG JOSIAS
MBOBO NKOSITEMBA
MJIJI AVIWE
MONARE OFENTSE SHELDON
MTIMUNYE NONTSINDISO
GODSAVE
NGIDI BUSISIWE EUNITY
PEBANI NALEDI
PHASHA MOGWASHI EDMOND
PLAATJIES ROBIN REGINALD
QIBE APHIWE
RULA LUBABALO
SEJAKE CYNTHIA TSHOLOFELO
SEMPE NALEDI GLORIA
SOMPETA SONWABO
SONTSHETE ESETHU
SWARTBOOI SONJA LAURANE
THEUNISSEN CRAIG
TOLOFANE MASIBULELE ANTHONY
YAKOPI SIHLE
FACULTY OF LAW
CERTIFICATES
HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN FORENSIC EXAMINATION
GAIN JAMIE
Magna Cum Laude
PETERS ANASTACIA JANICE
Cum Laude
SAMODIEN TOWFEEKA
Cum Laude
ABRAHAMS LEVI
ANDREWS TASHREEQ
BLANDILE NONKOSI
BOSMAN FREDERICK HERALD
BOWKERS VAUGHAN
BOYA RUDY AJANDA
BRINKHUIS WAHEEB
DAVIDS THARIEMA
EDWARDS ILLONA MELANIE
ENSELEN SARAH MATING
FARLAND QUINTON JOHN
FRIDAY MOEGAMAT SIDICK
GERTSE ALLIZANE CAREENA
GONGO UNATHI
GOOSEN TREVOR
GORDON CLINTON
GROOTBOOM SHIREEN
HENDRICKS CHANELLE
JACK YONELA
JAGERS LEVERNE ILANA FIONA
MARCEL
JENKINS LAYLA
KEWANE SIPHOSIHLE
KEYSTER ENVOR
KHOAPA ARABELA DESMOND
KWAAIMAN THOBELANI
LEONARD TANYA LEE
LURAFU NONTATHU MILLICENT
LUVUNO NOKUBONGA
MAKHOBA MFUNDO
BRIGHTGOD GOODWILL
MAKIKI YANGA
MALGAS BABALWA
NICOLETTE
MAPHIKE REVARNO
MATHISO NONDUMISO
MAY LYNN
MDATYULWA THULISILE PATIENCE
MENZE SIPHOKAZI
MEYER BEANCA
MFEKETO TANIA
NONKULULEKO
MXENGE LELONA
TANDWA PAMELLA
NOKHEMANA ARAFAT
NOMLALA ZIYANDA CILIA
NTABENI SIMTHANDILE CYNTHIA
NTLOKO LINEO LUANDA
NUNU NOMBONGO THIOLLA
OTTO BIANCA
PARKER DILSHAAD
PAULSEN SHANNON
PAWPAW SABRINA
PHAROE ANDREA
PRINS DESIREE FRANCIS
QONGQO-GOBENI BABALWA
CERTIFICATES
HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN FORENSIC EXAMINATION
QWENYA YAMKELA
ROSSOUW GAYLENE MARSHALL
SIMAYILE SINESIPHO
SIQOLA NELISA MEMORIA
SKOSANA NANGAMSO
SWANEPOEL CHEVARIO SHARON
SWARTZ LE-ROY
THELANDER JEAN-PIERRE
XAPA NOMAPHELO
ZULU GUGULETHU
HONORARY DEGREE AWARDEES
1983
S. Motsuenyane, Doctor Commercii
M.C. O’Dowd, Doctor Commercii
1984
E. Theron, Doctor Legum
1987
B. Breytenbach, Doctor Litterarum
R.E. van de Ross, Doctor Educationis
1989
J.C. de Villiers, Doctor Scientiae
G.A.M. Mbeki, Doctor Philosophiae
1990
N.R. Mandela, Doctor Legum
O.R. Tambo, Doctor Legum
1991
R.E. Alexander, Doctor Commercii
G.S. Machel, Doctor Legum
D. Mitterand, Doctor Litterarum
D. Zihlangu, Doctor Educationis
1993
G. Boonzaaier, Doctor Litterarum
B. Head, Doctor Litterarum (posthumous)
A. Ibrahim, Doctor Litterarum
E. Mancoba, Doctor Litterarum
1995
G.J. Gerwel, Doctor Educationis
P.M. Sonn, Doctor Legum
1996
G.H. Brundtland, Doctor Legum
T.N. Chapman, Doctor Commercii
J.J.F. Durand, Doctor Philosophiae
P. Gorvalla, Doctor Commercii
HEADER SUB-HEADER
1997
B. Davidson, Doctor Litterarum
E.L. King, Doctor Theologiae
I. Mohamed, Doctor Scientiae
F.B. Naude, Doctor Theologiae
J.N. Scholten, Doctor Legum
R. Turner, Doctor Educationis
1998
J. Derrida, Doctor Litterarum
M. Nuttall, Doctor Theologiae
M.A Oduyoye, Doctor Theologiae
J. Reddy, Doctor Educationis
2001
V.H. Faigle, Doctor Theologiae
G. ‘t Hooft, Doctor Scientiae
P.N. Langa, Doctor Legum
A. Small, Doctor Litterarum
2002
W.H. Gray III, Doctor Philosophiae
C.L.R.Hirschsohn, Doctor Philosophiae
T. Manuel, Doctor Commercii
D. Philip, Doctor Litterarum
M. Philip, Doctor Litterarum
D.M.B. Tutu, Doctor Legum
2003
K. Mokhele, Doctor Scientiae
T. D. Fredericks, Doctor Educationis
P.D. Uys, Doctor Educationis
2004
K. Asmal, Doctor Legum
E. de Keyser, Doctor Commercii
G. Fitzgerald, Doctor Litterarum
A. Omar, Doctor Legum (posthumous)
A. Sachs, Doctor Litterarum
A. Sisulu, Doctor Curationis
W. Sisulu, Doctor Legum (posthumous)
HONORARY DEGREE AWARDEES
2005
A. Achmat, Doctor Philosophiae
C.J Bundy, Doctor Philosophiae
E.K.M. Dido, Doctor Litterarum
T. Jones, Doctor Philosophiae
J. Fagan, Doctor Legum
I. Mahomed, Doctor Legum (posthumous)
2006
F. Ginwala, Doctor Administrationis
2007
E. Abrahams, Doctor Philosophiae
E. Braune, Doctor Philosophiae
A. Chaskalson, Doctor Legum
D. Jordaan, Doctor Philosophiae
R. Kadalie, Doctor Litterarum
P. Mlambo-Ngcuka, Philosophiae Doctor
Y. Mokgoro, Doctor Legum
V.G. Shubin, Doctor Philosophiae
2008
W.E. Morrow, Doctor Educationis
2009
P. Govender, Doctor Legum
2010
A. Adebajo, Doctor Philosophiae
M.S. Dien, Philosophiae Doctor (posthumous)
B.L. Fanaroff, Doctor Philosophiae
P. Olumfemi-Kayode, Doctor Philosophiae
R. Simonsen, Doctor Philosophiae
P.K. Tergat, Doctor Philosophiae
D. Tulu, Doctor Philosophiae
2011
S.B. Biko, Doctor Philosophiae (posthumous)
S.B.A. Isaacs, Doctor Educationis
P. Magrath, Doctor Litterarum
M. Shear, Doctor Philosophiae
M. Temmerman, Doctor Philosophiae
R.B. Wolf, Doctor Philosophiae
2012
B. Gawanas, Doctor Legum
E. Moosa, Doctor Legum
R.E. Reddock, Doctor Philosophiae
H. Shaper, Doctor Philosophiae (posthumous)
A. Sheiham, Doctor Philosophiae
2013
H. Howa, Doctor Philosophiae
T. Jones, Doctor Philosophiae
J. Matthews, Doctor Philosophiae
G. Merino O.P, Doctor Theologiae
2014
A. Haron, Doctor Philosophiae (posthumous)
2015
A. Jedaar, Doctor Philosophiae
2016
H. Adams, Doctor Philosophiae
F. Robertson, Doctor Philosophiae
M. Tsedu, Doctor Philosophiae
2017
M. Lapsley, Doctor Philosophiae
2018
Z Skweyiya, Doctor Philosophiae (posthumous)
2021
Z. Wicomb, Doctor Philosophiae
A.A. Boesak, Doctor Philosophiae
W. Kentridge, (jointly awarded with Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University)
2022
K.K. Prah, Doctor Philosophiae
I. Sooliman, Doctor Philosophiae
HONORARY DEGREE AWARDEES
SUB-HEADER 1983-2024
2023
C. Hani, Doctor Philosophiae (posthumous)
D.E. Moseneke, Doctor Philosophiae
S.Z. Zotwana, Doctor Philosophiae
2024
M.Y. Choi, Doctor Philosophiae
H. Kummeling, Doctor Philosophiae
C. Pauwels, Doctor Philosophiae (posthumous)
2018
Ebrahim Rhoha
2021
AB Mahomed
Derek Joubert
Peter Takelo
HEADER SUB-HEADER 2018-2024 GOLD MEDALISTS
2022
Sean Patrick Lance
Peter Wilson
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
2024
Albert Lois Sachs
UWC GRADUATION ATTIRE
MEANING AND SYMBOLISM
HEADER SUB-HEADER
The three proteas symbolise Teaching, Culture and Education.
The stepped pattern represents the steps that lead to the Greek temple. This is the international symbol for academia and our recognition that we are a part of it.
The laurel leaves indicate competition and victory.
The diamond-shaped protea petal represents strength of character, ethics and faithfulness to oneself and others.
The continuous pattern that extends from the front to the back speaks to Respice Prospice, which means to look back, to look forward. Take what is good from the past and build the future.
The beaded effect is meant to reflect African craft and creativity.
The colours that make up the band are derived from those that represent the seven Faculties that make up the University.
CAP Black John Knox cap with silver tassel.
Peony red edged with silver trim.
THE CAP
Black John Knox cap with gold tassel. BACK OF THE YOKE
Black edged with gold trim.
THE SLEEVE
Open sleeves, looped up with gold cord and lined with gold satin.
THE GOWN
Black with full facings of gold and trimmed yoke.
Black John Knox cap with silver tassel.
Black edged with silver trim.
SLEEVE
Open sleeves, looped up with silver cord and lined with empire blue satin.
GOWN
Black with full facings of empire blue.
GRADUATION ATTIRE
AND HOODS GOWN
1 THE GOWN
Black (all degrees, diplomas and certificates, except Doctoral degrees)
Arts and Humanities
Community and Health Sciences
Dentistry
Economic and Management
Sciences
Education
Law
Natural Sciences
THE MOTIF
Black, edged with symbolic print in the Faculty colour.
THE COWL
Trimmed based on the type of qualification being conferred.
THE NECKBAND
The neckband emblazoned with the protea in the Faculty colour.
THE HOOD
Full hood in black.
2
CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS
(NQF LEVEL 5 AND 6)
Black, with gold and blue strips.
GRADUATION ATTIRE
HOODS
3 BACHELORS
(NQF LEVEL 7)
Black, edged with symbolic print in the Faculty colour; the neckband emblazoned with the protea in the Faculty colour.
Degrees: BA, BSc, BCom, BAdmin, BA (SRES), BSc (Complementary Health Sciences), BOH, PGCE
5
ADVANCED BACHELORS
(NQF LEVEL 8)
Black, edged with symbolic print in the Faculty colour and trimmed on the cowl with cord in platinum colour; the neckband emblazoned with the protea in the Faculty colour.
Degrees and Diplomas: All Honours degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas
4
PROFESSIONAL/SENIOR BACHELORS
(NQF LEVEL 8)
Black, edged with symbolic print in the Faculty colour and trimmed on the cowl with cord in gold colour; the neckband emblazoned with the protea in the Faculty colour.
Black, lined with the Faculty colour, edged with symbolic print in the Faculty colour and trimmed on the cowl with cord in the Faculty colour; the neckband emblazoned with the protea in the Faculty colour.
