I am from Cape Town, South Africa. I attended the University of Cape Town, where I obtained a Bachelor of Social Sciences, majoring in Psychology and Sociology. I am currently pursuing an LLB at the University of the Western Cape. These degrees are a manifestation of my passion and its content will lay the foundation for me to fight and strive for social justice. I am an aspiring lawyer with the hope to bring about a society that is just and is premised on freedom, dignity and equality.

I am a History teacher and PhD candidate in History Education at the University of Cape Town. I am passionate about contributing to the development of History Education in South Africa. My thesis focuses on ways to support teachers and learners as they grapple with the complexities of studying History, and how this relates to present realities. I seek to develop historical thinking skills to enable young people to engage in rigorous and meaningful dialogue about the past. 
 
 

Merlary is a qualified social worker, and she has worked in the field of childhood disorders and mental health. She is pursuing a Master's in Public Health in order to work on the management of public services related to mental health issues. In addition she is also passionate about enhancing community participation in health.

Pritchard holds a First-class degree in Human Resource Management from the Great Zimbabwe University, and was a recipient of the University Book Prize and the Vice Chancellor's Award. He is pursuing the LLM to increase his knowledge of corporate law. He is keen to see better regulation of African corporations in order for them to have a greater impact in the societies in which they operate, and envisages that this course will be a precursor to entering the field of Corporate Management. 

I am from a small town in South Africa called Komani. I am fortunate to be in my third year of studies at UWC. I am an aspiring lawyer and hope to complete my studies so that I can pursue my dream of human rights litigation. I believe that law has the ability to put a restraint on power and to uplift the most marginalised and vulnerable people in society. Through good practice, lawyers have the unique ability to achieve that cause. I hope to learn as much as I can so that one day, I can make that kind of impact in the world.

Hlengiwe is a Human Rights expert with experience working on the African Human Rights System, specifically related to development. She is interested in social justice in the development discourse and natural resources governance. Her PhD research focuses on rights-based approaches to strengthening corporate accountability in the extractive sector in Africa, particularly focusing on how states undertake to eliminate exploitation by international monopolies.

Tawanda M Gonzi has a passion for Human Rights and Private Law as they form the basis of any equal and just society. Having witnessed the injustices that bedevil the SADC region. Tawanda intends to take part in fighting for the vulnerable and victims of social injustices after the completion of his degree. The law is for the people and using it to protect and empower the vulnerable will not only gratify the law officers but also the community at large. 

Julieth's research interest is focused on corporate governance and the non-profit sector. Her PhD thesis examines how civil-society organisations use legal provisions to advance corporate governance in state-owned enterprises in South Africa. Her research seeks to promote an enabling legal environment for civil-society organisations to conduct their mandate. Julieth would like to be a humanitarian law advocate. She is currently the Treasurer for UCT Postgraduate Law Student Council.

The LLB degree has been my passion since my Grade 11 year. After the completion of this degree, I want to do a Masters and a Doctorate in Human Rights Law. This will allow me to become a Human Rights lawyer – to be the voice of the voiceless, assisting people to easily access the justice system. Currently, the extra-mutral activities that I participate on are campust (student) employment and soccer. I also enjoy reading for leisure.

I am a practising visual artist, my work evokes Eco-Feminism concerns. Through my sculptures, I aim to give insight into some of the key environmental issues presently threatening our global environment, and oppression of women. A further aim of my studies is to gain more experience in arts and design. I am hoping to take this knowledge back to my home town in KwaZulu Natal, where I work with a group of women in my village. I hope to give them the opportunity of learning arts that is marketable. This project is at a fledgling stage, but I hope to build on it in the future.

Hofisi is a doctoral student specializing in transitional justice for Zimbabwe, specifically looking at the roles of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. Prior to starting his PhD he was a lawyer at Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and has worked as a Public Prosecutor at the Ministry of Justice.

Olivia is an emerging Social Anthropologist in South Africa, where the discipline has traditionally been dominated by white male perspectives. She was born in Angola during the civil war to a single mother and later took refuge at Ark Place of Refugee in the Western Cape. Olivia hopes her Master's thesis will expose the inadequacies of the legal system in realising the rights of those residing in the Cape Flats.

The PhD asks why there is limited participation of smallholder farmers in agricultural commodity exchanges. This is important because agricultural commodity exchanges in Malawi and sub-Saharan Africa face sustainability issues since the majority of agricultural producers are antipathetic towards them.  The approach is econo-social-legal meaning empirically grounded, theoretically informed study of the role that law plays in commodity exchanges highlighting social relations and interests.

Priscilla is pursuing a PhD in Economics at the University of York. Her research focuses on the impact of fiscal redistribution through social cash transfers on consumption, production, asset accumulation and risk coping for the bottom 10 percent. She holds a Masters degree in International Economics and Finance from the University of Queensland and a Bachelors degree in Economics from the University of Malawi. She has worked with the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance Economic Planning and Development.

Tinashe is currently pursuing his doctoral studies in the Department of Geography, Environmental Studies and Tourism at the University of Western Cape, South Africa. His research seeks to investigate how certain urban community gardens are utilised to counter socio-economic, environmental and spatial injustices in post-apartheid South Africa. His research incorporates the universal Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically Goal number 11 which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Music in Development highlights the need for development through music. Music is a tool for spreading information, education, probing and creating dialogue as well as entertainment. Zimbabwe is yet to set up a functioning music business and industry and I hope to be one of those who will be influential to the setting up of such and with development in mind. It is my hope that for the next ten years, I will establish a
program that facilitates healing through music as well as facilitate dialogue for peace and reconciliation.

Eli Kodisang has over 30 years’ experience working as an educator and organiser in trade unions and social movements in SA. He is a skilled popular educator, and the former Deputy Director of Khanya College, an NGO that uses education to build and strengthen social movements. Eli won the 2019 Scholar's Impact Award for his role in organising reclaimers of recyclable and reusable materials in Johannesburg. His research interests focus on hidden histories of the working class in South Africa and the role of historical memory in social movement praxis. 

Kelly has recently established her own NGO, Mental Health Law Project, which aims to utilise the Law to advance Mental Health provisions in South Africa. She has experience working as an attorney at the Legal Resources Centre and is passionate about Human Rights. Before working in the legal profession she was a qualified teacher and worked for a range of charitable organisations including the Lalela Foundation, which strives to engage disadvantaged South African children in art and design projects.

Dominic is a lecturer in Philosophy and Applied Ethics at the University of Zambia. He holds an MA in Applied Ethics from the University of Zambia and a BA (Hons) in Philosophy from the University of Zimbabwe. In his PhD research, Dominic plans to investigate African ethics and its application to emerging bioethical problems of Euthanasia and organ transplantation in Africa. He hopes his research will contribute to the general normative framework in African ethics.

Lubabalo is interested in corporate accountability. He has been working with communities and assisting them in protecting and understanding their rights. He hopes to be an advocate in the upper courts of South Africa. His research interests include mining, private prisons and access to information. He is from the Eastern Cape and hopes to one day use the skills he gathered to further the responsible growth of the province. When not working, he enjoys watching rugby or soccer with friends.

Helga is a vibrant lawyer who has worked in the Judiciary of Zimbabwe as an Assistant Master of the High Court and as a Magistrate respectively. Through her practice and experience, she developed an interest in Women's and Children's rights; with particular emphasis on the rights of Widows and Orphans. She is pursuing an LLM in Humans Rights Advocacy and Litigation. Helga is keen on becoming a Human Rights Advocate and an Academic Researcher in order to influence policy reform and legal systems in the Zimbabwe.
 

I am a highly motivated, hardworking teacher specialising in creative and visual arts. I am also a practising artist obsessed with painting and photography. In teaching I have the ability to create hands on lessons that capture a student's imagination and breed successful creative minds. I create positive and creative environments conducive to teaching and learning. I incorporate multiple intelligences of learning in the classroom environment to accommodate students of all learning orientations.

I am an Educational Technologist with several years of experience within Zimbabwean Universities. I hold a Master of Education in Information Communication Technology from the University of Cape Town. I am a keen to see equal access and use of digital technologies in education in developing contexts. In my PhD research, I will explore the integration of technology to enhance learning in resource constrained environments.

Kay is a researcher who focuses on substantive issues of comparative and international human rights within the context of violence against women. Her passion lies in bridging the gap between the law and the access to justice for women, the relationship between social movements and the law and the intersection of domestic violence with women's inability to access affordable housing.

Gloria is an environmental activist with over 5 years' experience in environmental policy advocacy in Malawi. She currently works for a local environmental policy think tank. Gloria has always been curious about making public policy processes more inclusive and responsive to citizens needs for development. She hopes that the LLM will add value to the policy work she does; and give her a better understanding of foreign and national policy and legal frameworks on the environment as she continues to advocate for sustainable development.

I have a passion for human rights law and advancing the rights of vulnerable populations. I chose the LLM degree as it has very academically powerful modules that will empower me to tackle legal challenges and to become a legal consultant to many organisations and even government. It is my wish to practise in international law firms so that I can give my input at global level.

My main objective after completing this course is to establish the first ever public interest litigation firm in Botswana. Despite the country being one of the oldest democracies in Africa, there is no culture of human rights. Judicial independence is questionable and the president despite not being directly elected has too much power, which is often abused. I also intend to be involved in philanthropy and charitable work to lift the masses out of poverty and ensure above all that they get access to education.

Edknowledge aspires to become an expert in transitional justice and mediation practice with a view to contribute his efforts towards a peaceful and secure Africa (Agenda 2063). He has, in the past, been involved in establishing community infrastructures for peace and advocating for justice and sustainable peacebuilding through grassroots violence prevention and conflict transformation processes in Zimbabwe. He holds a Master Science in Development Policy, Practice and Process (University of Reading), Master Sciene in International Relations and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Political Science. 

Alongside studying for her PhD, Shamiso works as a Lecturer in Community Development Theory and Practice at UWC. Her passion for female empowerment motivated her to examine female participation in governance at the local level. In the future, Shamiso wishes to establish an orphanage in the Chigwida village in Mazowe District, Zimbabwe, in order to improve the life chances of the community’s most underprivileged children. Shamiso is a member of the International Golden Key Honour Society.

I have an LLB from Walter Sisulu University, and originally from a smalle village outside Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. I have chosen Human Rights law, is it is something I am passionate about. I have seen in my early days of life, the challenges our people face. There is still constant gross human rights violation against women and children even after 25 years of democracy.

Mandlenkosi Maphosa is a university lecturer and development management consultant whose broad research area of interest is human development. He is currently employed by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) of the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. At IDS he researches under the Governance, Migration and Development thematic unit. He is a registered PhD candidate at Rhodes University in South Africa where his research focus is on urban governance and food systems in Bulawayo.

I am a lady of forty years and a life-long learner. I am currently working in a special educational needs school in Swaziland and am passionate about ensuring that learners with special needs get equal opportunities. My doctorate degree is in special and inclusive educational needs.

Chawapiwa is initially studying for the Postgraduate Certificate in Law and hopes to work her way up to the LLM as a University of London Distance Learning Scholar. She believes that pursuing this course is not only about her own self-development but is also a first step in serving humanity. She is passionate about improving the rights of women and refugees and hopes her studies will give her more in-depth knowledge of these areas.

Nunudzai holds an LLB from Rhodes University. She has worked in private practice in South Africa and Zimbabwe, focusing on civil litigation and commercial legal advice. She is currently the Group Company Secretary at Croco Holdings in Zimbabwe. She hopes to obtain a Masters in Commercial Law in order to improve on her knowledge on corporate governance practice and in turn, teach young lawyers and executives.

Sign language in Zimbabwe is not a curriculum subject and is not yet described. There is no movement on the ground geared towards Sign language teaching and learning in schools. My study generates awareness on the need for policy, teaching and learning of sign language. My research interests are also in the areas of linguistic human rights advocacy, language policy and planning, language and sustainable development, and minority languages activism.

Khomotso is a trainee candidate attorney. With the prestigious, internationally recognised LLM from the University of London, she plans to open her own dynamic legal firm, specialising in conveyancing, commercial and international law. Outside of work, she is an avid marathon runner and enjoys hiking.

I am LLB student at the University of Fort Hare. I believe in justice for all, development and transformation, which I believe is the basis of the Constitution of South Africa. I am a former Gender Transformation Officer of the SCO and also a member of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) and the Soaring Eagle Toastmasters Club, which are all about ensuring transformation, development and bringing change into the society. Further to that I am also one of the people on the steering Committee of an initiative to assist people from the rural areas to know and access their human rights.

 Nomana Mbekela is a qualified educator who specialises in Maths and Science. She graduated with a Cum Laude from the Nelson Mandela University. She is driven by her passion to contribute to the development of excellence in the South African education system. She is pursuing the Honours degree in Educational Psychology so that she can be more equipped to create safe, stimulating and supportive learning environments which are inclusive for all learners.

Chrispin holds a First Class degree in Renewable Energy Technologies from Mzuzu University which accorded him a Presidential Prize. He studied an MSc in Renewable Energy Systems Technology at Loughborough University. His Doctoral Research focuses on performance assessment of batteries for renewable energy storage. He has over five years’ experience working as a lecturer in renewable energy technologies and believes his research will improve the performance of Malawi’s off grid renewable energy initiatives.

Thando Mgqolozana is a South African novelist. His novels include A Man Who is Not a Man, Hear Me Alone, and Unimportance. He was awarded the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, is the founder of Abantu Book Festival, and author of Inxeba: The Wound. The film explores identity, masculinity and sexuality in Xhosa culture and was shortlisted for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2018 Academy Awards. 

Frank Mgungwe is a teacher and active volunteer. He is studying family law in the hope that he can use his legal education to advocate for local bylaws under chiefs ensuring that every child attends school. He hopes to be Attorney General one day and to establish a low-cost firm to assist the less privileged.

Theodora is pursuing her PhD in Human Rights Law. Her research interests focus on women's rights, feminism in Africa, sustainable development and artisanal mining. This study is intended to explore how the law can be used as a shield in order to transform a complex situation into a narrative of success for women artisanal miners.She believes that the advancement of human rights and the achievement of fundamental freedoms is among the highest of callings and aspires to taking a lead in pursuing these aims, for the benefit of others.

I am a BA (majored in English Literature and Psychology) from the University of Pretoria. Literary work forms and informs my thinking. I look forward to pursuing my postgraduate in Literature as I believe literature sharpens my critical thinking. At the end of it all, I would love to work for a publishing company and become a full time editor. Outside of my academics, I am passionate about sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR). I have volunteered in this area and would also look to do more work here to empower other people.

I have speared headed and played a critical role in the democratisation and social justice struggle using non-violent and peaceful means. This has often put me in the firing line of the state. My Masters will teach me deeper tools and techniques and a better understanding of how social movements can be built into more effective and sustainable vehicles for change.

Tlhalefang recently completed his Master’s in Economics at the University of the Witwatersrand. He is a Researcher at the African Microeconomic Research Unit and has also worked as an Economic Analyst at the IMF. His main achievements include winning the Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition and receiving the Economic Research Southern Africa Scholarship. He wants to continue to influence the economic landscape of Africa in the future through involvement in entrepreneurship and industrial policy making.

I am studying law because I believe that it is a tool with which one can shape a nation. I am passionate about social justice and believe that I am part of a generation that make positive chance in our communities. I hope to specialise in Public International Law and Human Rights Law.

Khensani Motileni is a social justice activist and lawyer currently working at the Legal Resources Centre. Her work under the forced migration focus area is centred on matters relating to refugees and migrant protection, as well as supporting the access to the Justice Law Clinic. She is passionate about the advancement of human rights. Khensani is a former Leigh Day Scholar.

I am a digital media enthusiast teaching broadcast media at the National University of Science and Technology. I research on the inclusion of social minorities in both traditional mainstream and alternative digital spaces. I share media skills outside the university with citizen journalists and emerging media entrepreneurs. My PhD study focuses on sexuality and the mediation of national identity in mainstream and social media narratives. He hopes to be a media consultant advising on content development, focusing on public service broadcasting.

Cletus is passionate about using Art to address issues that affect society and is an advocate for using art as a voice for the voiceless. He taught Drama at Lupane State University from 2011 until January 2017, and holds a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Zimbabwe and an MA from the University of the Witwatersrand. Upon completion of his PhD, Cletus wants to contribute to the Higher Education sector in Zimbabwe as a Lecturer. He is also passionate about Social Drama and wants to create more Social Drama community projects to help improve social integration.

I am an avid mooter, and have participated in and even won international moot court competitions. I am passionate about human rights and helping people and this is evidenced by my involvement in various NPOs in my community as a volunteer. I hope to use my law degree to help effect positive changes to the lives of people in my community and South Africa as a whole.

I am a teacher by profession and I am doing a Master’s in Education Policy, Planning and Leadership. I chose this course because I want to acquire knowledge and skills in leadership and management, which will help me to bring change in the education sector in Malawi, where transformational leadership is highly needed. Once I graduate I would like to be a policy maker, to set up good policies. I also intend to engage in youth empowerment.

I am from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and have an LLB and LLM in International Trade Law, both with distinction. I am also qualified to practice law in Zimbabwe. I have an interest in commercial and investor state arbitration particularly in relation to the ISDS reform process. I have chosen to pursue further studies as I believe that the production of sound evidence based research material plays an important role in assisting governments and policy makers make decisions that will yield positive results.

My research focuses on sexual violence during the Gukurahundi genocide which occurred in Zimbabwe in the 1980s. While this is a serious issue, little has been done to address the suffering of survivors, with perpetrators escaping with impunity and the issue relegated to acceptable consequences of war. I hope this research will magnify the suffering experienced by survivors, that their trauma is finally acknowledge and efforts to redress this issue are made.

Talita is a Junior Policy Analyst at the SA Reserve Bank. She has a strong passion for the linkage between the regulation of commerce and the promotion of the public interest, particularly in respect of inclusive and sustainable finance. The decision to study an LLM in Economic Regulation will allow her to build specialist knowledge and contribute meaningfully towards South Africa’s aspirations of delivering a world-class financial system responsive to the pressing and evolving needs of the society.

Mbongeni chose to pursue a PhD in Media and Communication studies because he has always believed it has an impact on our everyday lives. He says: "by focusing on the intersection of the media and satire, one realises that good satire comes from anger, a sense of injustice and wrongs in this world that need to be fixed." Mbongeni hopes to continue to raise awareness in universities and society at large on how entertainment or satire are avenues for political discourse and identity formulation. 

I am a professional nurse in a government primary healthcare clinic. My Master’s in Public Health focuses on HIV universal testing and treating in primary healthcare settings. I am interested in strengthening maternal and child HIV preventative strategies in communities. I currently support local community initiatives that assist poverty stricken people, and in addition identify and assist needy school going children.

Pretty is pursuing her PhD in Public law, specifically looking at Human Rights, Modernity and Culture. Her research interests are rooted in advocating for gender equality, ending gender based discrimination and violence against women. She is passionate about African women's development and the improvement of their position as full citizens, and believes the law can and should be used as a mechanism to achieve gender empowerment in our lifetime. Pretty aims to become part of the next generation of socio-legal experts in Africa.

Growing up in a country where the rule of law merely applies and people are subjected to social injustices made me choose to take a stand, study, better myself and advocate for Human Rights. I want to make an impact in people’s lives by fighting for the rights they are entitled to and starting my own practice providing free legal aid for the marginalised in society. I am an active Street Law Society member and have been a mentor, assisting law students who are not performing well. I believe this opportunity will help me grow to my fullest potential.

Mercy is a development and gender scholar, researcher and trainer with a focus on gender equality in the media and women’s empowerment as a global development agenda. Her research is informed by the realization that most responses offered to alleviate women’s inequality are in fact rooted in existing patriarchal structures. She holds a BA in Communication Science and a BA Honours in Gender Studies both from UNISA and an MA in Development Studies from Wits University.

Brian is an upcoming academic and applied researcher with an interest in precarious labour, minority politics, migration and resistance. With a background in labour politics, he was awarded a masters scholarship in Labour Policy and Globalisation at Wits. Upon completion of his PhD, Brian has plans to establish a labour research institute in Manicaland province, Zimbabwe and contribute towards the promotion of fair and decent work.

It has been Nancy's life-long dream to become a journalist and she hopes that the knowledge and experience obtained through her degree in Media and Communications will help her achieve this. Her eventual goal is to open an independent media house in her native Zimbabwe. 

Ravona holds a LLB from the University of KwaZulu Natal and has worked in the legal industry for six years. She is now studying for a postgraduate diploma specialising in Financial Services Law, which she sees as an area of development in South Africa. With this qualification she hopes to work in the public financial regulatory field to ensure financial services are properly regulated for the benefit of South African society.

I am a young and passionate laboratory scientist working towards building my career in health research.  I hold a first-class BSc in Biology with a major in Microbiology from the Copperbelt University in Zambia and currently pursuing my MSc in Biomedical Sciences at University of Strathclyde. My areas of interest include infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. I hope to contribute towards good health and well-being for all. Beyond work and academics, I’m interested in community volunteering, adventure, and networking.   

A lifelong teacher, Leah is intrigued by the [extra] ordinary interactions which unfold in history classrooms. As the dust settles on the ‘Miracle Dawn’ of 1994, so too does national history curriculum - already a ‘sanitised’ version of a complex and past - return to the centre of the social cohesion debate. My PhD uses the professional and personal experiences of History teachers as a conduit through which I can draw broader conclusions about the intersection of History education and the politics of the state in contemporary South Africa.

I'm a blind student enrolled for a PhD in psychology at Stellenbosch University. My research involves a pilot study which aims to provide career counselling to visually impaired adolescents at a special school in South Africa. The prevalence of unemployment under the visually impaired in South Africa is 98%, and those who are employed usually are placed in the sheltered labour market or operate as switchboard operators. However, it is important for all visually impaired individuals to receive career assessment in order to discover their true aptitude.
 

Chikosa has worked for over 10 years with International NGOs and Malawi’s Ministry of Health, supporting programmes in maternal and newborn health, family planning and child health. Currently, he is studying towards his PhD in Public Health & Policy at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine where his focus is on the integration of health services at the community level. In the future, Chikosa hopes to contribute to the development of public health policies, research and programmes supporting Ministry of Health.

Nyaradzo is an all-round creative artist working in the Zimbabwean Media Industry. She has multiple awards to her name. Currently she works as a producer/presenter on Classic 263 Radio, known as Nyarie-that-girl-from-bikita. She’s passionate about media, social activism and performance art.

Sibili's PhD research is focused on Inclusive Education policies. She is passionate about issues pertaining to children, especially those who are stigmatised, marginalised and excluded by society. Currently, she is teaching student teachers at Nazarene University on issues of inclusion. Sibili hopes to eventually form an organisation that will provide physical and emotional support to children who are orphaned or vulnerable.

Barbara is a climate change expert with a well documented history of working with Non-governmental organisations in project formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. She holds an MSc in Climate Change and Development from Reading University. Her PhD research is focused on on climate-induced resettlement and its impact on livelihoods. Barbara is confident that her research will contribute to the planning of Climate Change induced resettlement across the globe.

Golden is a social justice activist who has an academic interest in the role of young men in fighting gender based violence. Golden's Master's Degree research project undertakes an alternatives to violence approach to enlist young men to become advocates in the fight for the safety and security of women and girls in communities around SA.

Tawachi holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Malawi. Before beginning her postgraduate studies, she worked as a Telecommunications Officer at UNICEF, and she has also worked for the World Food Programme. Tawachi hopes to use the expertise she gains during her PhD to assist in addressing the challenge of inadequate ICT infrastructure, especially in rural areas. She believes that with improved ICT services, Malawi will progress towards achieving its development targets.

Chisomo is an advocate who conducts litigation and gives advice in a wide range of legal areas. Her goal in pursuing an LLM is to  gain specialised knowledge in international commerce and trade in order to help people in Malawi effectively participate in international commerce and trade. She also aims to use her knowledge of these areas to influence financial policy in government.

Emmanuel was previously a Canon Collins Scholar whilst studying for his Master’s at the University of Leeds. He is interested in the relationship between institutions and practice and is concerned with advancing minority rights in Zambia, particularly focused on the LGBT community. His PhD is an examination of Zambian legal frameworks which currently discriminate against homosexuals, and he aims to use the philosophical writings of John Rawls and the principle of justice-as-fairness that such a legal framework is reprehensible. 

Malonje became deaf aged four and struggled during his primary and secondary education to engage in lessons due to inadequate resources. During his MSc in Inclusive and Special Education he discovered that inclusivity in education is possible and became passionate about advancing the rights of disabled learners. He works as the Inclusive Education Project Coordinator for Rural Areas at the Federation of Disability Organization in Malawi and in the future wants to contribute to national education, social and legal provisions for deaf citizens in Malawi.

Yolisa Piliso is an enthusiastic law student at the University of the Western Cape. I am inspired by my community’s history and its people. I believe that law is universal and it is the only tool that can be used to inspire change in our communities. I have worked with programmes that are based on community development and raising awareness amongst the youth. In future I would like work for a law firm that promotes human rights for the disadvantaged communities.

Sarita Pillay Gonzalez is currently enrolled for her PhD at the University of the Witwatersrand's School of Architecture and Planning. Her PhD work is focused on understanding the roleplayers in dominant property development that shapes our cities. Sarita's interests lie in spatial justice and power, and the modes and methods of unpacking these with students and our neighbours. She has experience working as a researcher, and community organiser in spatial justice campaigns. She holds a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota. 

I am a BA Honours Psychology graduate at the University of Johannesburg. Amongst other things, I am the co-founder and president of the Psychology Student Forum. This forum hosted a student conference which was the first of its kind for the department. I am also a co-founder and executive board member of an upcoming research consulting firm called Ulutsha Research.

I hold a first class BA Economics degree from the National University of Lesotho, where I received numerous academic awards, including the prestigious Central Bank of Lesotho Award, among others. I will be doing a Masters in Economics at the University of Cape Town, focusing on the Economics of Education and Econometrics (data quality and modelling) in order to solve the problems facing Lesotho’s education system; using the relevant econometrics models to give policy direction to Lesotho’s higher education sector.

I am an Anglican Priest, with experience as a pupil, parent, chaplain and governor in contexts of elite church schooling in South Africa. The Anglican Church has been a particular kind of ‘non-state actor’ in this educational landscape, since the mid-nineteenth century. The new political economy of post-apartheid South Africa, evidences the need to discern the neo-liberal turn and the compromise of ‘care’ and the ‘common good’, in educational policy and practice. I am intrigued by what this might mean for policy and leadership in both church and public schooling.

My belief is that education should focus more on psychology in education. I hope to influence the face of our education as a start, through educating and training key stakeholders who play a role in shaping South Africa’s education. I am the founder of an NGO called Keepers Foundation SA, which aims to make social contributions by addressing social ills in the country. I am passionate about rural and youth development.

Chimba Sanga is a medical doctor with close to 3 years of clinical experience. He believes that many health problems can be prevented and do not necessarily need medical intervention. He published a book entitled “A Guide to Common Medical Myths in Zambia” to debunk deadly myths that claim lives in Zambia. He is pursuing an MSc in Global Health policy because he is interested in solving health problems that transcend national borders. 

Albert is a multi award winning journalist. He plans to become a full time academic and researcher in political communications and digital activism. He holds an MA in Jounrnalism and Media Studies from Wits University and is interested in interventions for social justice. Aside from his journalism, he has been running community projects with the Centre for Education and Development.

I chose to study law because I wanted to be an agent of change. I have a very strong passion towards justice and fairness.  The knowledge and skills I will obtain with a law degree will help me contribute towards South Africa’s developmental challenges by promoting Constitutional values and facilitating access to justice for the poor and vulnerable. I plan to practice as an attorney and one day become a member of Parliament. I am a member of the SLSJ and ENACTUS, which both help to contribute towards communities.

Simate Simate is a school teacher in Zambia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, an MA in International Child Studies and an LLM in International Human Rights Law from the University of Leeds. He was previously the recipient of a Chevening Scholarship and a Disability Rights Scholarship. Simate’s research and professional interests are in the area of disability rights, and he has assumed positions of leadership in disabled people’s organizations including serving as Secretary General of the Deafblind Association of Zambia.

Precious began her professional career with the Spar brand and is currently Head of Sales and Marketing for the Hammer & Tongues Africa Holdings Group. She holds an MA in Gender and Development Studies for the University of Sussex. She was selected to be part of Michelle Obama’s Young African Women’s Leadership Summit in Johannesburg and is a founder of the Girls Development Initiative – for her work with this organization she was selected as the Goldman Sachs Global Woman of the Year 2012.

Nelson holds a BSc (hons) in Laboratory Sciences (first class) from the University of Malawi College of Medicine and a MSc degree in Molecular Biology of Pathogens (distinction) from the University of Glasgow. His specific research interest lies within the molecular mechanics of disease cause, pathogenicity and the consequent interventional outputs; specifically, drug action and resistance. For his PhD Nelson is looking at antimalarial drugs mode of action using a combination of “omics” technologies and genetic manipulation of malaria parasites.

Mirriam is pursuing her LLM in order to utilize her skills and experience to advocate for the rights of children. Her aim is to start her own NGO which will promote educational awareness on children's rights and seek to empower and provide psychosocial support to children in underprivileged areas. Mirriam volunteers at Ekuphileni Children's Home and SHAWCO Education, a UCT programme providing tutoring support to children in the Cape Flats.

Nigel holds an LLB from the University of South Africa. He is a co-founding Director of Acuworx Consultants, a legal research firm that specialises in land rights, reform and restitution in Southern Africa. Nigel is also the Communications Director for Access-Africa Initiative South Africa, a UNICEF affiliate NGO involved in child and youth empowerment.

Nyiko Sithole is the Equal Education Scholar, a scholarship designed to forge a greater partnership between Canon Collins Trust and our partner organisation, Equal Education. Nyiko is currently in her second year of a three year BA Law degree at North-West University. Alongside her legal interest, she has taken modules in Political Science and is interested in the intersections between Law, Politics and Economics. Outside academia, Nyiko is also interested in the empowerment of African youth. 

Chikopa Eza Sokotela has a keen interest in the application of robotics and automation to the sustainable enhancement of food production and processing to meet growing demand. As such, he is studying Msc. Autonomous Robotic Intelligent Systems at the University of Strathclyde. He holds a Bachelors degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with distinction and has been involved in the development of Zambia’s agro-processing sector through projects by the Industrial Development Corporation.

Ben graduated from the University of Malawi with a degree in Education and started teaching at the same institution. During his learning for the degree he became acquainted with theory and vocabulary in the discourse of Disability Studies. His working made him aware of the shortcomings in inclusive education in Malawi. Ben is now pursuing his Postgraduate degree at Rhodes in order to explore how Policy and Practice impact Inclusive Education in Malawi.

Mieke attained her BMus Performing Arts Cum Laude from Nelson Mandela University and is currently studying towards her MMus in Musicology at Stellenbosch University. Her masters research investigates the extent of curricular transformation in South African tertiary music departments post-1994. She is passionate about social justice and how this can be brought about by a more transformed and representative tertiary music curriculum which responds to the South African musical (and social) reality. 
 

Wilson is interested in disability and migration issues. In particular, he has an interest in refugee mothers of children with disabilities. This is an area that is not well researched in southern Africa, and child disability has never been acknowledged as one of the factors compelling people to migrate accross the region. Having grown up in a society where people living with disabilities are isolated by their families and communities, Wilson decided to pursue studies that put emphasis on disability rights and inclusion.

I work in one of the rural areas of Malawi as a secondary school teacher at a school, for mostly children of the poor. I am doing a Master’s degree in education policy, planning and leadership in order to analyse the impact of education policies on socio-economic inequality in Malawi. My goal is to become a formidable education policy analyst and to ensure that education provision truly serves to eliminate inequality.

Tisaukirenji holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with distinction from the University of Malawi. She is currently working at the same university as an Associate Lecturer and has been teaching Economics and Business Journalism. While at Wits University, she wants to explore new ideas and knowledge that can help improve the quality of both teaching and practice of Economics and Business Journalism in Malawi. Outside academic, Tisaukirenji is involved in initiatives for social change. She mentors young girls to help them attain higher education.

I am a 21-year old student at the University of Fort Hare. I am a young black female, who aspires to contribute to a transformed, just and free society through my LLB degree. This I aim to do through practising as an advocate in the near future. Inequality and slow fulfilment of human rights fuels my passion to do my level best and have the capacity to play my part. I am currently a scholar at the Fort Hare Autumn School program, a member of the Moot Executive society and a senior mooter at the University.

As a social justice activist, Dauglous is concerned with upholding and protecting the right to freedom of expression and his PhD seeks to explore the right to freedom of expression in the online domain. In future, he hopes to work as a Cyber Law expert. Dauglous has an LLM in Labour Law from the University of Fort Hare where he currently works tutoring LLB students in Family Law.

Darlington Tshuma researches and has published numerous articles, policy briefs and blogs on topics linked to politics, peacebuilding, gender and governance. Some of his work has been published by the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) and the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS). He currently serves as Change Leader on African Leadership Institute’s Youth Inclusion Project. 

Ashley works to promote critical awareness among high school students through the non-profit, Bottomup, which he co-founded in 2007. He has recently completed an M.Ed at UCT focusing on the transmission of symbolic violence in an urban township school and is currently pursuing PhD studies. Ashley has a deep concern for youth.

Collins is a research scientist with a background in Sociology, Medical Anthropology and Epidemiology. His research interest is in maternal and child health, and he has worked and published in this area since 2009. In his PhD research, Collins is investigating the link between the use of medicinal plants in pregnancy and birth outcomes. He hopes his research will contribute towards attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3, to "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages" in Malawi.

Talent aims to advocate for better social work therapeutic interventions in working with institutionalized children experiencing psycho-social disfunctioning. She is currently a volunteer at Morester Children’s Home and Victory Haven Place of Safety. Talent eventually aims to pursue Doctorate study in Social Work and is also passionate about tackling educational injustice, aiming to establish a library and information centre in Kasirisiri Sanyati Zimbabwe, so girls can study safely in the evening.