College of Law

Driven to intensify human rights

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Councillor Nthabiseng Tshivhenga

The zealous Unisa alumna and Speaker of Council in the City of Ekurhuleni, Councillor Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, says her passion for intensifying social justice and addressing human rights issues around equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities is what inspired her to pursue law studies. Tshivhenga says, "Choosing the legal field of study will help me channel these issues from an informed and relevant perspective."

Tshivhenga, also a member of South Africa's third largest political party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), recently joined Unisa's #CircleOfExcellence after graduating with an LLB degree offered under the university's College of Law. As a public representative in the local and legislative sphere of government, her role entails overseeing Council, whose duties include drafting legislation, passing by-laws, and ensuring adherence to municipal and South Africa's laws. "I, therefore, plan to enhance my work as a legislator by using my qualification to strengthen the issue of public participation," she remarks. "Additionally," she continues, "I am impassioned to impart knowledge that can enhance and conscientise the public about municipality processes relating to service delivery."

According to Tshivhenga, her LLB degree will also enable her to improve public awareness of the legislature. In addition, she asserts: "The degree will further empower me to use Roman's Law and moot courts processes to converse with Ekurhuleni communities on their service delivery expectations from the city."

Tshivhenga acknowledges that since she prefers classroom learning for direct interaction with lecturers and serves the EFF and City of Ekurhuleni full-time, it was not easy for her to adjust to distance learning. "However," she affirms, "I recommend Unisa to others as it has adjusted and continues to provide education regardless of the new normal and challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic."

As Unisa celebrates its 150th milestone, Tshivhenga encourages the university to provide a curriculum that relates to South African people. She concludes: "I also urge the institution to provide relevant and decolonised education that is globally competitive and can improve employment opportunities for their alumni."

#Unisa150      #Unisa150Stories 

* By Nancy Legodi, Acting Senior Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

* Photos by Gordon Harris Photographic

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Publish date: 2023/03/30

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