This Department is responsible for a few very distinct areas of the law, namely constitutional law, public international law and indigenous law.
Mr S Ndlazi
Chair of Public, Constitutional and International Department
Welcome to the Public, Constitutional and International Law Department of UNISA’s College of Law. Our Department, hosted in the Muckleneuk Campus, is thrilled to receive you as a student, both at our undergraduate and postgraduate levels. My hope is that the time you spend with us serves your academic needs, your career needs, your human needs and that it empowers you to serve your community and nation at large.
Considering the juncture we find South African democracy in, there couldn’t be a more opportune time to join the Public, Constitutional and International Law Department. Having just celebrated 30 years of our democracy, now is the time to take stock of our national journey, our dynamic history and culture and to celebrate our successes and triumphs. This is also the time to also reflect on UNISA’s 150-year history which has led this continental landmark institution to where we are in the contemporary. Nationally and institutionally, we have much to be proud of.
In the same spirit, I beseech us also to take a moment to reflect on our frustrations, on the drawbacks, pitfalls, and any blind spots within our democratic passage. These have a direct impact on our public and private sectors’ economy, our academic and social communities, and the very future of this beautiful nation. Now is the time to tackle these constitutional issues head-on and, as you join our Department, the ground is ripe for much—needed conversations and contestations on how we navigate the next 30 years.
The Public, Constitutional and International Law Department is a diverse one. We offer tuition in the public and administrative law field, the constitutional and human rights field as well as the international law arena. So, if you are part of the undergraduate cohort, you can anticipate teaching and learning in all these fields under the supervision of our excellent academic staff. For you who wish to extend your education beyond the undergraduate qualification, the postgraduate level eagerly awaits you. Here, a broader range of tuition is available for your choosing. This includes a Master’s degree in Human Rights Law and International Economic Law. At the Doctoral level, you can look forward to the highest degree in Public, Constitutional and International Law. Whatever your academic needs are, we are happy to fulfil them.
Take special note that the time you spend with us will not be void of difficulties and instances where you will need to be brave. This is what is required of the journey to an illustrious career in law. You will be challenged. It is at these very moments you must tap into your spirit of courage, resilience, and fortitude. Waiting at the finish line are notable alumni waiting to usher you into a community of achievers. It will be worth it.
Beyond the expectations that we have of you, it is the expectations you ought to have of yourself which shall guide you throughout the next few years with us. There are support structures for your benefit at the departmental and institutional levels; make use of them as you navigate the path of a legal education. Furthermore, be your brother’s keepers. In line with Africa’s most shared value of Ubuntu, see where you can provide ethical support to your peers, classmates, and communities. Be the change you need to witness in your nation. Let is start with you.
My wishes to you are of success, productivity, and fortune. Congratulations on being part of our classes of 2025 and may this be the step you have been waiting for to elevate your career and transform your life.
