Students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) School of Law excelled at national and international conferences under the guidance of the Law lecturer, Mr Siphesihle Mhlonishwa Mbatha.
Mr Krushil Sewmangal, a Master’s student in Family Law, presented his first paper, titled ‘Citizenship and Child Best Interest during Emigration: An Analysis of Democratic Alliance v Minister of Home Affairs and Another [2025] ZACC 8. Co-authored with Mbatha, the paper was delivered at the Family Law Teachers’ Colloquium on 18 September, hosted by UKZN’s School of Law.
Mr Ndabezinhle Masinga, a fourth-year Law student, represented the School of Law at the University of the Free State’s Centre for Human Rights on 19 September. He presented a paper co-authored with Mbatha, titled: ‘The Impact of the Killing of Whistle-blowers in South Africa’.
As the youngest participant, he engaged with leading human rights scholars from South Africa and across the continent.
Mr Qiniso Luthuli, a third-year Law student, presented a paper titled: ‘AI and Access to Justice: The Role of Law Clinics in Rural Areas in South Africa’. Co-authored with Mbatha, the paper was delivered at the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) and South African University Law Clinics Association (SAULCA) International Conference, hosted by the UKZN School of Law from 25-28 September.
The students described these opportunities as transformative, enabling them to connect with prominent scholars, legal practitioners, and current and former judges of the Supreme and Constitutional Courts. Reflecting on their achievements, Mbatha said: “UKZN is a leading research university in South Africa and Africa. The participation of these students underscores the School of Law’s commitment to student success, mentorship, academic excellence, and impactful research.”
Words: NdabaOnline
Photographs: Supplied