Professor Paul S. Masumbe

The School of Law, through its study of legal systems and the constitution, interrogates concepts of public law, private law, international law and other spheres and sources of law. Communities also benefit from the Law Clinic which provides free legal advice and representation in court, mostly for rural people who cannot afford representation.

The School of Law’s Research Niche Areas (RNAs) include exploration of the connections between law, science and justice, with the aim of addressing the global challenges confronting South Africa and the ever-transforming world of work. The RNAs build on existing research strengths in the School of Law and seek to bring together Walter Sisulu University researchers from a wide variety of academic disciplines to explore similarities and differences in responding to social problems or challenges posed by advances in science and technology.

It aims to support the development of a number of distinct specialist aspects amongst its researchers, while at the same time attempting to weave these together into a single integrated whole by emphasising and developing common intellectual ground. Further, the RNAs as they relate to Legal Studies, seek to explore the linkages between traditional value systems and contemporary legal norms. This will require placing greater significance on indigenous laws and principles with regards to their influence on the world of business, contemporary legal trends and practices and transforming the legal education system. Examples include advanced studies in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Intellectual Property from an African perspective. The following are also studied from an African law perspective: Law of Delict, Property Law, as well as Regional Integration and Social Security.

The school boasts the following alumni, all of whom are respected figures in their respective areas:

• Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya. • Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, SC. • Advocate Akhona Bodlani, SC (Current Director of the Law Clinic). • Justice Russel Mbuyiseli Madlanga. • Judge President Selby Mfanelo Mbenenge. • Retired Justice Christopher Jafta. • Prof. Somadoda Fikeni – renowned academic and political analyst.