Organising Team
Conference Committee |
|
|
Adv MA Mthembu Conference Chair |
Mpakwana Mthembu is the Chair of the Department (COD) for Mercantile law, in the College of Law at Unisa. She manages a department with 50 personnel, academics, and administrative staff. The department is offering 70 modules, undergraduate, post- graduate, and short learning programmes. She has taught Corporate Law, Banking Law, Contract law, Social Welfare Law, Origins and Foundations of South African Law. She is a former holder of NRF Thuthuka grant, SANPAD grant, MDSP grant and Attorney’s Fidelity Fund bursary. She has served at Unisa Bargaining Forum (UBF) representing the employer. As a member of UNISARF Employer trustee, I have dealt with pension distributions, and investments, and provided legal advice on pension matters. She has organised several conferences including amongst others, African Bar Association (AFBA )conference August 2023, Africa Cyber Law February 2025, College of Law (CLAW) Annual Law Conference March 2025 and Labour Law Conference, October 2025. She is the conference convener of the CLAW Digital Technologies Conference to be held at the CSIR on February 2026. She has served as a guest editor for the African Rhetoric Journal (AJR) which published papers in a special issue presented at the AFBA conference. She has presented numerous papers in conferences nationally and internationally on Banking Law, Company Law, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Online cybercrimes against women and children. Her presentations and publications nationally and internationally include topics on online child pornography, regulation of cryptocurrencies, electronic funds transfer (EFT), revenge porn and privacy, anti- cyber bullying laws on teen sexting, protecting privacy and control of online personal information, e-money, Corporate Law, Cyber law, Labour Law, and Banking Law. Her latest publication is a chapter titled South Africa, women and sexual relations in cyberspace published in June 2024 Women and Cyber Rights in Africa. |
|
Dr D Rammila Abstract and Programme Chair |
Dr Davy 'D' Rammila is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mercantile Law at the University of South Africa (UNISA). He holds LLB, LLM (cum laude) and LLD degrees from the University of Johannesburg. He is a recipient of numerous National Research Foundation (NRF) and various other local and international research grants and scholarships. His research interests involve aspects on human rights (in particular the promotion of socio-economic rights) within public health, labour, intellectual property and international trade systems. He has contributed several peer-reviewed research papers and reports on these subjects both locally and internationally. A keen researcher, Dr Rammila has both presented his research at numerous local and international conferences and co-organised various high impact and successful conferences domestically and abroad. |
|
Prof PLR Makoni |
Finance Chair |
|
Adv N Ntsaluba |
Nandipha Ntsaluba is an accomplished educationist and legal expert in vocational and higher education and training, private education regulation, IP, defence, cybersecurity and data privacy policy. She is an admitted legal practitioner who currently lectures in the Department of Mercantile Law at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Adv Ntsaluba currently teaches subjects in IP, corporate law, and ICT/Cyberlaw and is also involved in the institutionalisation of the UNISA’s Catalytic Niche Areas within Maritime, Aviation, and Aeronautical Studies, Energy and Fourth Industrial Revolution, and digitalisation. She is also involved in the recirculation of military law programmes within UNISA. She is a member of the UNISA Research Ethics Committee and participates in the AI Task Team and Global Skills Development Programme on GenAI. She holds at least fifteen academic qualifications spanning business, law, science and education, including four master’s degrees awarded by UNISA School of Business Leadership, the University of Free State and the University of Pretoria respectively. In 2025, she acquired the WTO/Havard Law School Certificate on Patent Law and Global Public Health. She has presented at domestic and international conferences and webinars on various issues including data adequacy, data privacy, cybersecurity, defence. Throughout her long and illustrious career, Adv Ntsaluba has accrued an impressive array of achievements, including establishing the Department of Military Veterans, leading the SANDF’s parliamentary engagement team on the Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Bill and participating in developing various national legislation including the development of the Public Procurement Act 2024. She has served in various capacities in international and domestic professional and policy bodies including Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the South African Internet Governance Forum (ZAIGF) among others. In 2023, she was awarded the Africa Community Development Award for her contribution in the ICT, cybersecurity and domain name space by the Africa Information & Communication Technologies Alliance (AfICTA). |
|
Mr MP Lemekwane |
ICT & Website Chair |
|
Dr J Mtsweni |
Sponsorship Chair |
|
Mr N Mokgotho |
Marketing Chair |
Conference Organising Team |
|
|
Prof R Ahmed CLAW, University of South Africa |
Raheel Ahmed is a Professor at the University of South Africa’s School of Law, Department of Private Law. She is an admitted attorney, notary and conveyancer of the High Court of the Republic of South Africa. Raheel began her academic journey at UNISA in 2008 where she was appointed as a lecturer. She obtained her Master of Laws (LLM) degree cum laude from UNISA in 2012 and an LLD from UNISA in 2018. Her research interests focus on the law of delict, law of damages and third party compensation law. Raheel has also served as the Acting Director of the School of law at UNISA and is currently the Acting chair of the Department Private Law in the School of Law at UNISA. |
|
Prof S Mahomed CLAW, University of South Africa |
Safia Mahomed is a Professor at UNISA’s School of Law. She is an admitted attorney in the North Gauteng High Court. After practicing as an attorney for a short period, Safia pursued her academic journey in 2012. She obtained her Master of Laws (LLM) from UNISA in 2013 and her PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) in 2018. Her research interests focus on questions around health law and bioethics, with specific emphasis on identifying gaps in South Africa’s healthcare framework and developing regulatory measures to address them. Her current research trajectory involves an examination of the ethical and legal considerations for human tissue transfer and artificial intelligence in healthcare. Safia was awarded UNISA’s Principal’s Prize for excellence in research in 2019. She is a current member and former Chair of UNISA’s Biotechnology and Medical Law Flagship and a former fellow of the National Department of Higher Education’s Future Professor’s Programme (Cohort 1). Safia is an editor at the South African Journal on Human Rights, a member of the Biobanks Ethics Committee at the University of the Witwatersrand and a member of the South African Medical Association’s task team for AI in healthcare. |
|
Prof LR Ngwenyama |
CLAW, University of South Africa |
|
Dr K Twabu |
ICT, University of South Africa |
|
Mr P Mohajane |
ICT, University of South Africa |
Mr D Mahhumane CLAW, University of South Africa |
Delani Mahhumane is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mercantile Law, College of Law at the University of South Africa. He holds various degrees an LLB and LLM (Unisa)and is currently pursuing doctoral studies (LLD) in Mercantile Law. Aself-motivated and dedicated individual, Mr Mahhumane is passionate about legal education and research. He is an experienced lecturer, tutor and academic administrator, having worked at two institutions of higher learning in South Africa. He has conducted academic research and has published several peer-reviewed articles in accredited law journals. Mr Mahhumane's continues to develop his career as an academic scholar and researcher within the field of Mercantile Law and other related niche areas in law. |
|
Mr BM Masuku |
CLAW, University of South Africa |
|
Mr M Sindane |
ICT, University of South Africa |
|
Ms E Mbiriri |
CLAW, University of South Africa |
|
Lerato Sithole CLAW, University of South Africa |
Lerato Sithole is a dedicated secretary in the Mercantile Law Department, with a strong passion for communications and social media. She holds an Honours degree in Integrated Organisational Communications and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Crisis Communication. Lerato combines her academic background with practical experience to support effective communication strategies within her department, and she is committed to continuous learning and professional growth in the field of corporate and crisis communications. |
|
Vumile Sibiya CLAW, University of South Africa
|
Vumile Sibiya is an Administrative Assistant at UNISA with a passion for streamlining office operations and supporting organizational success. A dedicated and detail-oriented administrator, she brings strong organisational and communication skills to her role, ensuring that daily administrative tasks are handled efficiently and professionally. Currently, Vumile is pursuing a Diploma in Office Administration & Management. She is committed to continuous learning and professional growth. Her academic journey complements her practical experience, equipping her with advanced knowledge in office systems, management principles, and administrative best practices. Vumile thrives in dynamic environments where multitasking and collaboration are key. She is driven by a desire to create smooth workflows, support team goals, and maintain a positive and productive workplace. Her combination of hands-on experience and academic training makes her a valuable asset to any organization seeking a proactive and capable administrative professional. |
|
Azwimpheleli Vele CLAW, University of South Africa |
Azwimpheleli Vele is a dedicated Administrative Assistant at the University of South Africa, bringing strong expertise in office coordination, communication, and organizational support. With a proven ability to manage schedules, handle correspondence, and streamline administrative processes, she plays an integral role in enhancing operational efficiency and team productivity within the College of Law. Ms Vele effectively utilises digital tools to ensure accuracy and efficiency in her tasks. Her professionalism and attention to detail contribute to maintaining a well-organised and responsive office environment. She is currently studying towards a Diploma in Office Administration and Management at Boston City Campus and continues to expand her knowledge and stay abreast with best practices in administrative operations. |
|
Sophy Mothibedi CLAW, University of South Africa
|
Sophy Mothibedi is an administrator at UNISA in the Mercantile Law department. She is responsible for different tasks amongst others, HR matters, fixed-term contracts, M&D appointments and claims, Research incentives contracts and claims, capturing research publications on RIMS system, incorporating SRIPDCC research reports and emailing to Research office, finalisation of study material, procurement and organising conferences. Additionally, as an administer who has been in the employ of UNISA for long, she guides new administrators in the department including other departments. Her work reflects a commitment to advancing the administrative tasks, ensuring sure there is sustainable growth in the Mercantile Law department. Sophy has presented a paper at the Unisa College of Law’ 10th Annual Law Conference (ALC) in March 2025 and the paper has been sent for publication. The title of the paper is “Clinging to an ardent hope: Exploring technology as a strategic driver for shaping higher education”. Ms Mothibedi holds BTech Management, NDip. Office Management and Technology and Project Management from UNISA. With her background in research gained from her studies at Tshwane University of Technology (2018-2020), Ms Mothibedi has spent last year applying her skills in research. |
Conference Scientific Committee |
|
|
Dr B Vambe Scientific Committee Chair (Unisa) |
Dr Beauty Vambe (nee Chawatama) is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Mercantile Law Department at the University of South Africa (UNISA). She completed her Doctoral studies in 2018 at UNISA. Her topic was on the Legal and institutional framework of the SADC Protocol on Trade. Her interests converge around International trade and Economic Law, Dispute resolution, electoral Law and Cyber Law. Her publications include a book entitled “Termination and International sales law. Beauty Vambe has published in refereed, peer reviewed local and international journals. |
|
Prof CB Ncube |
Scientific Committee Chair (UCT) |
|
Prof G Nhamo |
Scientific Committee Member (Unisa) |
|
Prof KB Khan |
Scientific Committee Member (Unisa) |
|
Dr LP Mamaro |
Scientific Committee Member (Unisa) |
|
Dr N Daskalakis |
Scientific Committee Member (PUSPS, Greece) |
|
Prof S Tladi |
Scientific Committee Member (UJ) |
|
Prof S Snail ka Mtuze |
Scientific Committee Member (NMU) |
|
Ms N Mthembu |
Scientific Committee Member (UKZN) |
|
Dr K Twabu |
Scientific Committee Member (Unisa) |
|
Prof LR Ngwenyama |
Scientific Committee Member (Unisa) |
