Faculty of Law Welcome/Indaba 2026
On Friday, 13 February 2026, the Faculty of Law at the 东京热 hosted its inaugural Faculty Welcome/Indaba at the Johannesburg Country Club. The event marked the official commencement of the 2026 academic year and brought together academic and professional staff in a spirit of unity, reflection, and forward planning.
During the engagement, Executive Dean Professor Charles Maimela set the tone for the year ahead, outlining the Faculty鈥檚 strategic direction and key priorities. The gathering also provided an opportunity to celebrate the Faculty鈥檚 recognition as the second-best Law Faculty in South Africa.
鈥淎s we begin the 2026 academic year, we do so with clarity of purpose and unity of vision,鈥� said Professor Maimela. 鈥淥ur commitment is to academic excellence, impactful research, and a student-centred approach that positions the Faculty of Law at the forefront of legal education.鈥�
A central theme of the Indaba was transparent and consistent communication across the Faculty.
鈥淪uccesses, challenges, and strategic developments will be shared openly,鈥� Professor Maimela emphasised. 鈥淓xcellence is never achieved in isolation. It requires collegiality, mutual respect, and shared accountability.鈥�
The Executive Dean also addressed academic progression and research development.
鈥淲e are committed to supporting colleagues in the 2026 promotion cycle through structured engagements and mentorship,鈥� he said. 鈥淎t the same time, we must strengthen our research output and embrace interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in emerging areas such as AI and Law.鈥�
Reflecting on the Faculty鈥檚 national ranking, Professor Maimela added: 鈥淏eing recognised as the second-best Law Faculty in South Africa is not an accident. It is the result of dedication, scholarship, and the collective effort of both our academic and professional staff. This achievement belongs to every member of this Faculty.鈥�
Reinforcing the Faculty鈥檚 academic ethos, he further noted: 鈥淚f we expect excellence in scholarship and classroom engagement, we must model it ourselves. Leadership must remain grounded in teaching and research.鈥�
The Vice-Dean: Teaching and Learning, Professor Puseletso Letete, provided an update on student support and introduced the Faculty鈥檚 Law Mentor, Mr Sabelo Khuzwayo.
鈥淭he Law Mentor will play an important role in leading our tutors, peer mentors and library assistants,鈥� said Professor Letete. 鈥淭his support structure is especially critical for first-year students as they transition into university life and learn to balance academic and social responsibilities.鈥�
She also confirmed that a revised working model is being implemented to improve staff-to-student ratios and enhance the student experience.
The Vice-Dean: Research and Internationalisation, Professor Juanitta Calitz, encouraged academic staff to actively pursue research opportunities as well as senior academics taking on more supervision responsibilities with postgraduate students.
鈥淲e want to support your growth as scholars, particularly emerging scholars,鈥� she said. 鈥淭ake up opportunities to present at conferences, contribute to journals, and participate in our in-house calls for papers, including those from the AI and the Law Institute.鈥�
Professor Calitz also highlighted the upcoming AI and the Law Institute conference scheduled to take place in Skukuza, Mpumalanga, in July 2026.
The Acting Head of Faculty Administration provided colleagues with updates on enrolment figures and operational improvements within the Faculty.
鈥淚 am pleased to report that the Faculty has successfully reached its enrolment targets,鈥� she noted, congratulating the Faculty Officers for their dedication during the registration period.
The event concluded with a celebratory cake-cutting and toast in honour of the Faculty鈥檚 achievements and renewed collegial spirit. Staff then enjoyed lunch and a commemorative photo session, marking a confident and united start to the 2026 academic year.