by Kgaugelo Selane
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has affirmed its commitment to advancing South Africa’s justice system through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD). The strategic partnership involving TUT’s Faculty of Humanities and the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, aims to create specialised training programmes and innovative research, which will position TUT at the forefront of legal education and justice reform in the country.
In addition to TUT, several stakeholders including the University of Pretoria and North-West University form part of the collaboration, contributing their expertise to the development of programmes that address the specific needs of the justice system. The focus areas include financial crime, cybercrime and complex litigation. These programmes are designed to equip public servants with the skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of legal challenges, ensuring that South Africa’s justice system remains resilient and effective.
Prof Mashupye Maserumule, Executive Dean of TUT’s Faculty of Humanities, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. “For public servants to be effective, they must thoroughly understand the principles of our constitutional democracy, particularly administrative law,” he explained. He emphasised that partnerships between universities and government institutions are essential in addressing the skills gaps that hinder the justice system's effectiveness. “Universities can no longer operate in isolation. To truly impact society, we must work together to build the capacity of the state and prepare our students with knowledge as well as the ethical integrity needed to serve the public.”
Prof Maserumule also stressed the role of universities in character development, noting that producing graduates with strong moral compasses is just as important as equipping them with professional skills. “Education must go beyond cognitive development. Without a foundation in ethical principles, even the most competent professionals can fail in their duties,” he said.
He added that the MoU is not only about training but also to create opportunities for joint research initiatives. “These initiatives will investigate how technological advancements are influencing crime and justice, providing valuable insights that will help shape future strategies for crime prevention and prosecution. The research component is a critical element of the collaboration, ensuring that the justice system is continually adapting to new challenges.”
Advocate Doc Mashabane, Director-General of the DoJ&CD welcomed the partnership, emphasising its potential to transform the BMJC and strengthen the administration of justice. “The MoU demonstrates our commitment to rebranding and repositioning the BMJC to meet the modern challenges of crime and corruption. By partnering with institutions like TUT, we are laying the groundwork for a more robust and responsive justice system,” said Advocate Mashabane.
Advocate Doc Mashabane, Director-General of the DoJ&CD and Prof Mashupye Maserumule, Executive Dean of TUT’s Faculty of Humanities during the signing of the MoU.