The Pretoria University Law Press (PULP) is proud to announce the winner of the Christof Heyns Memorial Thesis Award 2024. The award for the best thesis by an African doctoral candidate completed in 2023, goes to Dr Barbra Ontibile Bhebe.
The Memorial Thesis Award was introduced to honour the memory of the late Professor Christof Heyns, who passed away in March 2021. Professor Heyns was one of the founders of PULP and took the initiative towards the introduction of this prize. This prize underlines his exceptional passion for promoting scholarship and a life devoted to initiating innovative ideas to make the world a better place for all.
The 2024 prize was awarded based on the assessment of a panel consisting of Professor Warren Freedman (chairperson), Professor Roxan Laubscher, and Advocate Michael Bishop, they selected the winner based on criteria including the inherent quality of the research; relevance of the topic to African challenges; and originality of the approach and research findings.
The 2024 prize was awarded based on the assessment of a panel consisting of Professor Warren Freedman (chairperson), Professor Roxan Laubscher, and Advocate Michael Bishop, they selected the winner based on criteria including the inherent quality of the research; relevance of the topic to African challenges; and originality of the approach and research findings.PULP received 24 entries from various esteemed institutions including Adekunle Ajasin University; North-West University (NWU); University of the Witwatersrand; Stellenbosch University; University of Cape Town; University of the Free State; University of Johannesburg; University of Pretoria; University of South Africa (UNISA); and Universität Bayreuth.
Dr Bhebe's winning thesis, titled “The state and the politics of human rights protection: Assessing the effectiveness of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission in advancing the domestic implementation of socio-economic rights in Zimbabwe”, was completed under the supervision of Professor Michelo Hansungule at the University of Pretoria.
The runner-up thesis, by Dr Siphosami Patrick Malunga, is titled “Five brigade atrocities in Zimbabwe: categorising international crimes and evaluating the criminal liability of perpetrators”. Dr Malunga completed this work under the supervision of Dr Khulekani Moyo at the University of Witwatersrand.
The runner-up thesis, by Dr Siphosami Patrick Malunga, is titled “Five brigade atrocities in Zimbabwe: categorising international crimes and evaluating the criminal liability of perpetrators”. Dr Malunga completed this work under the supervision of Dr Khulekani Moyo at the University of Witwatersrand.The winner and runner-up both have the option to publish their theses as a monograph by PULP, as part of the award. In addition to the option of publishing with PULP, Dr Barbra Ontibile Bhebe receives a R10 000 cash prize, and Dr Siphosami Patrick Malunga receives a cash prize of R5 000.
Congratulations and thanks to entrants
PULP extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr Barbra Ontibile Bhebe for winning the 2024 Christof Heyns Memorial Thesis Award. Her research on the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission's effectiveness in advancing socio-economic rights is a testament to her dedication and a valuable contribution to the field. PULP also commends Dr Siphosami Patrick Malunga, the runner-up, for his impactful research on the Five Brigade atrocities in Zimbabwe. His work sheds light on a critical period in Zimbabwean history and provides insights into international criminal law. Both the winner and runner-up have the opportunity to publish their theses as monographs with PULP as part of the award.
The panel of experts was highly impressed by the quality and depth of research demonstrated by all 24 entrants. Each thesis tackled important themes of human rights, good governance, or social justice from an African perspective, reflecting the legacy of Professor Christof Heyns. The diversity of topics explored, ranging from customary law adoptions to the legal regulation of trade union recognition, demonstrates the richness and breadth of legal scholarship emerging from African universities.
Thank you to all the entrants for sharing their work. Your commitment to scholarship and your contributions to knowledge are invaluable. PULP wishes you continued success in your future endeavours.Dr Siphosami Patrick Malunga
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Dr Barbra Ontibile Bhebe | Dr Siphosami Patrick Malunga |
About the Christof Heyns Memorial Thesis Award
The Christof Heyns Memorial Thesis Award is an annual award that invites doctoral law students who completed their studies at an African University in the preceding year to submit their theses. The award aims to promote scholarship in the fields of human rights, good governance, or social justice from an African perspective. The winner receives a cash prize of R10 000 and the opportunity to publish their thesis with PULP, while the runner-up receives R5 000 and the same publishing opportunity. Applications for the Christof Heyns Memorial Thesis Award for theses completed in 2024 will open in 2025. Further details will be announced in due course. Read more about the award and previous winners here: https://www.pulp.up.ac.za/heyns-thesis-award
About PULP
The Pretoria University Law Press (PULP) (https://www.pulp.up.ac.za/about-pulp) is a leading publisher of legal scholarship in South Africa. PULP is committed to publishing high-quality, innovative, and impactful legal research that contributes to the development of law in Africa. Read more about publishing with PULP here: https://www.pulp.up.ac.za/contact/publish-with-pulp
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Pretoria University Law Press (PULP)