Double doctoral milestone for TUT Law academics

The Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Faculty of Humanities has strengthened its academic and research capacity following the attainment of Doctor of Laws (LLD) degrees by two academics in the Department of Law, Safety and Security Management.

Dr Tshilidzi Knowles Khangala (left) and Dr Katlego Arnold Mashego (right) Dr Katlego Arnold Mashego and Dr Tshilidzi Knowles Khangala earned their LLD degrees from the University of the Western Cape (UWC), marking a significant academic milestone that is expected to enhance research, postgraduate supervision and scholarship addressing legal and developmental challenges in South Africa and across the African continent.

Both academics are lecturers in the Department of Law, Safety and Security Management. In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, Dr Mashego manages the TUT Law Clinic, while Dr Khangala serves as acting Head of Department and is also involved in the clinic’s activities.

Their research interests span distinct but interconnected areas of law and governance. Dr Khangala focuses on comparative constitutional law, human rights, criminal justice, constitutional governance and access to justice. Dr Mashego’s research explores international trade, economic development and the realisation of socio-economic rights in Africa.

For Dr Mashego, the value of academic research lies in its ability to address practical challenges and contribute to decisions that affect people’s lives. He believes that research should inform policy and support development beyond the university environment.

“I have always believed that research should not exist merely for the sake of research. Academic scholarship must inform policy, contribute to decision-making and ultimately improve people’s lives. My work explores the relationship between international trade, economic development and the realisation of socio-economic rights, particularly within the African context,” he said.

His research also explores the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in promoting economic integration and sustainable development. He believes the agreement provides significant opportunities for African countries to strengthen trade relations and address developmental challenges when supported by effective implementation, coordination and sound policies.

Dr Khangala “While the African Continental Free Trade Area is not a cure-all for Africa’s developmental challenges, I believe it represents one of the continent’s greatest opportunities for economic integration and sustainable development if implemented and coordinated effectively. Through my research, I hope to contribute to policy discussions on how international trade can be used as a vehicle for poverty reduction, job creation and the progressive realisation of socio-economic rights across Africa.”

For Dr Khangala, earning a doctorate carries a responsibility that goes beyond personal academic advancement. He sees the qualification as an opportunity to contribute to knowledge production while helping to develop the next generation of researchers.

“The value of a doctoral qualification lies not only in personal achievement but in the ability to contribute to knowledge production, strengthen postgraduate supervision and guide future researchers. Our responsibility as academics is to conduct research that advances constitutional values, promotes access to justice and contributes meaningfully to addressing challenges facing society.”

The two scholars have also established a research partnership, contributing to academic discourse in constitutional law, governance, education rights, socio-economic rights, international trade, public accountability and access to justice. Their collaboration creates further opportunities to expand research output and support postgraduate students pursuing studies in related fields.

Their academic work is complemented by community engagement through the TUT Law Clinic, which provides free and confidential legal assistance to indigent and vulnerable members of the community. Their involvement demonstrates the importance of connecting legal scholarship and education with the practical needs of society.

Recognising the importance of accessible legal services and alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms, Dr Mashego and Dr Khangala have also completed specialised mediation training. This expertise is expected to complement the Law Clinic’s work in supporting communities and facilitating dispute resolution.

Dr Mashego Their doctoral qualifications are also expected to strengthen postgraduate supervision within the department, creating greater opportunities for students to pursue advanced legal research in areas of national and continental significance. Their expertise further positions the department to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthen the connection between teaching, research and community engagement.

Through their scholarship, legal education and community service, Dr Mashego and Dr Khangala are contributing to important conversations around social justice, accountable governance, economic development and access to justice.

Their achievements mark an important milestone for the Department of Law, Safety and Security Management and underscore the Faculty of Humanities’ commitment to academic excellence, research development and the cultivation of future scholars.