UKZN law student earns prestigious human rights research bursary
A University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Master of Laws (LLM) student has been awarded a prestigious national bursary recognising the quality of her constitutional law research and its potential to contribute to social justice in South Africa.
Yizozodwa Dlamini, who is completing an LLM in Constitutional Litigation, received the South African Journal on Human Rights (SAJHR) Top-Up Bursary, a highly competitive award presented annually to postgraduate students at South African public universities whose research advances constitutional law, human rights, justice and related fields.
The bursary recognises both academic excellence and promising research with the potential to strengthen constitutionalism and promote meaningful social change.
Dlamini’s research, titled A Constitutional Analysis of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment and Constrained Economic Agency Among Young Black Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa, examines whether the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act has achieved its constitutional objective of creating meaningful economic opportunities for young Black women entrepreneurs.
Her study explores whether the legislation has improved access to funding, business development support and sustainable enterprise growth for one of South Africa’s most underrepresented business groups.
Speaking about the inspiration behind her research, Dlamini said her own entrepreneurial journey highlighted the systemic challenges facing young Black women in business.
“Despite determination, competence and an unwavering commitment to success, I encountered systemic financial, institutional and social constraints that had little to do with entrepreneurial ability and everything to do with unequal access to opportunity,” she said.
The bursary will provide financial relief as she completes her degree, allowing her to focus on producing research of the highest academic standard.
“This funding will relieve the financial burden of completing my LLM by assisting me in settling my outstanding university fees, allowing me to focus fully on producing research of the highest standard,” she said.
For Dlamini, the award represents more than financial assistance.
“The confidence that the SAJHR has placed in me is both humbling and motivating. The recognition associated with this award carries opportunities that money cannot buy, opening doors to future academic collaborations, mentorship, professional networks and advocacy,” she said.
Looking ahead, Dlamini plans to expand her dissertation into a scholarly publication as she prepares to pursue doctoral studies.
“As I complete my LLM and prepare to pursue a PhD, I hope to develop my research into a publishable article that contributes to constitutional scholarship and the ongoing discourse on transformative constitutionalism, economic justice and the economic agency of young Black women entrepreneurs in South Africa,” she said.
Outside academia, Dlamini is committed to improving access to justice through She Knows the Law, a non-profit organisation she co-founded during Women’s Month last year.
The organisation focuses on legal empowerment, particularly for women and young people.
Its flagship initiative, Own Your Future, provides career guidance and mentorship to matric learners, especially those from rural communities, helping them transition into higher education and the world of work.
Dlamini has also encouraged fellow postgraduate students to pursue funding opportunities with confidence and to communicate the purpose behind their research authentically.
Congratulating her on the achievement, UKZN Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Dr Normah Zondo, said the award reflects both Dlamini’s dedication and the University’s commitment to research excellence.
“This recognition acknowledges Yizozodwa’s dedication and the high calibre of postgraduate research produced at UKZN. It also reflects her commitment to advancing knowledge while strengthening the University’s reputation for producing scholars whose research is widely recognised,” said Zondo.
IOL
Outside academia, Dlamini is committed to improving access to justice through She Knows the Law, a non-profit organisation she co-founded during Women’s Month last year.
The organisation focuses on legal empowerment, particularly for women and young people.
Its flagship initiative, Own Your Future, provides career guidance and mentorship to matric learners, especially those from rural communities, helping them transition into higher education and the world of work.
Dlamini has also encouraged fellow postgraduate students to pursue funding opportunities with confidence and to communicate the purpose behind their research authentically.
Congratulating her on the achievement, UKZN Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Dr Normah Zondo, said the award reflects both Dlamini’s dedication and the University’s commitment to research excellence.
“This recognition acknowledges Yizozodwa’s dedication and the high calibre of postgraduate research produced at UKZN. It also reflects her commitment to advancing knowledge while strengthening the University’s reputation for producing scholars whose research is widely recognised,” said Zondo.
IOL
