Madlingozi Appointed to Stellenbosch University’s Social Justice Centre

Tshepo Madlingozi has been appointed as an extraordinary professor at Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Social Justice. The appointment is intended to strengthen the centre’s research and policy engagement related to constitutionalism, reparative justice, and human rights.

Background and Current Role

Tshepo Madlingozi currently serves as a full-time commissioner at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him to this role in 2024. At the SAHRC, he oversees the anti-racism, education, and equality focal areas and chairs the body’s legal and ethics committee, which manages strategic litigation, policy reform, and accountability processes.

Previous Experience

Prior to joining the SAHRC, Madlingozi was the director of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. He also held the position of associate professor in the university’s School of Law, where he taught social justice and human rights and supervised postgraduate students. His activism has involved work with the Khulumani Support Group, a social movement representing survivors of apartheid-era human rights violations. He served as advocacy coordinator and later as chairperson, contributing to campaigns for reparations, redress, and reconciliation.

International Affiliations

Madlingozi’s academic work extends internationally. He is an adjunct professor at Nelson Mandela University and a visiting professor at the International Institute of Social Studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam. He also teaches within the African human rights system through the Vienna Master of Arts in Applied Human Rights program.

Reaction to the Appointment

Thuli Madonsela, director of the Centre for Social Justice, expressed the university’s honor in deepening collaboration with Madlingozi. She noted his recognition as an authoritative voice on social justice, human rights, and transformative constitutionalism, and highlighted his potential to diversify academic thought and drive research. Madlingozi has previously engaged with Stellenbosch University through lectures, research, and collaborative initiatives.

Madlingozi’s Perspective

Madlingozi stated he was drawn to Stellenbosch University’s efforts to critically engage with its history and contribute to national conversations about justice and transformation. He noted the appointment coincides with the 30th anniversaries of South Africa’s Constitution and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, providing an opportunity for reflection on the country’s democratic journey.