Mr Xolo Songca has graduated with a Master of Laws (LLM) in Constitutional Theory, Law and Litigation from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
Songca, who is widely recognised for his debut political non-fiction book The African Code, actively interacts with audiences on social media platforms such as TikTok and X where he shares his opinions on legal issues, education, and societal values.
Driven by a desire to strengthen South African law and constitutional governance, Songca’s master’s research addresses critical systemic challenges within local government.
“I believe the most significant societal impact of my research is it moves the discussion about municipal dysfunction beyond statistics and government reports and towards the lived experiences of communities.”
Supervised by Professor Warren Freedman, Songca’s study, Examining the Rising Number of Municipalities Under Section 139 Interventions in KwaZulu-Natal: A Determination of Municipal Dysfunctionality and Dissolution in terms of Section 139(5) of the Constitution, investigates the laws that allow the provincial government to intervene in the affairs of a dysfunctional municipality.
“I was especially interested in municipalities suffering from financial crises and wanted to ascertain why provincial governments preferred to use Section 139(1), which applies broadly to all kinds of municipal failures, rather than Section 139(5), which applies specifically to financial failures,” Songca said.
“It was apparent from my research that a Section 139 intervention should not simply be viewed as a mechanism for taking control of failing municipalities, but as a constitutional tool aimed at restoring effective and accountable local government.”
For Songca, earning his LLM from UKZN marks a milestone in a personal journey intertwined with institutional history. Having previously earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University, he also shares a familial link to UKZN as his uncle, Professor Sandile Songca, was the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning.
“I come from a family of deeply intellectual and accomplished scholars and professionals, studying at UKZN challenged me academically, but more importantly, it shaped the way I think about law, society, and my own purpose as a legal practitioner.”
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini