The School of Law recently launched the Navi Pillay Research Group (NPRG) in honour of Judge Dr Navanethem “Navi” Pillay.

The group is a collaboration between UKZN’s Law School through Professor Managay Reddi, Professor Angana Chatterji of Berkeley University and Stanford University Libraries to honour and celebrate the formidable legacy and tireless agency of the esteemed judge.

The NPRG aims to foster interdisciplinary, collaborative entity to support research, education, policy and advocacy interventions within UKZN. This will be achieved through efforts that respond to contemporary social issues including land reform; economic injustice; decolonisation; racism, hate crimes; human right violations and persistent discrimination.

Addressing the gathering, Judge Pillay said that, while it is important that the NPRG supports academics, it is equally important that students also have access to this valuable resource. ‘I have been able to better serve the public because doors were opened for me and I would in return like to see doors open for students at UKZN through this project.’

‘I am committed to playing a role at UKZN. There is so much I can do for the cause, spiritually, morally and financially. We now have a home to get the students’ research out there to influence policy, especially here in KwaZulu-Natal,’ she said.

Dean and Head of School, Professor Reddi said the school is proud to have as a benefactor and supporter someone of Judge Pillay’s calibre, to assist it in its drive to conduct relevant and impactful research and outreach programmes.

‘Judge Pillay’s stature, especially on the international stage, will assist our School and UKZN to attract the kind of scholars with whom we would like to collaborate on the range of important initiatives to which the NPRG is committed,’ she said.

For more information on the NPRG visit: https://law.ukzn.ac.za/navi-pillay-research-group/

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Itumeleng Masa