UKZN law student earns prestigious human rights research bursary

A University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) law student has been awarded a top-tier bursary for her research on constitutional law and its impact on social justice in South Africa. Yizozodwa Dlamini, currently pursuing an LLM in Constitutional Litigation, received the South African Journal on Human Rights (SAJHR) Top-Up Bursary. This annual award is given to postgraduate students at South African public universities whose work advances constitutional law, human rights, and related areas. 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, investigates whether the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act has fulfilled its goal of providing meaningful economic opportunities for young Black women entrepreneurs. Her study looks at how the legislation affects access to funding, business development support, and sustainable enterprise growth among this group, which remains one of the most underrepresented in South African business circles. Dlamini described her motivation for the research as stemming from personal experience. As an entrepreneur herself, she faced systemic financial, institutional, and social barriers despite her determination and skills. “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 explained. The bursary will help ease the financial strain of completing her LLM, enabling her to concentrate on producing high-quality academic work. “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. Beyond financial support, the award holds symbolic value for Dlamini. “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 added. As she finishes her LLM and prepares to pursue a doctorate, Dlamini aims to turn her dissertation into a scholarly publication. “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 of academia, Dlamini is actively involved in initiatives aimed at improving access to justice. She co-founded She Knows the Law, a non-profit organisation dedicated to legal empowerment, particularly for women and young people. Its main project, Own Your Future, offers career guidance and mentorship to matriculants, especially those from rural areas, helping them navigate higher education and employment. Dlamini encourages other postgraduate students to seek funding opportunities and clearly articulate the significance of their research. “I have encouraged fellow postgraduate students to pursue funding opportunities with confidence and to communicate the purpose behind their research authentically,” she said. Dr Normah Zondo, UKZN’s Executive Director of Corporate Relations, praised Dlamini’s achievement. “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 impactful scholars.” Dlamini’s work continues to draw attention within academic and policy-making circles. Her findings could influence discussions around economic equity and the role of constitutional law in shaping inclusive economic policies. With further research and collaboration, her contributions may offer new insights into the challenges and possibilities for young Black women entrepreneurs in South Africa.