16/09/2026
Award winning author, lawyer and digital Content Creator Xolo Songca graduated with a Master of Laws (LLM) in Constitutional Theory, Law and Litigation.
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 opinion 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 driven by my desire to understand why so many municipalities struggle to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities. I found that municipal dysfunctionality is rarely caused by one issue, but is often the result of political instability, poor financial management, weak leadership, inadequate institutional capacity and a lack of accountability,” said Songca.
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. I have authored and published two award-winning books. My family, especially my parents are very excited. I was with my wife when I first heard the news and she is ecstatic especially because she has witnessed the hard work and sacrifices, we both put into this.”
2. Humanitarian NPO Co-Founder of Clowns without Borders South Africa, Ms Lindokuhle ‘Lulu’ Ngcobo graduated with a Master of Commerce in Management.
Ngcobo balanced her postgraduate studies with her grass-roots humanitarian work as head of the artist-led humanitarian organisation which is dedicated to improving the psychosocial well-being of children and communities affected by crisis.