UKZN Legal Experts Expand African Jurisprudence Through Erasmus+ Exchange Programme in Italy

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The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is one of 78 African universities across 18 countries that have entered into a mutual co-operation agreement under the UNITAFRICA Alliance.

This agreement promotes collaborative partnerships between African institutions and Italian-based universities. One such partner is the University of Messina.

Professor Freddy Mnyongani, Dean and Head of the School of Law at UKZN, and Law lecturer Ms Nomfundo Mthembu recently visited the University of Messina in Italy under the Erasmus+ Programme. Their participation marked a significant contribution to African legal scholarship on the international stage. For both academics, the engagement extended their scholarly exchange and deepened their impact on global legal discourse.

Mnyongani was hosted by Professor Marcello Di Stefano, while Mthembu was hosted by Professor Alessio Lo Giudice.

Mnyongani presented a seminar titled: ‘Beyond Borders: Decolonisation’s Challenges to International Law’, in which he critically examined the colonial legacies embedded in international law. He challenged the audience to rethink core concepts such as sovereignty, development and international legal legitimacy, advocating for a restructured global order in which African perspectives are central to legal reform.

Mthembu, again serving as a visiting professor, presented a seminar on access to Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs): comparative lessons between Italy and South Africa. Her analysis focused on constitutional protections, patient rights and ethical frameworks within both legal systems. She emphasised the need to decolonise Medical Law by integrating African values, indigenous ethics and community health philosophies in light of evolving global contexts.

Reflecting on the experience, Mthembu said: “This second opportunity to return to Messina allowed for deeper engagement - not just to present African scholarship, but to position it as a catalyst for meaningful global transformation in law and ethics. A true second bite at the cherry.”

Mnyongani added: “Our contributions demonstrate that African legal scholars are not only participants in global debates - we are thought leaders, shaping new frameworks that promote justice on a broader scale.”

The Erasmus+ exchange continues to serve as a vital bridge between institutions, highlighting the importance of diverse legal perspectives in addressing shared global challenges. As the collaboration between UKZN and the University of Messina evolves, it stands as a model of inclusive, transformative academic partnership.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photographs: Supplied