Law PhD Graduate’s Research a Valuable Contribution to a Transformative Constitutional State

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Law doctoral graduate, Dr Annie Singh, hopes to help contribute to the better understanding of how people interpret laws in a transformative constitutional state through her research titled: “The Impact of the Constitution on Transforming the Process of Interpretation in South Africa”.

‘Not only has the Constitution transformed the process of statutory interpretation, it has also resulted in the emergence of a new jurisprudence,’ said Singh.

For Singh, this transformation process created a knowledge gap which she, through her role as an academic, can bridge by doing research.

‘My study has therefore resulted in a “new” theory to interpret laws in a transformative constitutional state. The study is intended to benefit South African society as a whole. By proposing a “new” more encompassing theory based on moral and ethical considerations, the purpose of the new theory of interpretation is intended to achieve social justice and social transformation,’ said Singh.

This learning curve will not only distinguish Singh - the Academic Leader for Teaching and Learning at the School of Law - as an expert in her field but will also grow her research profile.

‘I have a flair for teaching and learning. I will present a paper at the Liberalisation and Globalisation Conference in Bangalore, India, this July. The paper interrogates the impact of globalisation on African women in the workplace,’ said Singh.

‘My perspective is from a South African context as I believe that as South Africans our experience is unique and my aim is to inform the world of how we can make a difference.

‘I am also working on a paper that I intend to present at the Annual Teaching and Learning Higher Education Conference later this year,’ she said.

 Thandiwe Jumo