Letter of support: African Student Law Journal publication

Abstract

The Faculty of Law at the University of the Western Cape fully endorses the publication of the African Student Law Journal (ASLJ). This student-centred initiative creates a platform to facilitate student research through the ASLJ, which fits neatly into the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) current Institutional Operating Plan (IOP) as well as the Faculty’s Strategic Plan.

After all, in an increasingly competitive environment, it is by design that the Faculty supports the publication of peer-reviewed student research to further debate in the field, and inform law, policy, and practice. It is notable that, world-wide, academic engagement is in part based on exposure to published research which enhances and strengthens students’ research skills, critical thinking, and experience. By focusing on undergraduates and master's students, and their contributions to current legal debates through publications, students are called upon to think outside the box, identify the issues which have ignited debate in recent times in the various areas of law, and add their voice to these contemporary issues. Thus, the Journal provides a platform for undergraduate and master's students to suggest solutions to the problems confronting the world, particularly Africa and the rest of the Global South.

With this as a backdrop, we look forward to increased collaboration and engagement on the African continent to widen the reach and impact of the ASLJ.