• UKZN student, Ms Yizozodwa Dlamini has been awarded the prestigious South African Journal on Human Rights (SAJHR) Top-Up Bursary,
• Dlamini is completing a Master of Laws in Constitutional Litigation,
• Her research study investigates whether South Africa’s constitutional vision of economic transformation is being translated into meaningful economic empowerment for women.

UKZN Master of Laws (LLM) student, Ms Yizozodwa Dlamini has been awarded the prestigious South African Journal on Human Rights (SAJHR) Top-Up Bursary.

The bursary recognises her academic excellence and research quality as she completes her Master of Laws (LLM) in Constitutional Litigation.

A highly competitive fund, the SAJHR Top-Up Bursary is awarded annually to postgraduate students at South African public universities whose research advances scholarship in constitutional law, human rights, justice, and related fields.

The award also acknowledges promising researchers whose work has the potential to contribute meaningfully to constitutionalism and social justice in South Africa.

Dlamini’s study titled, “A Constitutional Analysis of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment and Constrained Economic Agency Among Young Black Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa,” critically examines whether the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act has fulfilled its transformative constitutional mandate by creating meaningful opportunities for young Black women entrepreneurs through improved access to funding, business development support, and sustainable enterprise growth.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind her research, Dlamini said that growing up in an entrepreneurial family and later managing her own business exposed her to the structural barriers that many young Black women entrepreneurs face.

“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 said.

The SAJHR bursary will assist Dlamini in completing her postgraduate studies while enabling her to focus on producing research of the highest academic standard.

“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.

She added that the award represented far more than financial assistance. “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.”

Dlamini plans to develop her dissertation into a scholarly publication as she progresses towards her doctoral studies.

She said, “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.”

Beyond academia, Dlamini is committed to community empowerment. She is the co-founder of She Knows the Law, a non-profit organisation established during Women’s Month last year to promote legal empowerment and improve access to justice, particularly for women and young people.

One of the organisation’s flagship initiatives, Own Your Future, aims to support matric learners, particularly those from rural communities, through career guidance and mentorship as they transition into Higher Education and the world of work.

Encouraging fellow students to pursue funding opportunities with confidence and authenticity, Dlamini advised applicants to focus on communicating their purpose.

Dr Normah Zondo, Executive Director of the Corporate Relations Division, congratulated Yizozodwa Dlamini on her outstanding 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 scholars whose research is widely recognised.”

Issued by:

Corporate Relations Division

University of KwaZulu-Natal