Mpfariseni Budeli-Nemakonde

Mpfariseni Budeli-Nemakonde is a South African legal scholar, academic, and expert in labour law, constitutional law, and workers' rights. She serves as the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management, Commerce, and Law at the University of Venda (UNIVEN). Her work has significantly influenced labour law policies in South Africa, particularly in areas related to trade unionism, collective bargaining, and protections within the informal economy.
==Early life and education==
Mpfariseni Budeli-Nemakonde was born in South Africa and pursued her early education in law, focusing on social justice and workers' rights. She earned the following qualifications:
* Bachelor of Law (LLB) – University of Venda (UNIVEN)
* Master of Laws (LLM) in Labour Law – University of Pretoria
* Doctor of Laws (LLD) – University of South Africa (UNISA)
* Certificate in Mediation and Arbitration – Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA)
Her doctoral research at UNISA focused on constitutional protections for workers and the role of collective bargaining in strengthening labour relations. This work significantly contributed to scholarly discussions on labour law and social justice in South Africa.
==Academic career==
Budeli-Nemakonde has held various academic and leadership roles throughout her career, leveraging her expertise in labour law to influence academic programs and public policy.
===Leadership roles===
Budeli-Nemakonde is currently the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management, Commerce, and Law at the University of Venda (2020–present). In this role, she oversees academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement efforts aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges through education and law reform.
Previously, she served as:
* Professor of Labour Law – University of South Africa (UNISA) (2015–2020). In this role, she taught courses on collective bargaining, labour dispute resolution, and trade unionism.
* Chairperson – South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW) (2016–2018). During her tenure, she led initiatives to improve labour law policies, focusing on equitable treatment of workers in informal sectors.
* Practicing Arbitrator and Mediator – Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) (2010–present). Her work in this role has included resolving high-profile disputes in South Africa’s labour market.
===Visiting and external roles===
Budeli-Nemakonde has shared her expertise as a visiting academic and external examiner at:
* University of Cape Town
* University of KwaZulu-Natal
* North-West University
==Academic contributions==
Budeli-Nemakonde’s research explores critical issues in labour law, including the role of trade unions, collective bargaining mechanisms, and the protection of workers in informal economies. Her work bridges the gap between legal theory and practical solutions for labour market challenges in South Africa.
===Books===
* Labour Law and Social Justice in South Africa (2017): This book examines the evolution of labour law in South Africa and has been cited in studies analyzing collective bargaining strategies and their impact on employment relations.
* Collective Bargaining in the African Context (2020): A comparative study of bargaining practices across African nations, referenced in analyses of collective bargaining systems in South Africa, Lesotho, and Canada.
===Selected publications===
* "Reinstatement in the Context of ‘Deemed Dismissal’: A Critical Analysis of Recent Case Law," *South African Mercantile Law Journal*, Vol. 34, Issue 1 (2021).
* "Trade Unionism and Politics in Africa: The South African Experience," presented as an inaugural lecture at the University of South Africa, 2012.
* "Workers' Right to Freedom of Association and Trade Unionism in South Africa: An Historical Perspective," *Southern African Society of Legal Historians* (2009).
===Conference contributions===
Budeli-Nemakonde has presented her research at notable national and international conferences, including:
* "The Future of Collective Bargaining in Africa," African Labour Law Summit, Johannesburg, 2023.
* "Labour Law and Social Justice in a Post-COVID World," International Labour Law Conference, Geneva, 2022.
* "Promoting Workers' Rights in the Informal Sector," Pan-African Legal Forum, Nairobi, 2021.
==Awards and recognition==
* Distinguished Young Women in the Social Sciences and Humanities – Awarded by the National Department of Science and Technology (2013).
==Professional affiliations==
* Member, South African Labour Law Society (SASLAW).
* Member, International Labour Law Association (ILLA).
* Fellow, African Academy of Legal Scholars (AALS).
Category:South African legal scholars
Category:South African people
Category:Academics
Category:Labour law