School of Law
Private Law
Our law alumni have dominated every facet of the South African legal profession and judiciary
WHY CHOOSE SCHOOL OF LAW
Discover the strength of private law in shaping fair and equitable relationships, whether in business transactions, property ownership, or family matters.
Adv. Themba MATHEBULA
Head of Department
Welcome to the Department of Private Law at the School of Law, University of Limpopo. As one of the leading programmes in South Africa, our department specialises in private law education and research. Our dedicated faculty members are experts in areas such as contracts, property, torts, and family law, providing students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for success in their legal careers. With a focus on experiential learning and real-world applications, our programmes prepare students for a wide range of opportunities in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and beyond.
In addition to our rigorous academic curriculum, the Department of Private Law offers a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive. Our staff members are not only esteemed scholars but also dedicated mentors who are committed to nurturing the talents and aspirations of each student. Through personalised attention, hands-on projects, and collaborative opportunities, we empower our students to develop critical thinking skills, effective communication abilities, and ethical leadership qualities.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional seeking to advance your legal career or a newcomer eager to explore the world of private law, our department provides the resources and guidance you need to excel.
Possible careers:
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Corporate Counsel
- Contract Manager
- Property Manager
- Family Law Attorney
- Personal Injury Lawyer
- Estate Planner
- Legal Advisor
- Compliance Officer
- Mediator/Arbitrator
- Law Clerk
- Legal Researcher
- Paralegal
- Legal Administrator
- Government Legal Counsel
- Non-profit Legal Advocate
- Legal Educator
- Insurance Claims Adjuster
- Real Estate Agent/Realtor
Striving for Social Justice, Equality and Dissemination of Diverse Legal Knowledge in a Continuously Transforming Society
Safeguarding fair and just dealings between natural and juristic persons
Transformative constitutionalism
Transformative constitutionalism is realized through advancing;
- Substantive equality
- Social justice
- Economic justice and development
Modules Offered:
- Law of Succession: e.g. Section 39 of the Constitution purports that when interpreting the Bill of rights a court, tribunal or forum must consider international law; and may consider foreign law.
- Family Law: e.g. Children’s rights, Customary Marriages
- Law of Persons: The Bill of Rights, Transformative
Constitutionalism and legal subjects and objects - Private International Law
- Law of Property: e.g. Property rights, land reform,
housing and human settlement
Africanisation is discerned through
- Incorporation of indigenous knowledge
- African renaissance
- Africanising of the curricula
Modules Offered:
- Law of Succession: e.g. Customary law marriages where one dies without a will (intestate); Reform of
Customary Law of Succession Act 11 of 2009; Testamentary Freedom in African culture (wishes of the deceased) - Administration of Deceased Estate: e.g. Customary law marriages where one dies without a will (intestate); Reform of
Customary Law of Succession Act 11 of 2009; Testamentary Freedom in African culture (wishes of the deceased) - Contract law: e.g. Customary Law agreements-Agreements between the chiefs and the community-like PTOs (Permission to Occupy)
Ensuring in their private interactions and transactions, natural and juristic persons embraces established transformative ideals, guided significantly by the notions of Ubuntu, the Rule of Law and Human Rights
Adv. Themba MATHEBULA
Qualifications
- LLB, LLM (UL) PG Cert in Prospecting & Mining Law, PG Dip in Corporate Law( Wits)
Contacts
- Tel: 015 268 3536
- Email: Themba.Mathebula@ul.ac.za
Areas of interest
- Environmental law, Mineral Law, International Law( Trade, Foreign Investments & Transactions), Company Law, Education Law, Law of Contracts
Recent publications
- Mathebula T 2023. “Transitioning Old Order Mining Rights into New Mining Rights: A Critical Analysis” PER / PELJ (26) – DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2023/v26i0a11121
Dr Lesetja MONYAMANE
Qualifications
- LLB, LLM (UNISA), PGDip in Higher Education (DUT), LLD (UL)
Contacts
- Tel: 015 2684815
- Email: Lesetja.monyamane@ul.ac.za
Areas of interest
- Customary law and succession, law of delict
Recent publications
- Monyamane L 2023 “Creating and Sustaining a ‘Tunnel Vision’ Argument for the Application of Customary Law—A Language Conundrum” Southern African Public Law
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.25159/2522-6800/12159
Dr Mpho MHLONGO
Qualifications
- LLB, LLM (UL) PGDip in Higher Education (DUT), LLD (UL)
Contacts
- Tel: 0152684218
- Email: Mpho.Mhlongo@ul.ac.za
Areas of Interest
- Labour Law and Family Law
Mr. Lemuel BALOYI
Qualifications
- LLB( Univen), LLM( UL)
Contacts
- Tel: 0152684298
- Email: Lemuel.baloyi@ul.ac.za
Areas of Interest
- Labour law, Family Law, Property Law, Private International Law
Mr PM Kagiso TLADI
Qualifications
- BProc, LLB(UL), LLM(UP)
Contacts
- Tel: 0152682666
- Email: Kagiso.Tladi@ul.ac.za
Areas of Interest
- Law of Delict,
- Law of Persons
Mr Phetole Patrick MOILA
Qualifications
- B Proc, LLB, LLM, LLM(UL)
Contacts
- Tel: 0152682166
- Email: Patrick.Moila@ul.ac.za
Areas of Interest
- Deceased Estates and Trusts, Family Law, Private International Law