Prof Debbie (Deborah) Hamman, who joined UWC in 1997, has retired with effect from 31 July 2022.
 

Debbie attained her BA and LLB degrees from the University Stellenbosch, an LLM degree from UCT (cum laude), and an LLD degree, also at UCT, in the field of Public International Law.

She completed her articles in 1983, having been admitted to practice as attorney and conveyancer. She was appointed as lecturer at University Stellenbosch in 1984 until 1997 when she joined UWC. Debbie was the Head of the then Department of Public Affairs at the UWC Law Faculty from 2007 to 2009. She played a leading role in developing the Higher Certificate in Forensic Examination in 2000, a very successful programme that is still running in the Faculty.

During her academic career, Debbie served on the Panel of Experts (Maritime Boundaries) of the United Nations Division for Oceans Law, and was the Tribunal Chair of the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport.

Debbie is a renowned sport star and was captain of the national netball team, the Proteas, from 1986-1995 and received awards as the SA Netball Player of the Year in 1987, 1988, and 1993. At the World Netball Championships in 1995, captained the Proteas to a silver medal. She further received the Mary French International Sports Leadership Award in 1990 and 1993, as well as the State President’s Merit Award for Sport 1996. She has been a regular commentator on SuperSport.

Debbie and her husband Wally plan to base themselves in Europe for significant periods over the next five years to live Debbie’s dream of attending major global sports events from a central base. Look out for her in the stands at the world rhythmic and artistic gymnastics championships, world swimming and diving championships, figure skating and Diamond League athletics meetings, ski racing events, as well as the tennis majors.

We wish Debbie all the best for this exciting next chapter.​