From UWC Law Graduate to Deputy Dean: Prof Tinashe Kondo Takes on New Academic Leadership Role
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) Faculty of Law congratulates Prof Tinashe Kondo on his appointment as Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning, effective July 2026. His appointment marks a significant milestone in an academic journey that began at UWC and reflects his commitment to legal scholarship, teaching, research and student development.
For Prof Kondo, the appointment carries both personal significance and a responsibility to contribute to the Faculty's academic future.
“It feels surreal. I have come full circle: this institution is my alma mater, and my career and formative development began in this Faculty. To contribute in this way is an utmost privilege, and one I do not take lightly,” he said.
“It is also a monumental achievement, as it builds on years of hard work and a passion for teaching and research.”
— Prof Tinashe Kondo
The appointment, he explained, reflects the trust and support of his colleagues and provides an opportunity to contribute directly to student success, curriculum reform and the improvement of the Faculty's academic project on the teaching front.
An academic journey rooted in UWC
Prof Kondo's academic journey is closely connected to UWC, where he completed his Bachelor of Commerce in Law, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws and Doctor of Laws degrees.
His professional progression within the Faculty reflects a sustained commitment to academic development. He began as a Graduate Assistant in 2015, progressing through the positions of Associate Lecturer, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor before taking up the role of Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning.
His research interests include competition law, investment law, digital regulation, human rights and social justice in Africa. In 2021, he published Law & Investment in Africa: The Governance of Foreign Direct Investment in Zimbabwe, contributing to scholarship on investment governance.
Beyond his research, Prof Kondo has contributed to curriculum development and postgraduate education. He co-developed the LLM in Mercantile Law with a specialisation in Competition Law and Policy, and has been involved in postgraduate course coordination and student supervision.
In 2025, he established a doctoral network to encourage collaboration, academic publishing and mentorship among doctoral researchers. His work with emerging scholars has also included mentoring Graduate Assistants, helping to support the next generation of academics.
A student-centred vision for teaching and learning
As Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning, Prof Kondo identifies improving student success and the overall student experience as his central priorities. He emphasises the importance of ensuring that students receive an education that is relevant, practical and responsive to the changing world of work.
“My main priority is improving student success and the student experience, and this requires that we remain student-focused,” he said.
He explained that this involves offering a curriculum that gives students an advantage in the workplace, while ensuring that their time at university is enriching and meaningful. He also wants to create opportunities for students to gain practical experience that prepares them not only for legal practice, but also for other fields in which they may wish to pursue careers.
“Law is a skill, and indeed a life skill, that can be harnessed in almost every aspect of our day-to-day lives. I therefore want to provide a platform that produces agile, adaptable and creative law graduates.”
— Prof Tinashe Kondo
To advance this vision, Prof Kondo intends to explore work-integrated learning opportunities for students and ensure that most of the Faculty's programmes undergo quality reviews. These reviews will seek to keep programmes timely, relevant and student-centred. He also plans to explore opportunities for greater automation and improved structure in the Faculty's administrative functions.
A collective commitment to progress
While enthusiastic about the opportunities presented by his appointment, Prof Kondo recognises that advancing teaching and learning requires collaboration across the Faculty.
“Despite my enthusiasm for the role, I am cognisant that it is challenging and demanding, and that it requires a collective effort from both academic and support staff,” he said.
He expressed confidence that open and constructive engagement would help colleagues identify common ground and work towards shared objectives.
“Our Faculty, and our sector more broadly, is full of opportunity, and together we can deliver a quality programme of which we and our students can be proud.”
— Prof Tinashe Kondo
The Faculty congratulates Prof Kondo on his appointment and looks forward to his contribution to strengthening teaching and learning, enhancing the student experience and supporting the continued development of the Faculty's academic programmes.
