UWC Faculty of Law and Miller du Toit Cloete Inc. Host 2025 Annual Global Family Law Conference


 

From 26 to 28 March 2025, the President Hotel in Bantry Bay, Cape Town, played host to the International Annual Family Law Conference, co-hosted by Miller du Toit Cloete Inc. and the University of the Western Cape Faculty of Law. The event convened leading legal practitioners, academics, and members of the judiciary for a rigorous examination of contemporary issues and developments in family law.

A standout moment of the conference was the address by the Chief Justice of South Africa, Chief Justice Mandisa ML Maya, whose presence underscored the significance of the event on the national legal calendar. Her keynote contribution was both inspiring and instructive, affirming the evolving role of the judiciary in shaping family law in ways that promote justice for all.

Over three days, the conference offered a rich programme of discussions, panel sessions, and networking opportunities. While specific session themes ranged from legislative updates to comparative insights on African and international family law systems, the overarching focus remained on the human stories at the heart of legal disputes and reforms.

Delegates also engaged in robust debates around the intersection of custom, constitutionalism, and the global evolution of family structures highlighting the importance of responsive and inclusive legal frameworks.

The annual MDT/UWC Family Law Conference continues to affirm its reputation as a premier platform for dialogue and innovation in family law, setting the tone for progressive legal discourse in South Africa and beyond.

Looking ahead, the legacy of collaboration and critical engagement between Miller du Toit Cloete Inc. and the University of the Western Cape Faculty of Law continues. The 28th Annual Family Law Conference is already scheduled to take place from 11 to 13 March 2026, once again bringing together the country’s foremost legal minds for another dynamic exchange on the future of family law. Delegates can expect another impactful programme, grounded in both academic insight and practical relevance.