On March 14, 2025, the University of Pretoria (UP) hosted a group of law students from the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) for a beneficial academic and cultural exchange. The visit was aimed to encourage global legal discussions and develop ties between the two institutions.

Ms. Beverly Danquah, the University of Pennsylvania Law students' exchange coordinator, and 12 law students travelled to South Africa to provide legal support to We The People South Africa and Section 27 advocacy organisations. The students participated in a mixer talk with largely student representatives from UP Law groups, allowing them to network on a variety of legal topics and explore areas of synergy, differences, and potential areas of contention that may be addressed at future events.

The visit began with a tour of the University of Pretoria, where students learnt about the campus's history and role in South Africa's legal education scene. The excursion paved the way for an exciting day of engagement. Following that, Lebohang Mokhomatha, the Faculty of Law's Marketing Manager, provided context for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of international academic ties in broadening legal perspectives.

One of the session's highlights was the legal engagement session, in which students debated the differences between South African and North American legal systems. The debates focused on constitutional primacy, legal systems, and the development of common law in both countries. 

UP student societies introduced their societies to visiting UPenn students. Representatives from UP Law societies presented their societies' goals, activities, and contributions to the legal community, giving light on how student organisations affect the South African legal system. In turn, U-PENN law students introduced themselves, discussing their year of study and career goals. Their wide legal interests, ranging from business law to human rights, provided insight into the various job options available in North America's legal landscape.

The visit concluded with a networking lunch, which allowed students to continue their discussions in an informal setting before the UPENN delegation departed. The event heightened both UP and UPENN students' appreciation for international legal education and the importance of cross-border legal collaboration.

This engagement was an important step towards building legal connections between South Africa and the United States, laying the framework for future academic collaboration.