The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Law (UP Law) proudly represented Africa at two prestigious platforms shaping the future of aviation and space industries, the 3rd ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit and the National Space Conference 2025. At both events, UP Law highlighted its LLM in International Air, Space, and Telecommunications Law (IASTL), offered in the Department of Public Law, the only programme of its kind on the African continent.

Hosted for the first time in Africa, the NGAP Global Summit provided an international platform for policymakers, industry leaders, education experts, and youth to shape the future workforce in aviation. Guided by the theme “The Flight Plan for Future Aviation Talent: Innovate, Educate, Inspire – Building the workforce for the skies ahead” the Summit highlighted innovation and collaboration as key drivers of transformation in the sector.

Reece Lenting, who represented UP Law at the Summit, emphasised the importance of being part of such a global gathering. “It was important for UP to participate first as an institution of higher education. We promoted UP as the leading Law Faculty on the African continent and showcased our LLM specialising in International Air, Space, and Telecommunications Law. As the only programme covering all three specialised disciplines in Africa, we have a responsibility to raise awareness and attract the next generation of leaders in these niche sectors.”

The LLM programme sparked strong interest, particularly among high school learners fascinated by the role of law in aviation.

“Many learners were unaware that law plays such a crucial role in aviation or that such a programme even exists. This broadened their horizons regarding possible careers. Industry professionals also showed great interest, particularly because of the flexibility the programme offers,” Reece added.

Among the most common questions from students was, “What does the law have to do with flying?” — a conversation starter that highlights the value of connecting legal studies with real-world industries.

Reabetswe Mampane, an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Public currently pursuing the LLM, explained what sets the programme apart saying, “In a nutshell, the LLM in IASTL entails studying, examining, understanding, and at times challenging the national, regional, and international legal aspects of the aviation, space, and telecommunications industries.” 

“There are very few institutions worldwide offering such a combination, and UP is the only African institution that does so. We are also taking a Pan-African approach and have a strong working relationship with McGill University’s Institute of Air and Space Law in Canada,” she added.

The programme is designed for students and professionals alike.

“Those interested in international law and these specialised fields should consider the LLM. However, we also encourage anyone fascinated by aviation, space, or telecommunications in general. Law, regulation, and policy are vital to these industries, and this programme shows how those aspects intersect with their day-to-day practicalities,” she explained.

Reabetswe highlighted the exciting opportunities attached to the programme saying that, “we are developing our moot programme to compete again in the Manfred Lachs International Space Law Moot Competition, held annually at the International Astronautical Congress. These partnerships and experiences expose our students to global debates shaping air and space law.”

In addition to the NGAP Summit, UP Law was also represented at the National Space Conference 2025, hosted by the National Earth Observations and Space Secretariat under the theme “Space for Societal Resilience, Transformation and Intelligence.” The conference underscored how space science, Earth observation, and digital intelligence can drive national resilience and promote inclusive development.

“Our role there was to promote the LLM in IASTL and emphasise how UP Law is best placed to offer legal knowledge in space and telecommunications law from a South African perspective. It was rewarding to engage professionals in the space industry who acknowledge the importance of law and regulation but had not considered pursuing specialised legal training in this area,” said Reabetswe.

For both Reece and Reabetswe, the most memorable aspect of these platforms was the opportunity to inspire future leaders through their participation.

“The expo revealed the vast talent of South African learners and their eagerness to contribute to the aviation sector”, said Reece. “I personally enjoyed connecting with high school students about careers in aviation law, while also engaging professionals in the space sector who were intrigued by our LLM offering, “added Reabetswe.

Both agreed that these engagements significantly raised awareness of the programme, with Reece summing up the LLM experience in three words: “Innovative. Transformative. Life-changing.”