Dr Shammah God’swill Boterere was conferred with a doctorate degree in May 2023 after completing his degree in just three years. Under the supervision of Prof André Boraine in the Department of Mercantile Law, his doctoral thesis is titled Debt Relief as part of the social safety net: A comparative appraisal of the regulation of no income no asset debtors in Zimbabwe.

Dr Boterere began his academic journey in 2014 when he enrolled as a first-year student at the University of Pretoria. Upon completing his Bachelor of Laws in 2017, he went on to enrol for a Master of Laws in Mercantile Law in 2018 and completed it in April 2019. He then enrolled for the Doctor of Laws between 2020 and 2022.

His journey in academia began in 2018 when he joined the Department of Private Law as an Academic Associate. He was eventually promoted to the position of Assistant Lecturer within the aforementioned department and he served in this position until December 2022. At present, he is a Postdoctoral Fellow under the supervision of Prof André Boraine.

When asked whom he would like to thank for his success, this is what Dr Boterere had to say: ‘I am indebted to my parents, Kevin and Chiwoneso Boterere, who gave me everything from nothing. I have without a doubt been able to achieve the little that I have achieved thus far because of the grounding and discipline they drilled in me.’

Dr Boterere also acknowledged the support that he continually receives from his wife, Juliet Mpofu-Boterere: ‘This journey has surely not been easy but not for once has the thought of giving up crossed my mind, all because of the blessing God gifted me with— my wife and the mother of my son.’

Dr Boterere expressed immense gratitude to his supervisor, Prof André Boraine. ‘I am also grateful for my supervisor, Prof André Boraine, who held my hand throughout this journey. I am just but one of the lucky ones who have been blessed enough to stand on the shoulders of such a giant,’ Dr Boterere said.

UP Law is extremely proud of Dr Boterere’s achievement. We wish him all the best in his career. We are privileged to be witnessing his journey in academia.

Congratulations Dr Boterere!