From a young age, Takudzwa Matekwe was drawn to disciplines that explored humanity, justice and expression. Now, years later, his journey has come full circle as he graduates with a Master of Laws (LLM) in Mercantile Law from the University of Pretoria (UP), capping off a remarkable chapter in his academic and professional life.

Born and raised in Gweru, Zimbabwe, Matekwe is the first lawyer in his family, an achievement that reflects both determination and deep purpose. “In high school, I was naturally inclined toward subjects like History, Divinity, Languages and Literature,” he recalls. “They allowed me to combine analytical thinking with creativity. Law became the perfect fit, both intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling.”

After excelling in his undergraduate LLB degree at UP, where he graduated with distinction, appeared three times on the Dean’s Merit List and was awarded multiple scholarships, including the Moshal Scholarship and the Canon Collins Trust Sol Plaatje Scholarship, it was clear that he was just getting started. He was also recognised as a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and served as Consultation Coordinator for the UP Student Disciplinary Advisory Panel (SDAP).

Pursuing an LLM in Mercantile Law was a natural next step on Matekwe’s path to becoming a professor. “It was a strategic move. I wanted to deepen my knowledge, refine my research skills and contribute meaningfully to my field,” he explained. “My LLM also gave me a platform to explore real-world legal challenges in depth.”

His research focused on product liability, specifically a comparative analysis of the legal frameworks in South Africa and Australia. His dissertation, titled “A critical and comparative analysis of the South African and Australian product liability regimes,” examined the transition from common law fault-based liability to the strict liability model introduced by South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act.

“My interest was sparked by the 2017 listeriosis outbreak. It was devastating to see how difficult it was for affected consumers to hold manufacturers accountable,” he said. “My research aims to understand how we can create a more accessible, just, and efficient product liability regime.”

Matekwe’s comparative lens also allowed him to explore how Australia’s implementation of strict liability could provide valuable insights for reforming South African law. As the world embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and increasingly complex technologies, his work addresses timely questions around consumer safety and legal accountability.

What stands out about Matekwe’s story is his deep-rooted connection to the University of Pretoria—an institution that has not only shaped his academic path but also provided a launchpad for his professional journey.

“UP is more than just where I studied; it’s where I grew. The Faculty of Law is the best in Africa, and I’ve seen that excellence first hand,” he said. “I’m especially grateful for the Faculty’s ‘growing its own timber’ approach. They recognised my potential and gave me my first academic role as an Academic Associate.”

Since 2022, Matekwe has steadily progressed through the ranks in the Faculty. He now serves as an Assistant Lecturer and the Academic Associate Coordinator in the Department of Private Law. In this role, he lectures, tutors, conducts assessments, and assists in departmental administration, all while pursuing his LLD.

“I find it incredibly rewarding to teach and mentor students—many of whom I can relate to, having recently been in their shoes,” said Matekwe. “This position has allowed me to build meaningful connections with both students and senior staff, and has accelerated my professional development.”

With his LLM behind him and his doctoral studies underway, Matekwe is focused on completing his LLD in record time. His research will build on his master’s dissertation, extending into the realm of emerging technologies and product liability. He also plans to publish his work and present at academic conferences to further contribute to the field.

Looking ahead, he remains committed to academia and legal scholarship. “My goal is to become a professor and to make a lasting impact through research, teaching and policy reform,” he said.

For students considering postgraduate studies in law, he offers this advice: “Find your niche—something you’re truly passionate about—and master it. Passion, when combined with market relevance and your strengths, will make you unstoppable. And always keep learning. The legal world is evolving fast, and staying ahead means staying curious and adaptable.”