Prof Thuli Madonsela
“Corruption poses a significant threat to human rights and social justice, thereby undermining democratic institutions, the rule of law, and foundational values of our constitutional order,” said Prof Thuli Madonsela during the 2025 Justice Moseneke Annual Public Lecture. This Public Lecture was held on Wednesday, 08 October 2025, at UNIVEN Senate Chamber. The thought-provoking lecture, which drew hundreds of UNIVEN students, staff members and members of the judiciary (who mostly attended online, including the former Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke, whom the public lecture is named after). The Public Lecture was hosted by the Department of Public Law, within the School of Law, under the Faculty of Management, Commerce, and Law.
When delivering the lecture, Prof Madonsela indicated that corruption erodes the democratic ethos, kills administrations, and imperils the capacity of the state to fulfil its obligations to respect, protect, promote, and uphold all the rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
Some of the attendees listening to Prof Thuli Madonsela delivering the lecture
The nexus between corruption, human rights, and social justice is complex. While corruption undermines the realisation of human rights, inequitable or socially unjust societies may also drive corruption. Prof Madonsela cited the example of Nepal, where young people protested against corrupt leaders. These protesters were sparked by social distress, including hunger, unemployment, poverty, and vast disparities in wealth and living standards. She emphasised that corruption is not just a public sector issue but also affects the private sector, and that it undermines the realisation of human rights, including the right to work and social justice.
To combat corruption, Prof Madonsela advocated for a multifaceted approach that includes turning the tide against corruption, paired with turning the tide for social justice and human rights. She suggested using technology, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, to prevent corruption and ensure accountability. She also emphasised the need to protect whistleblowers and those who stand up against corruption, and to promote international cooperation to deny safe havens to corrupt actors. Prof Madonsela concluded that “as long as there is injustice happening, there cannot be sustainable peace anywhere.”
Prof Tharien van der Walt, the Deputy Dean: Teaching and learning in the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law
Prof Tharien van der Walt, the Deputy Dean: Teaching and learning at the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law, welcomed attendees to the Justice Moseneke Annual Public Lecture on “The Impact of Corruption on Human Rights and Social Justice”, noting the distinguished expertise of the guest speaker, Prof Thuli Madonsela. She expressed confidence that the lecture would provide valuable insights and new perspectives on the topic of corruption, a pressing issue in South Africa. On behalf of the University of Venda, she extended a warm welcome to all attendees and encouraged them to participate in the discussion.
The UNIVEN Law Alumni Association Treasurer, Mr Herman Nethononda
Mr Herman Nethononda, the Treasurer of the recently launched UNIVEN Law Alumni Association, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting students and bridging the gap between academia and the legal profession. According to Herman Nethononda, the Alumni Association aims to provide guidance and assistance in navigating the legal profession. “We want to be that bridge between us as practising attorneys, advocates, and professionals, together with the students,” he said. The association plans to establish trust funds and partnerships with law firms to support students, particularly with the high costs of law school. “Law school is expensive, we want to come up with programmes, ideas, innovations, funds, trust funds, where we can assist you to have that elevation from graduation including serving articles,” Nethononda added.
A pose with Prof Thuli Madonsela
Group photo of some of the attendees
Prof Thuli Madonsela (middle) with Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law staff members
Delivering a vote of thanks, Prof Tharien van der Walt expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prof Thuli Madonsela for sharing her invaluable insights and expertise. She praised Madonsela’s thought-provoking statement that “corruption destroys the fibre of an equitable society, but corruption also is one of the drivers of an inequitable society”. Gratitude was also extended to the programme director, organisers, University staff, students and attendees for making the event a success. Despite time limitations, she appreciated the audience’s enthusiasm and engagement and looked forward to future events that would inspire and educate the university community.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
