March 2024: Prof Moses Retselisitsoe Phooko – African Male Researcher of the Month

March 2024: Prof Moses Retselisitsoe Phooko – African Male Researcher of the Month

Prof Moses Retselisitsoe Phooko stands as a beacon of legal scholarship and human rights advocacy, with a distinguished career spanning academia, judicial service, and research. His journey is characterized by an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice and the advancement of human rights across Africa.

Qualifications

Prof Phooko’s academic journey is marked by excellence and dedication. He holds a Doctor of Laws (LLD) in International Law from the University of South Africa (UNISA), showcasing his depth of understanding of complex legal frameworks. Additionally, he possesses a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Notre Dame in the USA, further solidifying his expertise in international legal matters. His foundational degrees, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), and a Diploma in Human Rights were obtained from the esteemed North-West University (NWU), where he laid the groundwork for his illustrious career.

Expertise

Prof Phooko’s expertise spans a wide array of legal domains, including SADC Community Law, African Union Law, Public International Law, International Human Rights Law, Constitutional Law, and Customary Law. This breadth of knowledge underscores his versatility and comprehensive understanding of legal systems within the African context.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Prof Phooko has held several significant positions that have allowed him to contribute meaningfully to the legal landscape:

– Judicial Service: Serving as a Judge of the High Court in Pretoria, Prof Phooko presided over diverse cases, applying his extensive legal knowledge to administer justice.

– Academic Leadership: Prof Phooko’s leadership in academia is noteworthy. He has served as Head of Department and Associate Professor at the University of Limpopo, where he made substantial contributions to legal education and scholarship. His tenure also includes lecturing positions at the University of South Africa and the North-West University, Mafikeng, where he nurtured the next generation of legal minds.

– Research Excellence: Prof Phooko’s commitment to research is exemplified by his focus on the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where he has produced numerous publications of scholarly merit. His work has garnered recognition, with citations from the Constitutional Court of South Africa, affirming its impact and relevance.

– Recent Appointment: In a testament to his esteemed reputation and scholarly achievements, Prof Phooko was appointed as a Full Professor at the Faculty of Law and Director of the UNESCO Oliver Tambo Chair of Human Rights at the University of Fort Hare, effective March 1, 2024. This appointment underscores his standing as a leader in the field of human rights and legal scholarship.

Accolades and Awards

Prof Phooko’s contributions to legal scholarship have been recognized through various accolades, including:

– NRF Research Excellence Award: In 2021, he received the prestigious NRF Research Excellence Award for Emerging Researchers in the Humanities and Social Sciences, a testament to his scholarly prowess and contributions to the field.

– NRF Y2 Rating: Prof Phooko is a National Research Foundation (NRF) Y2-rated researcher, further highlighting his standing as a leading scholar in his field.

Personal Philosophy

In Prof Phooko’s own words, his dedication to academia and human rights stems from a profound commitment to social justice and the pursuit of knowledge that contributes to sustainable solutions. His ethos embodies the ideals of integrity, justice, and empowerment, driving his work to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities across Africa.

Prof Moses Retselisitsoe Phooko’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of legal scholarship and advocacy, inspiring generations to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity. Through his leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment, he continues to shape the legal landscape and champion the cause of human rights with unparalleled dedication and integrity.