- Advocate Kgagudi Morota has been selected to receive the Global Excellence in Access to Justice, Legal Empowerment and Socio-Economic Transformation Award at the Clevenard Global Awards 2026.
- The honour celebrates his leadership at the Unisa Law Clinic and his dedication to legal education, community empowerment and expanding access to justice.
- The international award will be presented in Alicante, Spain, from 27 to 30 August 2026.
By helping ordinary South Africans understand and enforce their legal rights, Advocate Kgagudi Morota, Head of the Unisa Law Clinic, has been selected to receive one of the legal profession's highest international honours.
Morota has been selected to receive the Global Excellence in Access to Justice, Legal Empowerment and Socio-Economic Transformation Award at the Clevenard Global Awards 2026, which will take place in Alicante, Spain, from 27 to 30 August.
The award goes to individuals whose leadership, innovation and public service have made a meaningful and lasting difference in society through access to justice, legal empowerment and human development.
For Morota, this recognition reflects years spent championing the belief that the law should be accessible to everyone, no matter their financial circumstances or social standing.
A career dedicated to justice
Throughout his career, Morota has worked to ensure that vulnerable and disadvantaged communities can access justice and enjoy the full protection of their constitutional rights.
His efforts have focused on removing legal barriers faced by marginalised groups, and on promoting equality, dignity and social justice through practical legal help and education.
The Unisa Law Clinic said, “Morota’s selection for this award reflects his outstanding contributions to advancing access to justice, promoting legal education, empowering vulnerable communities and driving socio-economic transformation through the law.”
The award recognises not just professional excellence but also leadership that creates meaningful and lasting social change.
Building a centre of excellence
Under Morota’s leadership, the Unisa Law Clinic has built a strong reputation as a centre of excellence for practical legal training, community engagement and access to justice.
The clinic continues to provide quality legal services to people who may otherwise be unable to afford legal representation while giving law students invaluable practical experience before entering the profession.
According to the Unisa Law Clinic, “Under his stewardship, the entity has continued to provide quality legal services to those who may otherwise struggle to access legal representation, while also creating valuable learning opportunities for aspiring legal practitioners.”
By exposing students to real legal matters, the clinic equips future lawyers with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills they need to serve communities with professionalism, integrity and compassion.
Empowering future legal professionals
Morota’s leadership has helped create an environment where academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with a commitment to ethical conduct, accountability and public service.
Students are encouraged to see the law not just as a profession, but as a powerful tool for improving lives and strengthening constitutional democracy.
The clinic said, “Students develop the skills, confidence and social awareness to become competent and compassionate legal professionals.”
This approach has reinforced the clinic’s role in producing graduates who understand both the technical demands of legal work and the importance of serving the public interest.
Advancing legal empowerment
Beyond legal education, Morota has played a major role in promoting legal literacy and empowering communities to understand and exercise their rights.
His work has helped create a culture of accountability and social responsibility, while also contributing to broader efforts to promote inclusion and strengthen constitutional democracy.
The Unisa Law Clinic noted, “His commitment to legal empowerment has enabled countless people to better understand and exercise their rights, contributing to efforts to strengthen constitutional democracy and promote social inclusion.”
The clinic believes university law clinics are vital for bridging the gap between legal theory and practical service, making sure that legal education benefits both students and the communities they serve.
A proud moment for Unisa
Receiving this award highlights the growing global recognition of the work being done by the Unisa Law Clinic to advance access to justice and community empowerment.
It also highlights the important contribution South African university law clinics continue to make to global conversations about human rights, equality and socio-economic development.
The Unisa Law Clinic described this achievement as a source of immense pride for the institution and the wider legal profession.
The clinic said, “We are confident that this international recognition will inspire even greater achievements as Morota continues to champion justice, legal empowerment, ethical leadership and inclusive socio-economic development in South Africa and around the world.”
The clinic also congratulated Morota, saying, “His dedication, vision and unwavering commitment to justice continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless people and communities.”
Get your news on the go. Click here to follow the Conviction WhatsApp channel.
