The 2025 Canon Collins Trust Annual Scholars’ Conference brought together more than 150 delegates, including scholars and alumni from across Southern Africa, for a gathering rooted in shared purpose and exchange.

This year’s theme, Gathering for Justice, Building Caring Communities, celebrated the strength that comes from working together. Over the course of the conference, participants reflected on how research, activism, and community engagement can fuel one another and create lasting impact across the region.

A highlight of the weekend was the keynote address by Nomzamo Zondo, Executive Director of the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa. Speaking from her own journey as a movement lawyer, she reminded us that the struggle for social justice is both urgent and deeply human. Her call for honesty, accountability, and care offered a powerful reminder of what it takes to sustain change and of the communities that make this work possible.

From Mistakes to Renewal: The Hard Work of Building Caring Communities

Gathering for justice is not just symbolic—it is essential. These spaces allow scholars and activists to connect, exchange ideas, and build the trust and solidarity needed to confront the challenges facing our country and continent. They are places where energy is renewed, debates sharpen understanding, and communities map out the path forward.

In her keynote address, Zondo spoke candidly to delegates about the realities of the struggle for social justice. She drew on her own experiences as a movement lawyer, underscoring the importance of honesty, accountability, and care in sustaining the fight. At a time when corruption, immigration, crime, and identity politics dominate public discourse in South Africa and beyond, Zondo reminded the audience that the struggle cannot be waged in isolation. It requires communities committed to showing up for one another.

“Do not be afraid to make mistakes,” she said. “Most importantly, own them.” She recalled a difficult chapter in the relationship with Abahlali baseMjondolo, one of the largest shack-dwellers’ movements in South Africa. Trust had faltered after a lapse, and the partnership seemed at risk. But rather than retreat, Zondo and her colleagues confronted their failure, repaired the relationship, and emerged stronger.

Her message was clear: building communities is not a fairytale. Mistakes are inevitable, but when they are acknowledged and addressed, they can become opportunities for growth and renewal.

Gathering for justice, then, is not only about envisioning a fairer society. It is about practicing accountability, building principled relationships, and nurturing the resilience required to carry the struggle forward.

Theshaya Naidoo: 2025 Scholars’ Scholar Pioneering Resilience and Innovation

Theshaya Naidoo, our 2025 Scholars’ Scholar, took to the stage to share a story defined by resilience, determination, and ambition. Raised by a single mother who survived domestic violence, Theshaya’s early life was shaped by sacrifice and unwavering support. Her mother even sold her jewelry and their TV to fund Theshaya’s first-year registration fees, a gesture that highlighted the profound commitment to her education.

Despite these challenges, Theshaya excelled academically, earning cum laude distinctions for both her degrees and an unweighted average of 75% for her LLM. She has received numerous awards, including dean’s commendations, merit certificates, and scholarships. Her dedication has also taken her beyond South Africa, with three international research presentations, including at the University of Oxford.

Now a PhD candidate in Law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Theshaya is breaking new ground with research on the implications of neurotechnology for South Africa’s judicial process. As the 2025 Central President of UKZN Golden Key, she champions academic excellence and leadership while carving a space at the intersection of law, technology, and justice.

With expertise in health law, human rights, and emerging technologies such as AI, neurotechnology, and cryptocurrency, Theshaya addresses complex ethical and legal challenges. She is also developing technology-driven solutions to promote equality and access to justice.

We are proud to support a scholar whose work is both academically rigorous and socially transformative. Keep an eye on our website and social media to follow Theshaya’s trailblazing journey.