University of Cape Town (UCT) PhD candidate Gloria Chikaonda will be pursuing a second  master’s degree at Stanford Law School in International Legal Studies in September after being selected for the 2019 Knight-Hennessy Scholars program. Knight-Hennessy scholars receive full funding for graduate study at Stanford.

Gloria Chikaonda (pic: Standford University)

Chikaonda, who is from Zimbabwe, will be pursuing a master of the science of law degree. Chikaonda is passionate about the creation of an African jurisprudence and developing law that speaks to traditional African values and responds to the needs of African people. She aspires to publish a comprehensive guide to African customary legislation and law in Zimbabwe.

Commenting on her achievement, Chikaonda said: “I feel incredibly grateful to have been selected as part of the second cohort of such a wonderful scholarship program. It really bares testament to what simply giving it your best shot can do for you. But more than that, UCT played a huge role in nurturing me so I could be ready to stand among the best and brightest at Stanford with confidence and for that, I am so filled with gratitude. I cannot wait for this new adventure!”

She already holds bachelor’s degrees in international relations, French, and law, and a master’s degree in comparative law in Africa from UCT and has worked as a teaching and research assistant in UCT’s private law department.

Besides her interest in law, Chikaonda has demonstrated her leadership capabilities from the various roles she has held at UCT which include president of the Postgraduate Law Students Council. She also received the Leadership Excellence Award and during her tenure as president of the council she was presented with the award for Most Outstanding Postgraduate Student Faculty Council.

The 2019 Knight-Hennessy scholars will pursue graduate degrees across the university at all seven of Stanford’s schools. The program aims to develop an interdisciplinary community of future global leaders to address the world’s most complex challenges through collaboration and innovation.

(Text: UCT Communications and Marketing Department 6 March 2019)