This book promotes discussion and understanding of customary law and explores its continued relevance in sub-Saharan Africa. It considers the characteristics of customary law and efforts to ascertain and codify customary law, and how this body of law differs in content, form and status from legislation and common law.

About the publication I am delighted to present to you, the reader, the fifteenth edition of the Pretoria Student Law Review (PSLR) with its Special Section on ‘Social Justice and COVID-19’. This year’s Annual Edition, together with the developments made during the year, is a testament to the growth, resilience, and adaptability of this student-driven initiative especially during these turbulent times. This year has also been one of reflection and remembrance as we publish this edition in tribute to the late Professor Christof Heyns whose instrumentality in the establishment of the Pretoria University Law Press (PULP) has brought us to where we are today. Fourteen years since its inception and the PSLR still continues to grow and evolve whilst remaining true to its thriving legacy in fostering excellence and innovation through legal writing. This publication’s uniqueness is also presented through its diverse contributions all addressing contemporary societal and legal issues under a broad range of legal disciplines. In an era of many continued ‘firsts’, the PSLR has strived to build on the legacy of its predecessors by expanding on the Journal’s visibility and accessibility. The PSLR’s digital presence has now grown substantially leading to an increase in quality submissions from institutions across the country. This year, the PSLR launched its first independent website and developed an official logo for the Journal and its online platforms. Authors are now able to submit their papers through the Open Journals System platform, track their workflow, manage their submissions, and submit at any time outside of the PSLR’s official call for submissions. We can firmly submit that we have, in pursuance of being a DHET accredited journal, fulfilled the standards set out by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Many thanks are extended to Makone Maja for developing the website. Your patience, guidance, and geniality are truly appreciated. Thank you also to Jakolien Strydom and ClickCreate for your charitable assistance in developing and designing the logo. To the authors, this year has, in many respects, been challenging with many of those challenges affecting students directly. We appreciate the dedicated efforts put into your submissions and your wholehearted cooperation throughout the entire process. Much appreciation is also extended to the reviewers who have selflessly committed to assisting the PSLR during the peer-review process. To all of the reviewers, your input, guidance, and recommendations are greatly appreciated. Phenyo Nomasonto Morwesi Sekati Editor-in-Chief 2020

Martin Chanock's illuminating and definitive perspective on that development examines all areas of the law including criminal law and criminology; the Roman-Dutch law; the State's African law; and land, labour and 'rule of law' questions.