On 13 December 2021, APGroN hosted its Annual End-of-Year Chat, held virtually via Microsoft Teams between 16h00 and 18h00. True to APGroN’s mission of fostering dialogue, mentorship, and knowledge exchange, the event brought together scholars and students in an engaging and reflective session to close off the year.

Presentations and Discussions

• Ms Shalo Mbatho (University of Zululand) captivated participants with reflections from her books “uZulu – Umlando Nobuqhawe BukaZulu” and “Zulu Empire Decolonised”, which provoked deep conversations on history, identity, and the decolonisation of knowledge.
• Dr Allison Anthony (UNISA) introduced her recently published work, “Construction Procurement Law in South Africa”, providing insights into a field that connects law with practice, governance, and development.
• Prof Babatunde Fagbayibo (UNISA) shared practical wisdom on how to write for the South African Public Law (SAPL) blog and the craft of publishing a book review. His presentation offered emerging scholars valuable guidance on writing for academic and public platforms.

The APGroN Ethos in Action

The session reflected what APGroN stands for: creating accessible platforms for intellectual exchange, showcasing African scholarship, and equipping junior and emerging researchers with the tools to navigate academic publishing. The End-of-Year Chat offered not only rich content but also mentorship moments, reinforcing APGroN’s role as a space where seasoned scholars and new voices learn from one another.