Advocate Kgagudi Morota will receive the prestigious Global Excellence in Access to Justice, Legal Empowerment and Socio-Economic Transformation Award at the Clevenard Global Awards 2026, to be held in Alicante, Spain.
The head of Unisa Law Clinic, Advocate Kgagudi Morota, will receive the prestigious Global Excellence in Access to Justice, Legal Empowerment and Socio-Economic Transformation Award at the Clevenard Global Awards 2026, in Alicante, Spain, from 27-30 August 2026.
This esteemed international accolade recognises exceptional individuals whose work has made a meaningful and lasting impact on society through leadership, service, innovation and commitment to human development. 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.
For many years, Morota has dedicated his professional career to ensuring that the law serves as an instrument of justice, equality and empowerment. His work has consistently focused on overcoming the legal obstacles faced by the marginalised and disadvantaged communities, while advocating for the protection and advancement of constitutional rights.
“I receive this prestigious international recognition with profound humanity and immense gratitude. It is a deeply personal honour, but above all, it is a recognition of the University of South Africa (Unisa), the College of Law, and every colleague who has contributed in the vision of making justice accessible to those who need it most,” Morota said.
“When I assumed office as Head of the Unisa Law Clinic, in the year 2020, the Clinic operated from a single branch at the Unisa’s Pretoria main campus. However, I embraced a bold vision of expanding access to justice beyond geographical boundaries. Within six months in office, we managed to establish additional Law Clinic branches in Polokwane (Limpopo province), Middelburg (Mpumalanga province) and Parow (Western Cape). Thousands of indigent people who would otherwise have been denied legal representation are now able to access quality legal services with dignity and hope.”
He added that he had a moral obligation to restore and advance equality.
“When we embarked on this journey, we were not pursuing awards or international recognition. We were simply responding to a moral obligation, to restore dignity, advance equality, and ensure that justice is not reserved for those who can afford it. I never imagined that these efforts would one day be recognized on a global stage. This award is therefore a reminder that genuine service, undertaken with humanity and purpose, never goes unnoticed,” Morota insisted.
He said he dedicated the award to the countless indigent clients who entrusted the law clinic with their hopes, “to our dedicated legal practitioners and support staff, to every Unisa Law Student whose passion for justice inspires our work, and to the leadership of the College of law and the University of South Africa for their unwavering confidence and support. Together we have demonstrated that legal education, social justice and community service are inseparable pillars of a transformative constitutional democracy.”
Morota maintained that the award meant a lot to him personally and professionally.
“I accept this award with renewed commitment to continue advancing justice, empowering communities, mentoring future legal professionals and ensuring that the law remains an instrument of hope, dignity and social transformation for all.”
As head of the Unisa Law Clinic, according to his colleagues, Morota has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Clinic’s position as a centre of excellence in practical legal training, community engagement and access to justice. Under his stewardship, the Clinic has continued to provide quality legal services to those who may otherwise be unable to access legal representation, while simultaneously creating valuable learning opportunities for aspiring legal practitioners.
They said his leadership has helped shape a learning environment that encourages students to combine academic excellence with a strong sense of professional responsibility and ethical conduct. Through practical legal training and exposure to real-life legal matters, students are empowered to develop the skills, confidence and social awareness necessary to become competent and compassionate legal professionals.
The Global Excellence in Access to Justice, Legal Empowerment and Socio-Economic Transformation Award acknowledges not only professional achievement but also the transformative impact of leadership that seeks to uplift communities and create sustainable development opportunities. In this regard, Morota’s work exemplifies the values of justice, integrity, inclusivity and service that underpin both the legal profession and the broader mission of higher education institutions committed to societal advancement.
This recognition also highlights the important role university law clinics play in advancing access to justice and promoting legal literacy within communities. Through the work of the Unisa Law Clinic and Morota’s leadership, legal education has become a powerful tool for community empowerment and social transformation. His vision has demonstrated that legal institutions can serve as catalysts for positive change by bridging the gap between legal theory and practical service to society.
Morota’s colleagues said the Unisa Law Clinic views this achievement as a source of immense pride and inspiration. They added that it reflects the dedication, perseverance and visionary leadership that Morota has demonstrated throughout his career.
