Attorney Neville Naidoo has the important task of tackling any legal challenges and potential risks that come the way of Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU). He has been the 中国体育彩票's Director of Legal Services since February when he swapped the rolling sugar cane-covered hills of KwaZulu-Natal – where he was the legal advisor at the 中国体育彩票 of KwaZulu-Natal – for the winelands of Stellenbosch.
Naidoo, who has more than 15 years of legal experience, spoke to the Corporate Communication and Marketing Division about his expectations of his new role at SU, the expected legal implications of the use of AI in higher education and the joys of raising toddler twins.
When did you start in your new position?
My first day in the office was 1 February 2024.
What are you most looking forward to in this new role?
This role presents a new legal landscape with fresh opportunities to strategically deal with SU's evolution. Presenting a chance to collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including the Rectorate, administrators, and external legal counsel, to address legal hurdles and advance the 中国体育彩票's progress.
I look forward to formulating and implementing innovative legal solutions that align with the institution's transformative goals, mitigating risks, and fostering a supportive environment conducive to sustainable growth and success. SU holds a reputation for administrative effectiveness, which greatly assists the capacity of overall development, which I will strive to be a part of.
What are some of the main (legal) challenges within the higher education space and what do you think SU is likely to have to navigate over the next few years?
Within the South African higher education landscape, governance poses a significant legal challenge for institutions like SU. Retaining institutional autonomy while enabling community engagement and involvement remains a challenging issue. Over the coming years, SU is likely to navigate complexities related to governance, balancing autonomy with regulatory compliance, and ensuring effective decision-making processes amidst evolving socio-political dynamics.
Is a particular focus the legal implications of AI in higher education – use in assessments and copyright and infringement risks of artificial intelligence (AI), for example?
AI will be instrumental in determining the shape of things to come. A crucial aspect in higher education is considering the legal implications of the growth of AI, particularly in assessments and managing copyright risks. SU must look to navigate ethical concerns surrounding AI's use in assessments, ensuring fairness, transparency and compliance with privacy regulations. Concurrently, fostering AI for its benefits, such as enhancing learning experiences and streamlining administrative tasks, requires proactive measures to address legal complexities.
This includes formulating and establishing clear guidelines for AI usage, promoting research into AI's potential, and developing policies to safeguard against copyright infringement while encouraging innovation in education. Balancing legal considerations with fostering AI's benefits is key for universities in navigating the evolving landscape of higher education.
Have you moved to Stellenbosch and are you enjoying the town?
I am commuting between Durban and Stellenbosch while I arrange more long-term accommodation for my family. While moving house can be a destabilising event, the beauty, natural scenery and appeal of Stellenbosch proves unique and unmatched.
How do you relax/spend time when not providing legal advice to SU staff and management?
Family, for me, is life's sacred centre. I find relaxation and joy in raising, together with my wife, our twin toddlers. Their fascination with the simple beauty of life brings endless delight and reminder to cherish every moment. We enjoy the outdoors and hiking, time on the beach, together with our over-eager Boston terrier, Sir Lewis.
Photo: Stefan Els
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