Board tenure: Since May 2026

Qualifications & designations

BJuris cum laude, LLB cum laude, LLM (UPE/NMU), LLD (UNISA), South African Reserve Bank Leadership Development Programme (Manchester Business School)
Director of the Centre for African Fintech, Innovation and Law in the Faculty of Law, University of the Western Cape,
Professor of Fintech Law and Regulation
Admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa (non-practising role)

Skills and experience

Professor Lawack brings a distinctive combination of academic, legal, policy and regulatory expertise, technology and leadership experience. She spent her early career as an academic, followed by positions at the South African Reserve Bank and Strate Limited before returning to higher education. She has extensive leadership experience and has served in senior roles, including Executive Dean at Nelson Mandela University (1 July 2008-31 March 2015) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic (1 April 2015- 31 December 2024) at UWC. She is currently a Professor specialising in Fintech Law and Regulation in Africa and Director of the Centre for African Fintech, Innovation and Law at UWC, with a significant publication record and board memberships in various institutions between 2008 to date.

Board/Council membership include Nelson Mandela University Council (6 years), Chairperson of School for Legal Practice Board (NMU), Chairperson of Trentyre Empowerment Trust (3 years), Chairperson of the Moravian Church in South Africa Trust (3 years), Cape Higher Education Consortium Board (9 years), University of the Western Cape Council and Exco of Council (9 years).

Other governing body and professional positions held

South African Judicial Education Institute Council (9 years to present)
Kepler Board (US-based NPC working in Kigali Rwanda, 6 years to present),
Founding Member of Kepler College Governance Board, Rwanda (3 Years to present),
Non-Executive Director: Cenfri Board (3 years to present)

Professor Vivienne Lawack