Trust is one of the most important foundations of any society. Without trust in public institutions, the legal system and leadership, people can begin to lose confidence in the systems that are meant to protect them.
In a recent Regenesys Talk conversation, former eNCA news anchor Jeremy Maggs sat down with Advocate Kevin Malunga, Academic Head of the Regenesys Law School, to discuss trust, ethics, constitutional accountability and the future of the legal profession in South Africa.
For students who want to study law in South Africa, the conversation offers an important reminder: legal education must prepare graduates for more than legal knowledge alone. It must also help shape ethical, socially conscious and future-ready legal professionals.
Watch the full Regenesys Talk conversation with Jeremy Maggs and Advocate Kevin Malunga below:
The discussion raised a powerful question: how can South Africa rebuild trust in public institutions, and what role should law schools play in developing the next generation of lawyers?
Why Trust In Public Institutions Matters
Public trust is not built through words alone. It is built when people see fairness, accountability and consequences for wrongdoing.
During the conversation, Advocate Malunga reflected on South Africa’s growing trust problem. He described the country as facing “an increasing trust deficit”, especially as people lose faith in the ability of public institutions to act fairly, consistently and effectively.
This trust deficit affects more than politics. It affects how people relate to healthcare, education, policing, safety and justice. When people no longer trust public systems, those who can afford it may move towards private alternatives. As a result, access, protection and opportunity can depend too much on personal resources.
For this reason, rebuilding trust is not only a legal challenge. It is also an ethical, social and leadership challenge.
The Role Of Law In Rebuilding Trust
The law plays a central role in rebuilding public confidence. A strong legal system should show that everyone is equal before the law and that wrongdoing has real consequences.
Advocate Malunga spoke about the need for a national “reset” and linked this to South Africa’s constitutional journey. As the country approaches 30 years of constitutional democracy, he suggested that this moment should not only be marked by celebration, but also by serious introspection.
South Africa’s Constitution is often described as one of the best in the world. However, the deeper question is whether its values are fully lived out in practice. Equality before the law must mean more than a written principle. It must be visible in how institutions act, how cases are handled and how accountability is applied.
A legal system must therefore do more than exist on paper. It must be implemented fairly and consistently if people are expected to trust it.
Why Ethics Must Be Central To Legal Education
One of the strongest themes in the interview was ethics.
Legal education cannot only focus on technical knowledge. Students must know the law, but they must also understand the responsibility that comes with practising it.
Speaking about the Regenesys Law School, Advocate Malunga said the aim is to build “a holistic individual who understands ethics”. This matters because a legal career is not only about personal achievement. It is also about justice, service and responsibility.
A lawyer may be intelligent, highly skilled and academically strong. However, without ethics, that knowledge can be misused. Advocate Malunga noted that some legal professionals have lost their careers because of ethical failures, even when they were bright and capable.
This shows why ethical formation must begin early. Future legal professionals need to understand integrity, fairness and accountability from the start of their studies.
Developing The Next Generation Of Legal Professionals
South Africa needs legal professionals who can think critically, act ethically and understand the society they serve.
In the conversation, Jeremy Maggs asked how legal education must change to meet the challenges facing the country. Advocate Malunga explained that Regenesys focuses on developing graduates who are not only legally astute, but also emotionally intelligent and socially conscious.
This approach matters because legal professionals often work with people during moments of conflict, uncertainty or vulnerability. They must understand the law, but they must also understand people.
For Advocate Malunga, law is “a calling in which you can change lives”. This view places the legal profession within a broader social purpose. The law can protect vulnerable people, open opportunities and defend constitutional rights.
This is why legal education must prepare students for more than exams. It must prepare them for professional conduct, public responsibility, leadership and social impact.
The Future Of Law And Artificial Intelligence
The conversation also explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in the legal profession.
AI is already changing how people search for information, prepare documents, summarise meetings and manage administrative work. In the legal field, this creates both opportunities and risks.
Advocate Malunga described AI as “an oncoming train that will not be stopped”. The real question, therefore, is not whether AI will affect the legal profession. It is how legal professionals should use it responsibly.
Used ethically, AI can assist with research, drafting, administration and efficiency. Advocate Malunga said that “as a form of assistance, it can be invaluable”. However, he also warned that it becomes a serious problem when it is used to cheat, mislead or hide the true source of work.
This distinction is important. AI can support legal work, but it should not replace honesty, judgement or professional responsibility. If AI is used, it should be used transparently and ethically.
For the future of law, this means legal education must help students understand both the benefits and risks of digital tools.
Why Regenesys Law School Matters
The Regenesys Law School is helping shape legal professionals who understand law, ethics, emotional intelligence and social responsibility.
This is important in a country where trust, accountability and justice remain central national concerns. South Africa needs legal graduates who can defend constitutional values, support human dignity and contribute to a more ethical society.
For students interested in law, this conversation offers an important reminder. Studying law is not only about learning rules, cases and legal principles. It is about understanding justice, responsibility and the role that law plays in shaping society.
Take The Next Step In Law
If you are interested in studying law and developing the knowledge, ethics and leadership skills needed for the future legal profession, the Regenesys Law School is a strong place to start.
Learn more about the Regenesys Law School and take the next step towards building a legal career rooted in ethics, justice and social impact.
FAQS
What was the Regenesys Talk with Jeremy Maggs about?
The conversation focused on rebuilding trust in public institutions, the importance of ethics, constitutional accountability, legal education and the future of law in South Africa.
Who was interviewed in the Regenesys Talk episode?
Jeremy Maggs interviewed Advocate Kevin Malunga, Academic Head of the Regenesys School of Law.
Why is ethics important in legal education?
Ethics is important because legal professionals carry significant responsibility. They must understand the law, but they must also act with integrity, fairness and accountability.
How is AI changing the legal profession?
AI is changing the legal profession by supporting research, documentation and efficiency. However, it must be used ethically and transparently to avoid dishonesty or misuse.
Where can I study law at Regenesys?
Students interested in law can explore the Regenesys Law School and its programmes to understand the latest admission requirements, study options and application process.
