Adv Altus Joubert SC and Prof Ludo Cuyvers of Belgium were honoured at the doctoral ceremonies on the NWU’s campus in Potchefstroom.

 

Adv Joubert’s Doctor Legum (Honoris Causa) was conferred on him for his excellence as a legal practitioner, his contribution to the law and his special connection with the academia – in particular with the NWU's Faculty of Law. He is closely involved with the  LLM programme on import and export law and with postgraduate students in international trade law fields.

 

Appearances all over the globe

 

In addition, Adv Joubert is one of very few South African advocates who can claim international exposure through his consultations and appearances as an advocate in Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, USA, People’s Republic of China and several Southern African countries.

 

He has also had an impressive academic career, not only as extraordinary professor of law at the NWU since 2001, but also at Stellenbosch University (2001 to 2004). He has been a visiting professor of law at the University of Mongolia, the State University of Ryazan (Russia), Odessa National Law Academy (Ukraine) and the State University of Saint Petersburg (Russia).

 

Specialising in customs and excise law

 

“One of his important achievements is that a large percentage of the young lawyers who specialise in customs and excise law, either in private practice or as employees of SARS, received their training from him,” said Prof Nicola Smit, the former dean of the Faculty of Law in Potchefstroom.

 

Adv Joubert is actively involved in the community and is an internationally known breeder of thoroughbred horses. He is also a member of the SA Olive Industry Association and in 2015 his olive oil was judged as one of the top five olive oils in the country.

 

On the forefront in the export sector

 

The other recipient of an honorary award, Prof Cuyvers, is an acclaimed international trade economist and leading authority on the role of export promotion in building a competitive and sustainable export sector.

 

He was awarded the honorary doctorate for his academic prowess, his reputation in international academic circles, and his enduring interest in South Africa’s export development efforts.

 

A ground-breaking model

 

Prof Cuyver was also honoured for his contribution to the development of the TRADE-DSMTM (Decision Support Model) in international trade and development.

 

His association with the NWU, and the TRADE research entity in particular, started in early 2000 with a ground-breaking project to adapt the DSM, an export market selection tool which was implemented in his home country, Belgium, to South Africa’s specific circumstances.

 

This practical and scientifically based tool is used by national and provincial governments and private institutions (both in South Africa and other parts of the world) to pinpoint realistic export opportunities from the mountains of information available on different product categories and markets.

 

Boosting young careers

 

Through his involvement at the NWU, Prof Cuyvers helps to further the knowledge and skills of young graduates and academics at the NWU so that they can make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s economic development well into the future.

 

He is currently the director of the Centre for the Association of South-East Asian Nations Studies and emeritus professor at the University of Antwerp in Belgium. Prof Cuyvers is also chairman of the European Institute for Asian Studies and a member of the Council of Fellows, East Asian Economic Association.