“Ms Marjoné Van Der Bank, lecturer and programme coordinator at VUT, reflects on her legal research in environmental and safety law and shares empowering advice for women during Women’s Month.”
05 August 2025 | Story By: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
3 minutes read time.
As part of our Women’s Month celebration at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), we honour Ms Marjoné Van Der Bank, a dedicated lecturer, researcher and programme coordinator whose academic work advances critical conversations in environmental, safety and local government law.
With over a decade of experience in teaching and consulting, Ms Van Der Bank serves as a lecturer and programme coordinator for the Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Safety Management within the Department of Legal Sciences. She is deeply involved in research and has co-authored numerous journal articles and conference papers focused on legal responses to climate change, sustainable tourism, disaster risk management and governance frameworks in South Africa.
Her recent publications include co-authored journal articles such as Intragovernmental governance in South Africa: An analysis of recent jurisprudence, The application of the Mahlangu case on the COIDA and other safety legislation, and Climate change and South Africa: A critical analysis.
Her research also explores themes such as carbon emissions, renewable energy, and the role of local government in environmental responsibility.
“Seeing my article published is exciting and validating,” she shares. “It brings a sense of motivation and a thirst for more. It pushes me to continue researching because I realised there is still so much to learn.”
Her work is driven by curiosity and a sense of justice. “New jurisprudence in court judgements still shows the judiciary’s independence, and something is happening in protecting our vulnerable environment,” she says. “New legislation creates a sense of curiosity to investigate further.”
To Ms Van Der Bank, writing is a platform for women’s empowerment and influence. “When you write, you set your views and understanding,” she explains. “That understanding is unique and can be shared on research platforms, encouraging other women globally to read, reflect and take action.”
Her advice to women in academia: “Do not give up. Do not lose hope if you fail or if it seems impossible. Set your goals and work towards them.”
To young women who want to write, she encourages open dialogue: “Start by talking to your colleagues or peers. If someone critiques your work, see it as an opportunity to grow.”
This Women’s Month, we celebrate Ms Marjoné Van Der Bank for her commitment to legal scholarship and her dedication to uplifting society through research and resilience.
Her advice to women in academia: “Do not give up. Do not lose hope if you fail or if it seems impossible. Set your goals and work towards them.”
To young women who want to write, she encourages open dialogue: “Start by talking to your colleagues or peers. If someone critiques your work, see it as an opportunity to grow.”
This Women’s Month, we celebrate Ms Marjoné Van Der Bank for her commitment to legal scholarship and her dedication to uplifting society through research and resilience.