Zinhle Novazi is an expert on automated decision-making, AI regulation, and data protection, as well as a leading voice in entrepreneurship education and empowerment. Her work bridges cutting-edge research in law and technology with practical insights into business and socio-economic development.

She is a Lecturer in the Department of Mercantile Law at Stellenbosch University, where she teaches Law & Technology and International Trade Finance, and a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Groningen. Her PhD research investigates accountability in algorithmic credit scoring, examining how data protection, consumer protection, and financial technology regulation can safeguard consumers in the digital economy.

As Director of the Heavy Chef Foundation NPC, Zinhle leads entrepreneurship education programmes reaching thousands of entrepreneurs across South Africa. The Foundation empowers emerging market founders through research-driven training, skills development, and access to networks. Her impact in this field was recognised with the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans Award (2023, Entrepreneurship).

A qualified attorney of the High Court of South Africa, Zinhle’s career spans law, banking, and technology. She has advised as a Tax and Fiduciary Specialist at Investec Bank, worked as a corporate and tax attorney at Tabacks, and contributed to cybersecurity research at S-RM. She also founded her own legal consultancy, specialising in tax, data protection, and commercial law.

A Chevening Scholar, she holds two master’s degrees:

• LLM in Technology, Media & Telecommunications Law (Queen Mary University of London, UK), where she contributed to the Microsoft Cloud Legal Project.

• LLM in Taxation Law (University of the Witwatersrand, SA).

She also holds an LLB and a BSocSci in Political Studies & Law from the University of Cape Town.

Zinhle is known for her engaging stage presence and ability to simplify complex issues in law, technology, and business. She has delivered keynotes, lectures, and facilitated panels for corporates, professional associations, and global brands.

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