By Bahle Gama
On Monday morning, Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala admitted 11 female attorneys to the High Court, one being an advocate.
These women were part of the 16 attorneys admitted by the CJ, the five others were males.
They each expressed their delight and satisfaction towards the admission, adding that their hard work had paid off indeed.
Most of these women completed their studies in different tertiary institutions in neighbouring South Africa including Wits University, and the University of South Africa.
In response to why they pursued law, this is what they had to say:
- Ngibongiseni Mbiajana (Wits University)
I believe that justice should be accessible to every person and people knowing their rights, particularly the more corporate and private law, I think we need to integrate those with social justice. I feel good about today, it has been a long time coming, I started my journey in 2022 when I started my articles and had to sit the bar in November 2023 and here, I am today being admitted. It has been three years of anticipation and I feel good having reached this point. It’s a milestone in my career and I am proud of myself.
2.Mandisa Khumalo (UNESWA)
For me mostly it has to do with influence from home because my dad is a lawyer (AG Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo), form a young age I just absorbed that and developed a love for law. On top of that, I love reading and all the subjects that touch on law. I feel very proud of myself because it has been a very long journey, but I’m grateful that I’ve made it this far.
I am currently under SV Mdladla and Associates.
3. Phumelele Zwane (Rhodes University)
I always wanted to be in a field where I can make a difference and help someone out. I know I don’t have muscle strength, so I figured why not use my mind to help people. I am working at Howe, Masuku attorneys and I feel
amazing, I think it’s a beautiful achievement to see my dreams come true and be the reason why I am here. Playing a significant role in getting yourself to what your dream is
4. Thandeka Nkambule (UNISA)
I’ve always loved law, but I was inspired by someone very close to me who is an advocate today, being in the legal field because mostly it was dominated by men, with only a few women and I wanted to be amongst the existing ones making a difference in the world and fill up this space.
I am with Ngcamphalala Attorneys, and I am very excited, after the hard work I’ve put, in from doing four years, serving articles, and writing exams which were not easy. There are only 16 of us who got admitted today out of the more than 40 that wrote the exam which makes me proud.
5. Nontsikelelo Bennet (UNESWA and UNISA)
Nothing else has ever made sense to me, it’s the only thing I ever wanted to study after school, the only thing I’ve studied since other than my postgraduate in risk management, but it’s still governance and law, it feels right.
I worked for the Department of Labour for 15 years, In the 15th year I served my articles at the Attorney General’s office because if you are a civil servant, you can do that which I did for a year. When I finished, I was lucky enough to get a job, I am now with FNB Eswatini.
I feel good about today, I feel like it’s an accomplishment and I’m ready for the next journey, I don’t know where I’m headed but I’m excited about what is yet to come from here.
