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Ups and downs, gains and losses, and an LLB degree later

19 April 2021 | Story NONSINDISO QWABE | Photo Supplied

Tshepang 2_web read more — LLB graduate Tshepang Mahlatsi

‘Be loyal to your calling and the universe will locate you.’ This slogan is the mantra that University of the Free State LLM student, Tshepang Mahlatsi, lives by. It is also this slogan that carried him through a tumultuous journey during the pursuit of his LLB degree, which he received during the Bloemfontein Campus graduation ceremony on 19 April.

Mahlatsi began his LLB degree in 2014, but he had to take a break from his academics in 2016 after being clinically diagnosed with depression. He obtained his qualification in 2020. Mahlatsi said 2016 was a year that started on a high note for him as a third-year Law student and newly elected prime for Tswelopele residence, but quickly took a downward dive when he found himself overwhelmed by leadership demands – coupled with the simultaneous loss of loved ones and constant academic pressure. It ultimately led to a breakdown, forcing him to put his studies on hold. "I am graduating with my LLB after life-changing events in my undergraduate years – from student politics, depression, and PTSD, to starting a mental-health organisation and using both CUADS and Kovsie Counselling support services to come back to ‘normalcy’.”

He said the year-long break from his studies left him feeling discouraged as he watched his peers and classmates progress and graduate. "It was the most difficult thing to do to remind myself that I wasn't stupid."

"This journey exposed a lot about myself; it exposed that with determination and resilience, you can achieve what you set out to achieve. I had to persevere not because I wanted to, but because my family has never seen a graduate. I was doing this for them; to give them something they've never had,” he said.

UFS support services can save lives

Mahlatsi would like more students to make use of the UFS support services and not crumble under mental-health problems. "I hope to inspire students to use their support services and not be ashamed – services such as CUADS and Student Counselling and Development. I hope to inspire student leaders and students to realise that you can be a well-rounded student and still have challenges, but eventually, success awaits us all."

News Archive

Public Protector visited Faculty of Law

2005-09-23

On 21 September 2005 the Public Protector visited the Faculty of Law. This event took place at 10:00 in the Senate Hall of the CR Swart Building, after which a light lunch was served for the delegates and staff of the Faculty.

The purpose of the visit was to spell out the roles, functions and powers of the Public Protector, to promote public awareness and transparency and to increase contact between the Faculty and the Public Protector. Sufficient time was allowed to answer all the questions posed by various parties, and brochures were made available.

All law students and staff members of the Faculty were invited to the occasion. The presentations also included information regarding career possibilities for students with the Public Protector’s office. This organization is more than willing to involve students in community service projects and would keep in contact with the Faculty in this regard.

All the representatives of the Public Protector’s office who visited the Faculty are in the law profession:

The following persons made presentations:

Mr P Nthotso: Independent Complaints Directorate
Ms L Mdalane: Directorate of Special Operations – Scorpions
Ms M Thetlhu: South African Human Rights Commission
Mr A Madiba: Office of the Public Protector.

The persons mentioned above were accompanied by their supervisors, viz. Mr L Mashee (Head Public Awareness, Free State) and Ms SD Griessel (Provincial representative for the Public Protector, Free State). A further two employees of the Public Protector attended as observers, viz. Mr T Kgabeginyane and Mr MR Matlesoane.

The Public Protector functions independently and reports directly to Parliament.

Staff and students found the visit very informative and valuable contacts were made in the process.

Back from left: Ms Michelle Havenga (President of the Faculty of Law's Juridical Society ), Ms Masego Thethu (South African Human Rights Commission), Ms Lebo Mdalane (Directorate Special Projects of the Scorpions) and Mr Pieter Nthotso (Independent Complaints Directorate).
Front from left: Mrs Soné Griessel (Provincial Representative of the Public Protector in the Free State) and Prof Carel van der M Fick (Head: Department of Criminal Procedure and Philosophy of Law at the UFS Faculty of Law).

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