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Empowering future female legal practitioners

19 September 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Quinter Onyango

High Court Tour — The Free State High Court hosted a Women's Month educational tour for UFS female students.

"It is significant to reflect that it was just more than 100 years since women were allowed to practice law. The first female legal practitioners being admitted in the early 1920s. A celebration of Women's Month acknowledges the many victories for equality and social justice that women practising in the legal profession have contributed and continue to contribute," said Dr Anthea-Lee September-Van Huffel, Private Law Lecturer in the University of the Free State (UFS) Faculty of Law, as she reflected on the importance of commemorating Women's Month.

To conclude the celebration, the faculty collaborated with the Free State High Court to organise a tour, affording a group of UFS female students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the practical aspects of civil litigation by observing court proceedings in the Free State High Court.

A glimpse into the legal world

The students engaged with judges, advocates, and attorneys, addressing challenges confronting the legal profession, including issues related to mental health post-qualification. Judge Nokuthula Daniso emphasised during the proceedings, "A career in the legal profession is highly demanding. Your passion, proficiency, and diligence are your armour."

Salomie Kichele, a third-year Law student, was among the participants of the tour. She described the experience as the highlight of her year, saying, "Observing the intricacies of the legal system, from courtroom processes to the dynamics between judges, attorneys, and others, was truly fascinating. However, what truly stood out was gaining access to the judge's chamber, a privilege that is usually restricted. Being able to engage the judge with questions about her journey to becoming a judge, especially as a woman, was inspirational. Being inside the judge's chamber, surrounded by South African law books, highlighted the level of expertise required of our judges when dealing with cases. This experience further motivated me to continue nurturing my passion for reading."

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

For Kichele, this exposure to the High Court and interaction with judges, advocates, and attorneys provided clarity regarding the expectations placed upon her as a future legal practitioner. It bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom and the practical application of the law. By witnessing real cases and observing legal professionals in action, Law students gain a deeper understanding of the legal system's intricacies and the nuances of courtroom dynamics.

"Such exposure helped me identify the specialisation I would like to pursue in the legal field and fuelled my determination to pursue it. Furthermore, being within the High Court environment highlighted the need for more female judges. Experiencing this can serve as a motivating force for women aspiring to become judges one day," Kichele added.

Bloemfontein's legal legacy

The UFS Faculty of Law enjoys an advantageous location in Bloemfontein, renowned as a central hub for numerous high-profile legal cases, primarily because it houses the Supreme Court of Appeal. Furthermore, the faculty takes pride in the fact that several of its academic staff members have, over the years, served as acting judges in the Bloemfontein High Court. Consequently, the Faculty of Law remains dedicated to nurturing and fortifying its ties within the legal profession.

News Archive

UFS student makes breakthrough in the application of nanorobots

2005-04-21

A student from the University of the Free State (UFS) has made a ground-breaking discovery in the field of microbiology by uncovering a series of new compounds that may in future be used to lubricate man-made nanorobots.

Mr Olihile Sebolai, a full-time student at the UFS’s Department of Microbial- Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, made this discovery while working on his M Sc-study on yeast.

With this discovery Mr Sebolai will also be awarded six prestigious prizes during this week’s autumn graduation ceremony at the UFS. This university has recognised this exceptional achievement as a build-up to the celebration of national Science and Technology week next month.

Mr Sebolai’s dissertation on the yeast genus Saccharomycopsis Schionning has been published in an accredited international journal of repute.

“Words cannot describe how excited I am. I never expected to receive such recognition for my studies. I am humbled by all of this,” said Mr Sebolai.

The Lipid Biotechnology Group at the UFS recently discovered that some yeasts produce their own water-propelled capsules in which they are transported. These capsules have different shapes and resemble among others miniature flying saucers, hats with razor sharp brims etc. “In order to function properly, parts of the capsules are oiled with prehistoric lubricants – lubricants that are produced by yeasts and that probably existed for many millions of years as yeasts developed,” said Mr Sebolai.

According to Mr Sebolai these capsules are so small that approximately 300 can be fitted into the full-stop at the end of a sentence and are therefore invisible to the naked eye.

“With my studies I discovered many new compounds that resemble these prehistoric lubricants. These lubricants may in future be used to lubricate man-made nanorobots and are similar in size compared to yeast capsules,” said Mr Sebolai. The nanorobots are used to perform tasks in places that are invisible to the naked eye and could one day be used, among others, to clean up human arteries.

Mr Sebolai has been interested in the subject of Micro technology since he was at RT Mokgopa High School in Thaba ‘Nchu. “I was specifically interested in the many possible applications the subject has – in the industry, as well as in medicine,” said Mr Sebolai.

His next goal is to successfully complete his Ph D-degree.

The prizes that will be awarded to Mr Sebolai this week include:

Best Magister student at the UFS (Senate medal and prize);

Best Magister student in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science and Dean’s medal at the same faculty;

The Andries Brink – Sasol-prize for the best M Sc dissertation in Microbiology;

The JP van der Walt prize for best M Sc dissertation in yeast science;

The Chris Small prize for an outstanding Master’s dissertation; and

Honorary colours awarded by the UFS Student Representative Council

Media release

Issued by: Lacea Loader

Media Representative

Tel: (051) 401-2584

Cell: 083 645 2454

E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za

20 April 2005

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