The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Faculty of Law is celebrating a significant milestone as two of its Law Clinic candidates, Thapelo Mabona and Simphiwe Dlamini, have been admitted as attorneys of the High Court of South Africa. Their achievement reflects not only personal dedication and resilience but also the university’s commitment to producing graduates who embody excellence, ethical practice, and service-mindedness.

From the Law Clinic to the High Court

Both Mabona and Dlamini describe their journey at the UFS Law Clinic as transformative. Mabona says the experience was deeply rewarding because it allowed them to help members of the community access justice, regardless of financial background. “Assisting people to access justice is what I loved the most about working at the Law Clinic,” they share. “I learned that motho ke motho ka batho [a person is a person because of other people], and when we work together, we can achieve even greater results.”

Dlamini says each case contributed to her growth as a legal professional. She recalls her first High Court application, a burial interdict handled on an urgent basis, as a defining moment that taught her independence, composure under pressure, and confidence in her abilities. “Winning the case was also a confidence-booster that made me believe in not only my drafting skills but myself as a future legal practitioner,” she reflects.

The journey was not without challenges. Mabona found managing the workload demanding – but learned the importance of setting daily goals to maintain focus, clarity, and motivation. Dlamini emphasises adaptability, sharing that delays and obstacles, such as her own delayed admission application, taught her to focus on alternatives and keep progressing despite setbacks.

Looking ahead, both attorneys are committed to making a meaningful impact in the legal profession. Mabona aims to continue advocating for vulnerable communities and ultimately aspires to serve in the judiciary. Dlamini plans to gain further experience in family law, medical negligence, and corporate matters, while also branching into academia and community outreach, including pro bono work and educational workshops. Their visions align closely with the university’s emphasis on excellence, and its goal of producing graduates who are both skilled and socially conscious.

Christopher Rawson, acting Director of the UFS Law Clinic, describes their admission as a shared celebration. “Thapelo and Simphiwe’s admission is a moment of pride for all of us,” he says. “We’ve watched them grow from their first tentative client consultations to becoming confident, capable, and compassionate legal practitioners. It’s inspirational to see young legal practitioners develop their skills, find their voices, and step into their careers with purpose.”

Rawson also highlights the clinic’s approach. “Our candidate legal practitioners have greater access to guidance, resources, and mentorship than many of their peers in private practice,” he says. “Each case they handled was a lesson in responsibility, justice, and humanity. This blend of practical experience and commitment has shaped them into the exceptional legal practitioners we celebrate today.”

For current and prospective law students, Mabona and Dlamini’s journey offers powerful motivation. “What kept me motivated through my studies was constantly reminding myself why I decided to pursue law,” Mabona says. “Sometimes you forget why you started. Remind yourself now and then – it might fuel you to stay the course.”

Dlamini adds, “The journey never gets easier, but you have the power to make it captivating for yourself. This builds passion and dedication. Students should get as much exposure to practice as possible. Lastly: network – your network is your net worth.”

Rawson concludes: “Seeing Thapelo and Simphiwe admitted should inspire every law student. Their success reminds us to seek opportunities, learn from every experience, and think about the positive impact we can have on others. If you embrace that journey, you will graduate with more than legal skills – you will have the confidence and purpose to make a real difference, just as Simphiwe and Thapelo are doing today.”