When the University of the Free State hosted its Autumn graduation ceremonies this April, the Faculty of Law celebrated a highly unique family achievement. The Mbiyo triplets received their Bachelor of Laws degrees together. Esihle, Sinovuyo, and Sisipho Mbiyo – originally from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape – navigated the notoriously demanding academic programme side by side.
Surviving the rigorous four-year degree required intense teamwork. The sisters held each other accountable with strict early-morning library sessions and collaborative study methods. When faced with difficult modules such as Civil Procedure, they created shared notes and tested each other with mock questions to ensure that nobody fell behind.
"We never compared marks. Instead, it was a motivation among us," Sisipho Mbiyo shares. "If she got a higher mark than me, then I knew I had to pull up my socks. It was healthy competition."
Beyond their textbooks, the sisters have taken on active leadership roles across the Bloemfontein Campus. They have participated in moot court competitions, served as peer mentors in their residences, and joined the Golden Key International Honour Society.
Sisipho, who navigates a hearing impairment, has earned a university award for breaking barriers. She has proudly represented students with hearing impairments and served as the vice-chairperson of the Law Association, proving that personal challenges do not limit leadership potential. Recently, she was also named best speaker in a faculty mock trial competition.
Their academic success is deeply rooted in family support. Their parents offered constant encouragement without placing pressure on them to achieve identical marks. During intense exam periods, their mother would stay awake on video calls to keep them company while they studied late into the night. Their father regularly sent messages of motivation and extra money for meals during long library shifts.
Inspired by successful legal professionals in their home community, the sisters are already pursuing their master’s degrees at the university. They plan to use their legal education to drive positive change in society. Whether advising vulnerable individuals in abusive situations or teaching young children about their basic rights, the Mbiyo triplets are determined to shape responsible societal futures.
Although their professional careers may eventually take them to different cities, their shared university journey establishes a lasting foundation for their success in the legal field.