On May 14, 2024, the faculty and partners recognised law students' academic achievements from their previous year. This distinguished event acknowledged students' remarkable academic achievements across the faculty at all levels of study. The event emphasised the University and Faculty's commitment to celebrating student success to uphold strong academic standards, promoting excellence in their future legal endeavours. 

Prof. Charles Maimela, Deputy Dean of the Faculty, welcomed attendees and praised the faculty's continued achievement as South Africa's and the continent's top Law Faculty. He commended the winners on their impressive academic achievements. Historically, Faculty Summer Graduations have been preceded by the Recognition of Achievement (ROA) function.
UP Law is fortunate to attract students who take their studies seriously and aspire to excel, just as the faculty wishes them success. He applauded the faculty's academic and support staff for maintaining a success-oriented environment. Without the financial and non-financial contributions of our sponsors, the ROA event would not have been as successful. 

The Deputy Dean, further noted the faculty's substantial contribution in resolving societal concerns, describing UP Law as a "human-centered faculty."He reiterated the faculty's strong position on the continent, joking that they "will guide you to graduate." He also underscored the importance of teamwork and welcomed returning guests to the faculty, describing the event as a valuable networking opportunity for students to meet with sponsors who are also prospective employers.

Prof. Elsabe Schoeman, the Dean of the Faculty, congratulated the students on their outstanding achievements and signaled the faculty's mutually beneficial connection with its award sponsors, many of whom have graduated from UP Law. "We always say in this faculty, its teamwork, it is not up to one person to achieve goals". Prof. Schoeman pointed out the importance of teamwork within the faculty for attaining its objectives. The Dean welcomed Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr's Director, Nomlayo Mabena-Mlilo, who specializes in conflict resolution, employment, real estate, and conveyancing. "We invited her to speak to the graduates and students tonight to inspire them as they enter the world of work.

Nomlayo Mabena-Mlilo began her address by expressing appreciation to the students on their achievements. "Well done, we commend you for your resilience, determination, and perseverance, and tonight we celebrate your success," she stated. She used examples from the invention of penicillin and the Waldorf Astoria hotel to demonstrate the power of kindness and human attempts to better the world. She also shared her personal narrative of overcoming adversity with the help of a caring community, illustrating the value of kindness and community support.

She admired UP Law's ambition of being Africa's leading research university with global recognition for its societal relevance and impact. She encouraged students to make a difference in the world, regardless of their legal profession, and to appreciate the importance of their contribution to society. "We are here cheering you on today and we are immensely proud of you," she shared. "In a world where you can be anything, extend yourself and build a community for someone else as well, like the community that raised me".

Following the keynote address by Mrs. Mabena-Mlilo, The celebration honored nearly 70 honorees, including those who received accolades for specific sponsored by various donors. Sibulele Zandile Gando, an exceptional student, received the Vice Chancellor and Principal Award for outstanding undergraduate academic achievement. She was also awarded the Phatshoane Henney Group Honor Medal Prize and the MacRobert Attorneys Prize as the best student in Civil Procedure 410 and 420.

We extend our gratitude to our sponsors ABSA Chair of Banking, ABSA Legal, Adams & Adams, Arthur Channon Inc, Bookmark, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH), Couzyn, De Swardt Myambo Hlahla Attorneys, UP Law Dean, UP Department of Jurisprudence, GMI Attorneys, Haasbroek & Boezaart Inc, Hogan Lovells, Lexis Nexis, MacRobert Attorneys, Rudolph Jansen Family, PH Attorneys, PPS Insurance, South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW), Savage Jooste & Adams, Spoor & Fisher, SuperSport, VDT Attorneys, VZLR Attorneys and Werksmans Attorneys.

The Faculty of Law sends heartfelt congratulations to all recipients and wishes them success in their future endeavors. May they continue to strive for greatness and have a beneficial impact on the legal profession and beyond.