The top matric achievers who joined the University of Pretoria's Faculty of Law as the 2025 first-year cohort began their higher education journey on February 3, 2025. These top-performing matriculants have selected UP Law to advance their legal study.

Professor Joel Modiri, Acting Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law, welcomed the top achievers and congratulated them on their admission to the best law school in South Africa and Africa. He noted UP lecturers' efforts to ensure consistent top-tier performance in teaching and research. He additionally touched on how UP Law has adapted its teaching approaches to meet the requirements of the legal sector, ensuring that their graduates are not only prepared for current legal employment but also for the future of work. UP Law takes pride in its reputation as a top-tier law school. "You are exactly where you need to be, and we are committed to nurturing you into future legal professionals," he told the students. "The world is yours to explore."

Professor Elsabe Schoeman, Dean of the Faculty of Law, addressed the students and expressed her joy with the cohort's increasing percentage of female achievers. "As the first female Dean of this Faculty, I am profoundly committed to the promotion of women in law. However, our goal is to help all of our students become well-rounded legal professionals," she explained. She also briefly discussed UP's 'FLY - The Finish Line is Yours' project, which is consistent with the Faculty's commitment to supporting student achievement and giving all students equal opportunities to thrive.

The event's highlight was the profile of top matric achievers, which was headed by Mrs Lebohang Mokhomatha, Manager of Marketing & Communications. During this segment of the program, the guests of honour expressed their reasons for Choosing UP Law:

• Caitlin Stirrat (Southdowns College, Gauteng) chose UP Law for its prominence and influence on developing exceptional legal minds.
• Datis du Preez (Pretoria Boys High School, Gauteng) is inspired by UP's academic excellence and strong legal training.
• Dehanna van Staden (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool, Gauteng) is passionate about justice and seeks to use the law to benefit society.
• Donovia Hopper (Curro Hazeldean High School, Gauteng) aspires to contributing ethical responsiveness in the business world.
• Humishka Ramlall (Crawford College Lonehill, Gauteng) was drawn to UP's vision for an egalitarian South Africa.
• Jana Labuschagne (Hoërskool Lydenburg, Mpumalanga) views law as a springboard to other career possibilities.
• Layla du Preez (Eduplex High School, Gauteng) appreciates UP Law's academic structures and outstanding academic staff.
• Leandry Smith (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool, Gauteng) hails from a family with legal practitioners and values UP's integration of studies and student life.
• Likho Mazolwana (Garlandale High School, Western Cape) aspires to become an environmental lawyer and believes UP's Faculty will provide a solid basis.
• Odette Camara (Rob Ferreira High School, Mpumalanga) is drawn in by UP's strong legal education and its social impact.
• Michelle Venter (Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool, Gauteng) strives to use her legal training to make a difference in vulnerable communities.

The heads of academic departments then presented some of the modules and areas of specialty to the students. Professor Modiri, Head of the Department of Jurisprudence, provided a brief description of his department, which was previously known as the Department of Legal History, Philosophy, and Comparative Law. He characterised jurisprudence as the philosophy of law, and this is where students would learn about the South African legal system, profession, various areas within law, and key legal academic skills. 

Professor Phumudzo Munyai, Head of the Department of Mercantile Law, was represented in absentia by Prof Modiri, who pointed out that students will learn about business and commercial law through modules in this department. He mentioned, "This is where people who want to make money go." "You will only meet this department in your second year of study," he remarked. 

Ms. Leoni van der Merwe, a representative from the Department of Procedural Law, described how the department prepares students to use what they had learnt during their studies. This department prepares students for real-world legal practice. 

Professor Anton Van der Linde, Head of the Department of Private Law, noted that students will have contact with this department over their four years of study, and that Private Law is "a student-friendly department". He stated that the department handles interpersonal interactions. He elaborated: "Think about a contract, there are two contracting parties, relationships in family scenarios, marriages, cases of injuries, etc" Prof Van der Linde also briefly discussed the Student and Staff Exchange Programme (of which he is the chairwoman), which allows students to spend a semester abroad and gain credit for it. He concluded his presentation with an overview of the department's offerings during the preceding four years. 

Head of the Department of Public Law, stated, Prof Ntombizozuko Dyani-Mhango, "We teach constitutional law- government structures, state power, etc." We will find you in your second year of studies. She also provided an extensive summary of Public Law's offerings. 

Professor Gustav Muller, Chair of Research in the Faculty of Law, praised the achievers and said "You will be engaged in teaching and learning primarily as of next week." This needs you to learn how to write, investigate, and critically analyze. You will come across different opportunities to write, investigate, and critically reflect; please remember to write ethically and cite correctly.

A brief introduction of a few key staff members, notably the Head of Student Administration, Mrs. Sesing-Lestike. Prof Modiri served as Senior Coordinator for Undergraduate Studies, Mr Kgolane Makua, Senior Coordinator for Postgraduate Studies, Ms. Lizette du Plessis, and Postgraduate Academic Success Coach Mrs Hameeda Ellemdeen. Mrs. Farhana Hassan, Undergraduate Academic Success Coach, gave a short address on available support for students in ensuring a successful transition into University. She remarked, "It's a big gap moving from high school to university." Her work provides students with tools for navigating change, including study skills, Fly at UP, and all other student support initiatives at UP.