I was enrolled in my undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Laws (LLB), from 2015 to 2018 and graduated in April 2019. After completing my Law School and passing the attorney’s board exams, I pursued my postgraduate studies in Master of Laws (LLM), specialising in International Trade and Investment Law, in 2019. As of May 2023, I am currently enrolled in my doctoral studies focusing on International Trade Finance.

Career trajectory since graduating

From October to December 2019, I worked as an International Trade Advisor at Zurcom International (Pty) Ltd, a trade facilitation and trade investment firm based in Pretoria and Durban. My responsibilities included advising foreign investors on African trade and investment, providing guidance on customs and excise rules, and organizing trade facilitation fairs.

Following that, from January 2020 to December 2021, I served as a Candidate Legal Practitioner at Strydom & Bredenkamp Attorneys, a law firm based in Brooklyn, Pretoria, specialising in corporate and commercial law. I continued as a legal practitioner at Strydom and Bredenkamp Attorneys until the end of 2022. My duties encompassed legal advising and drafting, client consultations, and court appearances, among others.

Since the beginning of 2023, I have been employed on a part-time basis as a legal consultant at Youlander Jele Attorneys, a young dynamic law firm specialising in various fields of law.

Motivation for current profession

I view the law as a noble calling, where lawyers should provide valuable services to society not only through court litigations but also through legal research and academic writings. My motivation to specialise in international trade and investment stems from recognising their pivotal roles in the economic development of African countries, and I am eager to contribute to my continent's economic growth.

Experiences in community engagement projects at UP contributed to my professional development

Participating in community engagement projects has significantly contributed to the professional development of my career by raising awareness of issues affecting individuals and communities. These projects provided valuable opportunities to engage with different stakeholders in the community, enhancing my communication, people skills, and administrative abilities. This advantage proved beneficial in transitioning from university life to the corporate world, where I had to interact with clients, address the court, and coordinate trade fair projects.

Currently, I am mentoring two final-year LLB students under the university's Mentorship program. This experience has allowed me to develop leadership skills, improve communication, and enhance professional networking opportunities.

Advice for current students planning to participate in community engagement projects

I highly recommend every student to take part in community engagement projects as they empower the community and increase knowledge about issues affecting diverse backgrounds. Over the four years of my community engagement involvement, I had the privilege of volunteering at Kungwini Welfare Organisation's fundraising events (home for the disabled) during semester breaks and weekends. These opportunities provided me with the necessary skills required in my field.