The Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria (UP) proudly celebrates O’fentse Mothibe, a Master of Laws (LLM) candidate in Mercantile Law, who has been named a Fellow of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, a prestigious honour awarded to young South Africans demonstrating exceptional potential for ethical leadership and entrepreneurial impact.

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship identifies and supports people who are committed to driving meaningful social and economic change. It offers its recipients comprehensive, needs-based funding for their studies, as well as access to a development ecosystem that includes leadership training, mentorship, and entrepreneurial education.

“This Fellowship affirms my commitment to a life of purpose, excellence, and impact. It reflects a journey of growth and resilience, both personally and professionally,” said Mothibe.

He joined the Foundation as a Candidate Fellow in 2021 after a rigorous selection process. His successful application came after an initial rejection, which is a testament to his resilience and persistence—qualities he continues to embody in his academic and professional journey.

“I was drawn to the Foundation not just for financial support, but because of its focus on transformative leadership,” he explained. “I knew what it stood for and saw it as a platform that aligned with my broader goals of social impact through the law.”

Currently, he serves as an Academic Associate in the Department of Public Law, where he contributes to academic research, student support, and the facilitation of Administrative Law and Private International Law. His dual engagement in postgraduate studies and academic mentorship highlights his belief in the power of education and legal knowledge as tools for transformation.

The Fellowship has also expanded Mothibe’s views on the intersection between law and business, highlighting their complementary potential to address complex societal challenges.

“Law and business are not mutually exclusive,” he said. “Mentors like Iain Williamson and Arnold Sigauque helped me understand how legal frameworks can support innovative, socially responsible enterprises.”

He credits Simamkele Gayika, Programme Officer at Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship, for his ongoing support and encouragement.

“Simamkele consistently challenged me to be authentic in my journey and step into my potential as a socially conscious leader,” he expressed.

Being part of a diverse cohort of Candidate Fellows—many from disciplines such as Actuarial Science, Engineering, and Economics—further motivated him to excel in his legal studies.

Looking ahead, Mothibe is determined to contribute to South Africa’s legal system as an advocate. He says he is especially inspired by Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane SC, whose values and vision resonate strongly with his own.

In the long term, he also plans to return to academia, where he hopes to publish, lecture, and mentor future law students.

“I want to give back by sharing what I’ve learned and creating spaces where others can grow, especially those navigating the intersection between law and entrepreneurship,” he said.

With his unwavering commitment to justice, transformative leadership, and community upliftment, Mothibe looks forward to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s legal and business landscapes by embodying the values of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and the ethos of UP Law.