UP Law student scores first gold with TuksBasketball at Inclusion Cup

Second-year LLB student Warona Malambe made the most of the July recess, not by taking a break, but by winning gold. As a player on the TuksBasketball First Team, he helped secure victory at the Inclusion Cup, marking his first gold medal with the team and a proud moment in his student-athlete journey.

“Winning the Inclusion Cup was an incredible experience”, he said. “It felt like everything we sacrificed, the long hours, early mornings, and the pressure of exams, finally paid off. It was my first gold with Tuks, and I’m really proud of what we accomplished as a team.”

Malambe’s win came at a time when many students were deep into exam preparation. For him, balancing training, fixtures, and revision required a complete mindset shift. “My understanding of time management had a major software update,” he joked. “It was a test of discipline.”

Despite his clear passion for basketball, Malambe is equally committed to academic goals. “I’ve had a complicated relationship with basketball”, he admits. “I love the game, but it often takes time away from my studies and my responsibilities in the Faculty of Law. I constantly must choose, and prioritise wisely, between academics, sport, and leadership.”

His academic track record speaks for itself and is impressive. In 2024, he was named to the Dean’s Merit List, an award he does not take lightly.

“As a boy who grew up in Soweto, where going to university is not always the norm, being recognised for academic achievement means the world to me. I felt as if I represented my entire community. I also knew the sacrifices my mother had to make for me to be here, especially last year when I had no funding to support my studies. I had to make sure I made it all count.”

He is also actively involved in student leadership and currently serves as the Head of Sports on the Law House Executive Committee, where he plays a key role in promoting physical wellness and student engagement through sports activities.

Looking ahead, his vision extends beyond the basketball court. “My dream is to pursue an LLM overseas. I believe that learning from the legal landscapes of other societies will help me better understand and contribute to the development of South African law. Ultimately, I want to work in Corporate Law, because by helping businesses grow and create jobs, I believe I’m contributing to the development of my country.”

“I was not a top achiever in high school, but I always knew law was my calling. Entering the LLB programme at UP felt like the beginning of something meaningful. Today, I know I’m where I belong — and I’m determined to make the most of every opportunity.”