Ronewa Khakhu, a University of Pretoria's (UP) Faculty of Law alumna, is rapidly making her mark in South Africa’s legal profession. She earned national recognition as one of Inside Education’s 100 SA Shining Stars in the Law & Justice category and was named among the Mail & Guardian’s 2023 Top 200 Young South Africans.

Every year, the Shining Stars Africa Awards are held to honour and celebrate exceptional African generosity, creativity, and talent. The awards, which are given out yearly around the continent, recognise the extraordinary accomplishments of business people, humanitarians, celebrities, and influencers who have a big impact on various fields, such as music, movies, business, and social concerns.

Khakhu, who graduated with her LLB from UP in 2024, was the youngest and only female recognised in her category by Inside Education. “It is such a great honour. Coming from a strong patriarchal background, I feel very proud to have represented and validated the dreams of young females in my and other communities,” she said as she reflected on this milestone.

Her journey into pursuing a legal profession was inspired by a deep personal calling that began in her early childhood. “I was a victim of bullying in primary school and hated the silence that surrounded those experiences. From as early as Grade 7, I knew I wanted to serve people by ensuring they are heard,” she explained.

That passion led her to UP, where she was accepted into the Faculty of Law while in Grade 11. “I chose UP for its consistent academic excellence and its commitment to holistic student development beyond the classroom,” she said.

During her studies, Khakhu excelled both academically and in leadership roles, earning a place on the Dean’s Merit List and serving as a Student Councillor at the UP Law Clinic and as a member of National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL) Student Chapter at UP. She credits her success to effective time management and mentorship. “My journals, diaries, and watch were my best friends. I also used the guidance I received through the mentorship opportunities available at UP.”

She notes her time at the UP Law Clinic as one of the most developmental experiences in shaping her commitment to justice. “Helping indigent people access legal support for free was incredibly fulfilling. As someone who values Ubuntu, I was proud to play a role in ensuring access to justice for those who can’t afford it.”

The national recognition she has received has only sharpened her sense of purpose. “These accolades are not just personal achievements—they are professional affirmations. They motivate me to pursue leadership opportunities, advocate for increased representation in the legal sector, and help create space for others to thrive.”

Khakhu is also touched about the challenges young legal professionals face, particularly around workplace harassment and lack of direction in the profession. “It’s concerning how many young professionals remain silent about mistreatment because it's been normalised as a ‘rite of passage’,” she said. “Institutions need to adapt their curricula to include practical skills and real-world legal training to better prepare graduates.”

Looking ahead, Khakhu has clear ambitions for her career. She is currently an LLM candidate at the University of Cape Town and working towards being admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa. She hopes to eventually open her own law firm one day. Her long-term goal is to join the judiciary, aspiring to one day serve as a judge; or even Chief Justice.

“In the interim, I remain committed to areas of law that matter to me, such as forensic law, personal injury, and medical malpractice,” she said.