Cum Laude Law Graduate Passionate About Life-Long Learning
Ms Primi Chetty who graduated with an LLB degree cum laude just before her 60th birthday.The “nest” was empty after her youngest child left home to study at university so Ms Primi Chetty decided it was time for her to pursue a Law degree.
That was four years ago. Today, Chetty - the CEO of Shuter and Shuter Publishers which is the fifth largest publisher of school textbooks in South Africa - has graduated with an LLB degree cum laude just short of her 60th birthday!
‘At the age of 55 I became an “empty nester”,’ said Chetty. ‘My son, Ravi, was studying Law at UCT so I decided it would be cool for me to also study and thus create topics of mutual interest and conversation with him so I enrolled for an LLB at UKZN. The experience was phenomenal, especially the interaction on campus with young people, all of whom became my children in the absence of my own. The part-time programme is wonderfully well structured and if you keep up, you are destined for success. The LLB degree has enhanced my business knowledge, meaning I have made less use of my company’s attorneys,’ said Chetty.
Education and law are definitely a passion in the family. Chetty is married to Kooben, a respected attorney in Pietermaritzburg, while Ravi is currently pursuing his LLM in Maritime Law at the University of Cape Town. Their eldest child, Maya, is a Paediatrician in Germany and their youngest, Prayanka, is doing her third-year in Medicine at the University of Debrecen in Hungary.
‘My husband and I met when he was studying Law and I was doing my BCom at the then University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg. Those were, to an extent, the best of times because we were studying and the worst of times because many students did not want us to be there due to our race,’ said Chetty.
‘We were active in student protests then, primarily against the apartheid government and the struggle to free Madiba.
‘Studying has created a significant bond between my children and myself as I understand the pressures they face whilst studying. I certainly also bonded closely with my husband and Ravi over case studies and the Rule of Law. I loved the interactions with young students on campus which affirmed my belief that we are all equal, striving hard for a better life irrespective of colour or culture. I loved being in the heart of the rainbow nation.’
With the motto: “You are never too old to accomplish anything you set your mind to”, as her driving force, Chetty’s plans include serving her articles after spending much needed quality time with her family, especially her 88-year-old mother and her 92-year-old father as well as Golden Retrievers Blu and Bailey!
‘I have just declined a research Master’s seat to focus more time on my parents and family because the last four years were gruelling. However, I will serve articles at my husband’s offices and put into practice all my legal knowledge in the future,’ added Chetty.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Seventeen School of Law Candidates Graduate Cum Laude!
Some of the 17 LLB candidates who graduated cum laude.The School of Law celebrated the huge achievement of 17 of their LLB candidates graduating cum laude.
The distinguished graduates are Mr Waris Asmal, Mr Dale Adams, Ms Primarashani Chetty, Mr Aston Gevers, Ms Denisha Govender, Ms Moshina Ismail, Ms Ayesha Bibi Khan, Mr Shivaal Maharaj, Ms Cassidy Manthey, Ms Zamanguni Mazubane, Ms Celeste Moodley; Mr Darshan Moodley, Ms Kiyura Naidoo, Mr Siphesihle Nene, Ms Tahlia Pillay, Ms Arlina Ramothar and Ms Sybil Ramsamy.
Asmal says she was inspired to read for a Law degree after seeing how lawyers have an ability to bring about change in society, fight for socio-economic rights and ensure that the powerful in society are held to account through the rule of law.
‘Every day of my LLB degree was an opportunity to better understand the law and become more knowledgeable,’ said Asmal. ‘I plan on becoming an attorney and being happy. I want to consider a wide variety of career options with happiness being my goal. My passion is the law and my degree allows me to pursue my passion in a career.’
Law runs in the family for Gevers as his big brother, Christopher, is an International Law lecturer at UKZN’s School of Law. Gevers said the experience of participating in the Ellie Newman Moot Court final motivated him to follow Law.
‘I am currently working as an assistant at Chambers in Durban, while doing a Master’s in Environmental Law. I aim to run an advocacy practice in the future; hopefully specialising in environmental litigation,’ said Gevers.
From law not being her first option or even her second to graduating cum laude, Govender has come a long way.
‘Having pursued two other degree options - Chemical Engineering and Psychology - I researched and considered all my options. Law came up as a viable alternative and I decided to give it a shot. I’ve never looked back. The discipline of Law is diverse – similar to the country we live in – this means that no two days are the same. There will always be different clients, different areas of Law to be explored and different lessons to be learned,’ she said.
As a new candidate attorney at Bowman Gilfillan in Johannesburg, Ismail is looking forward to using her LLB to broaden her horizons.
‘I have many fond memories of University but the one that stands out occurred during January 2017 when I was invited to attend the law firm, Bowmans, Selection Day. It was a tough two-day process but finally, my hard work and resilience was recognised and I was signed to one of the best law firms in South Africa. I was grateful then and I am more appreciative now that I am in an environment that recognises excellence and invests in students at such an early stage,’ said Ismail.
Also as a new candidate attorney at Bowman Gilfillan, Maharaj who achieved merit certificates in four of his legal modules, plans to specialise in labour law.
‘People I care about have not been able to reach their full potential because of unjust practices. This really ignited a passion in me to develop a holistic legal education as well as experience so that I can one day give back to the society that helped shape me. The Law School is full of dedicated and captivating lecturers that ignited a true passion within me for law and social justice which made studying Law a challenging but very rewarding,’ he said.
Being awarded the Barend van Niekerk Prize for the Best Jurisprudence student and the James Scott Wylie Trust Bursary for being a top performing third-year student at the 2018 School of Law Student Awards are some of Mazubane’s achievements; with graduating cum laude being the cherry on top.
‘I honestly gained so many experiences and opportunities through this degree. I am the first person in my family to graduate with an LLB and to complete a degree cum laude. I am currently pursuing a full thesis LLM degree and also clerking for Judge Malcolm Wallis. Furthermore, I am a graduate teaching assistant at the School of Law and a Moot Court Judge.
‘In 2020, I am signed to serve my articles of clerkship at one of the best law firms in the country and in Africa. I would have never have had these opportunities without obtaining my LLB degree. I believe that the sky is the limit in terms of what the future holds for me,’ said Mazubane.
Moodley says getting the opportunity to share what she has learned with others through tutoring has been the best part of her LLB degree journey.
‘The most life-changing experience during my LLB study was being a Constitutional Law tutor. Through this experience, I was able to challenge myself to another level personally and academically. It helped me fulfill my lifelong passion of serving others and I was able to contribute towards students’ self-development. My short-term plan is to obtain my master’s and then move on to articles at Webber Wentzel. Once I qualify as an attorney, I will be fervently working towards advocacy, particularly in International Criminal Law,’ she said.
For Darshan, who is currently a candidate attorney at Adams & Adams in Pretoria, graduating cum laude was a sign that he has a bright future.
‘I had an amazing experience studying at UKZN as I met many incredible people. My family is extremely proud of my achievements. I haven’t told them, but they were the driving force behind my successes and I am eternally grateful to them for that. My mother deserves a special mention for all the sacrifices she has made for me throughout my life.’
Naidoo said competing and advancing to the second round of the Ellie Newman Moot Competition, serving as a Constitutional Law Tutor, receiving seven out of eight Dean’s Commendations during his four years and now graduating cum laude are achievements that have made his academic journey memorable.
For Nene, an LLB degree has opened up a world of endless opportunities as his short-term plans include finishing his Practical Vocational Training, writing, as well as taking conveyancing exams to be admitted as a Legal Practitioner and conveyancer.
‘My long-term plans are to practice Law as a conveyancer and commercial law specialist and obviously to grow and develop my career but for now, I am still searching for articles,’ he said.
Pillay is a top achiever, something she has always been as she was the DUX student in her matric year, received Dean’s commendations for five out of eight semesters during her university studies as well as a merit pass twice in her final-year of study.
‘My experience at UKZN has exceeded all expectations. The educative exposure to the different areas of law that I received was incredible, and I could not have asked for better lecturers. I recently became a Candidate Attorney at Legal Aid South Africa and will be doing my articles of clerkship with them,’ she said.
For Ramothar her belief in always working hard to do well has not only resulted in her graduating cum laude but also successfully juggling working part-time and studying.
‘Whilst studying, I also worked part-time as a photographer, ground staff member and cashier. The constant factor throughout my studies and work has been the support I received from my family and best friend. I plan on being an attorney, specifically working in the corporate field. The qualification has already assisted me in achieving this goal as it established the basis for me to begin working as a Candidate Attorney at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc,’ said Ramothar.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .PhD Graduate Assists HIV Positive Pregnant Women in Area of Sterilisation Abuse
Dr Chantal Badul received her Doctorate in Law.‘Social justice coupled with gross human rights violations suffered by HIV positive pregnant women in South Africa and globally are what motivated me to contribute towards the global ligation effort to end sterilisation abuse,’ says UKZN staff member Dr Chantal Badul, who graduated with a Doctorate in Law.
As the Director of UKZN’s Law Clinic at the School of Law in Pietermaritzburg, Badul is extremely passionate about human rights, hence her research examined possible legal remedies for addressing the practice of coerced or forced sterilisation of women living with HIV in South Africa. The study was supervised by Professor Ann Strode.
Badul, who runs the Law Clinic which has been providing legal education to all final-year Law students and legal services to indigent people in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas for the past 18 years, said her doctoral studies had been tough but the end rewards were more than worth it.
‘I am passionate about helping indigent people and bringing them legal relief, especially women and children, she said. ‘I also love imparting knowledge to my students and hope that I am making an impact on their careers in the legal field. Professor Strode was a committed and dedicated supervisor who always pushed me to achieve my best. Without her, I would not have achieved this qualification.’
Badul, who is also a practising attorney, a conveyancer and a notary public official, is looking forward to where her newly acquired knowledge will take her as she believes knowledge is power.
‘My PhD journey taught me to think differently and enhanced my knowledge in manifold ways. I am grateful to my parents for always encouraging me to study further. My dad always instilled in me the value of continuous learning while my mom is a constant pillar of support. I am definitely looking forward to sharing my experience with my students,’ she added.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Substance Abuse Among SA Minors Focus of Master’s Research
Ms Precious Ngcobo celebrating the attainment of her master’s degree with her daughter Esihle.Master’s in Child Care and Protection graduate, Ms Precious Ngcobo’s aspiration is to get to a position where she can influence children’s rights policy and advocate for the rights of minors.
Contributing knowledge towards the prevention of substance abuse among youngsters in South Africa is an important step towards the achievement of those goals.
With this in mind, Ngcobo conducted research titled: An Examination of Substance Abuse Prevention Programmes and their Impact on Minors Prone to Substance Abuse in South Africa.
Supervised by Ms Willene Holness and Dr Annie Singh, the study revealed that there was a lack of research/evidence to inform the formulation of drug policies in South Africa hence a more evidence-based approach to substance abuse prevention was required.
‘Programmes that involve the participation of parents, the school and the young people involved are likely to produce effective results,’ said Ngcobo. ‘The key to effective prevention strategies is to reinforce the natural social bonds that exist between young people and their families. Dealing with the substance abuse problem requires that policies also adequately address other social ills such as poverty, unemployment and HIV/AIDS as the substance abuse problem does not exist in isolation,’ explained Ngcobo.
The study recommended that substance abuse policies should ensure that all substance abuse prevention programmes implemented among minors are evidence-based and in line with all relevant legislation.
As a Social Worker at the Department of Social Development’s Umlazi Service Office, Ngcobo has a soft spot for children especially since the core of her profession deals with the protection and promotion of children’s rights.
‘The most challenging aspect of my research was the limited literature available on substance abuse prevention programmes implemented among minors in South Africa,’ she said. ‘There were many times when I wanted to quit but my supervisors believed in me and reminded me of my capabilities and how I had a chance to contribute positively to somehow improve the quality of the work that I do and personally make a real difference.
‘Children are the future of this country and if we can find effective methods to prevent them from abusing substances, we would have done justice to our country as a whole,’ she added.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .Multi-Level Marketing Business Models Examined by Law Graduate
Business Law Master’s graduate, Ms Johara Ally.The need for the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) to be used to protect consumers in South Africa is what motivated Business Law Master’s graduate, Ms Johara Ally, to investigate the relevant sections of the Act and their application to multi-level marketing in South Africa.
Ally’s study titled: A Critical Examination of Herbalife’s Business Model in Order to Determine Whether it is a Prohibited Scheme under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, focused on global multi-level marketing corporation Herbalife Nutrition.
The focus was on whether internationally established business models comply with South African law. The study was supervised by Professor Tanya Woker.
‘Many people are drawn to such business models through which perpetrators and promoters often lure people into joining their operations by promising great wealth and lavish lifestyles in return,’ said Ally.
‘However, this is contrary to reality where very few make money and the majority of participants incur financial loss. This is also one of the factors differentiating a pyramid scheme from a legitimate multi-level marketing company.’
Ally added that those involved in multilevel marketing in South Africa needed to ensure that they were aware of the applicable laws and abide by them which was crucial for safeguarding and protecting consumer rights.
‘Multi-level marketing is a form of direct selling which, unlike pyramid schemes, is legitimate,’ said Ally. ‘In light of the havoc caused by pyramid schemes worldwide and the devastating impact they have had on South Africa’s retail sector, I hope this research will provide valuable insights and help consumers protect themselves and their rights.’
As part of honing her research skills which earned her a distinction for her dissertation, Ally spent a year serving as a research clerk for Judge Malcom Wallis.
‘My main duties included reading case records, researching relevant law and preparing memoranda for cases. When Justice Wallis was on long leave from the Supreme Court of Appeal, we debated current and pressing legal issues. I am eager to go out into the working world but have yet to procure articles of clerkship. I am actively applying and hope to commence next year,’ she said.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .LLB for Durban Metro Policewoman
Durban Metro Police Senior Constable, Ms Arifa Soobrathi, graduated with her LLB degree.While her rank as Senior Constable at the Durban Metropolitan Police Services is rooted in law enforcement, LLB graduate Ms Arifa Soobrathi’s nine years worth of experience in the field highlighted the need for her to understand the inner workings of the legal system to serve her community more professionally and efficiently.
‘My legal qualification is based on the application of the law and the two go hand in hand - much like my ammunition and my firearm,’ said Soobrathi. ‘The LLB has provided me with vast knowledge and great insight in the field, enabling me to ensure that at all times my duties are executed well within the confines of the law. I hope my qualification opens doors for me in the area of career growth.’
Soobrathi began studying full-time in 2008 but dropped out because of personal circumstances and joined Metro police in 2010, resuming her studies part-time. While balancing 12-hour work shifts with attending classes and studying was demanding it was worth it in the end.
‘I was motivated to do an LLB by my parents and I have been interested in law from an early age,’ said Soobrathi. ‘My parents were both civil servants and as a teenager, I watched as they maintained our home and family, working full-time and studying part-time to complete their LLB qualifications.
‘Attending their Graduation ceremony filled me with such pride that I knew one day it would be me up there on stage getting my degree.
‘I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to the eThekwini Municipality as well as the Durban Metro Police for all their support over the past few years,’ said Soobrathi, who now plans to enrol for the School of Law’s practical legal training programme and serve her articles of clerkship.
‘The eThekwini Municipality has developed an outstanding programme for Law graduates and I am excited to be on it.
‘Long-term, my focus is on admission as an attorney. I am determined to use the skills and knowledge acquired from my LLB qualification within the Municipality and hopefully grow as an individual and legal practitioner,’ added Soobrathi.
Words Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Hard Work Pays Off for Law Summa Cum Laude Graduates
LLB summa cum laude graduates Ms Zakiyya Reheman, Mr Suhail Ebrahim and Ms Amy Gooden.For Law graduates Mr Suhail Ebrahim, Ms Zakiyya Reheman, Ms Sumaiyah Abdulah and Ms Amy Gooden, graduating summa cum laude is proof that hard work and dedication are synonymous with success.
Ebrahim’s outstanding academic record earned him the Juta Prize for the Best Third Year Student at last year’s School of Law Student Awards ceremony, while he was also awarded the prestigious James Scott Wylie Bursary in 2017.
He also obtained Dean’s Commendations in all of the eight semesters, and achieved 15 Certificates of Merit and a total of 38 distinctions in the 41 LLB modules.
‘The experience of studying Law has been enriching,’ said Ebrahim. ‘With the large number of modules and academic tasks that have to be completed in an LLB, I feel it compels one to be a disciplined individual. I consider my academic achievements to be life-changing experiences given that they enhanced my CV, thereby creating enhanced opportunities for me in the working world,’ said Ebrahim.
Ebrahim plans to do a Master’s degree after completing his articles of clerkship at Shepstone and Wylie Attorneys in Durban.
‘I also plan to complete my Board exams in the course of my articles and thereafter pursue an LLM degree. I would also like to become a conveyancer and subsequently specialise in the law of property. I believe the successful completion of my LLB has made these goals possible,’ he added.
Still on the pursuit of knowledge, Reheman who received 34 Certificates of Merit and seven Dean’s Commendations, the Best Second Year Student Award as well as the Best Third Year Student Award at the UKZN Prize-giving ceremony and was also the recipient of the James Scott Wylie Trust Bursary awarded to the 2017 Top Third Year Student, is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Human Rights Law before exploring the wide range of career opportunities her achievements qualify her for.
‘Studying for an LLB degree involves a lot of hard work, however, four years of dedication have definitely paid off. In 2017, I had the opportunity to meet a constitutional law judge and a commissioner from the SA Human Rights Commission at an event hosted by NADEL. Speaking to these two influential people sparked my interest in helping protect those deprived of their rights and made me realise that by changing the life of even one person makes a world of difference. This qualification is a building block towards assisting me leave my mark on the world,’ said Reheman.
Abdulah is currently doing an LLM in Business Law at UKZN. She won the Adams and Adams Best First Year Student prize and achieved 12 Certificates of Merit in various modules.
‘I view Law as a vehicle for change,’ she said. ‘Obtaining my degree was the first step towards achieving my goal of becoming an aspirant attorney. Once I achieve my goal, I will hopefully be able to use my legal knowledge to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I am in the process of applying for articles of clerkship for next year.’
For Gooden, her LLB experience was bittersweet as she was selected as a Research Clerk for Judge Malcolm Wallis at the beginning of 2018 and her grandmother passed away during her final-year of study.
‘Having to deal with my grandmother’s death while trying to maintain my standard of work was a challenge. She was always an inspiration to me and constantly supported me throughout my studies and I hope I have made her proud. Clerking for Justice Wallis required commitment and was time consuming but very beneficial as he is so knowledgeable and I learnt vast amounts. This experience provided me with invaluable information and skills that I will take forward with me into my career,’ said Gooden.
With aspirations of pursuing a career in the medical or health law field, Gooden is currently reading for her Master’s in Medical Law and Bioethics.
‘I am very interested in Medical Law and my Master’s focuses on the legality of human genome modification. This area of law is new, especially in South Africa. Many factors and risks are unknown and very little legislation exists on the topic. Therefore, by working in this field, I will have an opportunity to do something worthwhile and hopefully ensure that the law is formed to operate and shape the future of medicine in a positive way,’ she said.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Eradicating Gender Disparity in the Workplace Highlighted in Master’s Research
Ms Therusha Moodley who graduated with her master’s degree cum laude.Barriers hindering women’s rights to development and progression in the workplace was the focus of research done by Ms Therusha Moodley which saw her graduate with her Master’s degree in Labour Studies cum laude.
‘Being female and witnessing the disproportionally low level of women represented in various occupations and occupational levels fueled my desire to address these global concerns,’ said Moodley.
Through her research titled: Progression of South African Women in the Workplace: A Study of the Right to Development and Relevant Legal Framework that Underpins the Eradication of Gender Disparity in the Workplace, Moodley highlights and addresses barriers faced by women in the workplace worldwide.
The study, supervised by Ms Clydenia Stevens, examined South Africa’s current legal framework promoting gender equality, non - discrimination and fair labour practices.
‘The study highlighted South Africa’s comprehensive legal framework regulating these rights and how poor implementation of the rights nullifies the desired outcomes,’ said Moodley.
‘All women face these barriers in the workplace and we have to provide a way forward to ensure both genders coexist in the workplace without the presence of dominance or discrimination. Eradicating these entrenched barriers has the potential to elevate the standard of living of all women and, more importantly, allow them to be treated as equals to their male colleagues.’
Moodley now looks forward to completing her articles of clerkship and gaining practical experience that will assist her in pursuit of a doctorate and ultimately, a successful career in academia.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Double Celebration for Ismail Family
Twins: Mariam (left) and Moshina Ismail who graduated with their Bachelor of Laws degrees.A double celebration is in store at the Ismail household as twin daughters accomplished a major milestone together. Mariam and Moshina, who have been on a hand-in-hand journey since their birth 22 years ago, added more arrows to their quivers when they both graduated with Bachelor of Laws degrees (LLB).
After being exposed to aspects of law in high school, the sisters became curious about the field. After doing extensive research, they both decided that Law was the career they wanted to follow.
Moshina, who graduated cum laude is currently completing her articles of clerkship at law firm, Bowman Gilfillan’s Johannesburg offices, had this to say about their achievement: ‘I am more appreciative now that I am in an environment that recognises excellence and invests in students at such an early stage,’ she said.
‘I strongly believe in women empowerment and strive every day to improve myself as a young woman that in the future can guide many others pursuing a career in commercial law,’ she added.
Mariam, who is passionate about academia, is currently pursuing a Master of Laws degree (LLM) at UKZN and applying for articles of clerkship.
The pair is very happy to have made their parents proud through receiving this qualification.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .PhD Research on Relationship Between International Criminal Law and State Sovereignty in Africa
PhD graduate, Ms Linda Mushoriwa, whose doctoral research investigated the relationship between the doctrine of sovereignty and international criminal law in Africa.The rise in universal jurisdiction in Africa after 2002 when South Africa became the first African country to implement legislation enabling the courts to exercise the doctrine, coupled with efforts by the African Union (AU) to regionalise international criminal law, are what inspired PhD graduate Ms Linda Mushoriwa to explore for her thesis the complex relationship between the doctrine of sovereignty and international criminal law on the continent.
‘The tension between the AU and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been ongoing in recent years, particularly regarding the question of Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir’s immunity before the ICC,’ said Mushoriwa. ‘Sudan is not bound by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and there has been a lot of debate regarding whether or not Bashir is immune,’ said Mushoriwa.
The research titled: The Relationship between International Criminal Law and State Sovereignty in Africa - as seen through the lens of the application of the principles of universal jurisdiction and personal immunities - examines the concerns expressed by African states under the auspices of the AU regarding the perceived abuse of the principle of universal jurisdiction by countries from the global North and the distinct, but closely related, perceived unfair targeting of African Heads of State by the ICC.
‘The thesis asserts that there is a complex relationship between the doctrine of sovereignty and international criminal law; and that this relationship is arguably complicated by the different ways in which European and non-European states historically obtained and enjoyed the protection of the doctrine of state sovereignty,’ explained Mushoriwa.
‘The tensions between African states and European states as well as the ICC respectively are arguably a result of African states’ sensitivity with their colonial past which contributed to their efforts to reassert their sovereignty and reaffirm the immunities of their heads of state and state officials,’ she said.
The study was supervised by Mr Christopher Gevers and Professor Shannon Bosch and has led to Mushoriwa writing an article titled: Immunity before the International Criminal Court: Still Hazy after all these Years, which was published in the South African Journal for Criminal Justice.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .