04 December 2013 Volume :1 Issue :14

UKZN Alumnus Excels in the Legal Sector

Ms Bridgett Majola.

Winning the Ellie Newman Memorial Moot Final Competition in 2006 was an indication that Ms Bridgett Majola’s passion for law would translate into a successful career… and it has!

Majola said her degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal was valuable because the core compulsory modules were very well organised and structured providing a good, basic foundation.

‘During the course of our study we also had an opportunity to take modules for professional legal training, advocacy, using the legal databases etc, all of which became incredibly relevant particularly in the beginning of our legal careers.’

Majola began her career in 2007 as a candidate attorney at Shepstone & Wyle Attorneys, completed her articles in 2009 and worked as an internal consultant at Investec Private Bank. In 2010 she was appointed as an Associate at Read Hope Phillips Attorneys and joined Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr as a Senior Associate in 2012.

Currently she is an Admitted and Practising Attorney and Notary Public at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, a position she assumed in November 2012 and specialises in Project Finance  in the Finance and Banking Department.

‘In order to be a relatively competent legal practitioner it is imperative to have a working knowledge of basic company law and corporate law, particularly if one is going to be dealing with large multinational clients who are in the mergers and acquisitions space.

‘Currently, I specialise in project finance, specifically relating to the finance, construction, operation, and maintenance of renewable energy generation facilities in South Africa in terms of the government’s IPP Procurement Programme,’ said Majola.

Apart from practising law, Majola is an active advocate for human rights through speaking at international conferences on Human Rights and also works with a number of youth organisations that focus in the areas of education, mentorship, entrepreneurship and leadership.

‘It is important for me to be a good role model to young people. I am extremely passionate about identifying, developing, promoting and mentoring emerging young African women. As we rise in our careers as junior professionals, it is important for us to “raise others as we rise”. This is why mentorship is absolutely crucial for me. It is easy, it is high impact, it is sustainable and anyone can do it,’ said Majola.

-          Thandiwe Jumo

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