First-Year Law Students Pledge Commitment to Legal Career

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‘Our mission as a Law School is to produce graduates with the skills, knowledge and values required to perform successfully in the profession and become leaders and visionaries in broader society.’

These were the words of Dr Vishal Surbun who opened proceedings at UKZN’s 11^th Pledge Ceremony with more than 100 students formally inducted into the Law School.

Keynote speaker at the virtual ceremony, Consumer Law specialist Professor Tanya Woker congratulated the students for gaining entry to one of the country’s top Law schools especially during such unprecedented times.

‘The 2020 school year was very challenging, but you proved that you have what it takes to make it. I have no doubt that you will triumph on this journey as well.

‘I challenge you to read about and emulate the many great and successful law professionals who preceded you in this School, such as the Former Chief Justice of South Africa, the late Pius Langa, current Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng; President of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa, Mandisa Maya, and former Judge of the International Criminal Court, Dr Navi Pillay,’ said Woker.

‘Always remember that you are entering a service profession and that ultimately it is through your service that you can make a difference and make your mark in society. Choose today the kind of lawyer you want to be and then live up to that choice through your words and your conduct.’

The oath taking was presided over by the Dean and Head of the School of Law, Professor Managay Reddi.

In closing, Surbun said that the copy of the Constitution given to the students is a symbolic gesture to encourage them to fulfil their mission to teach Law as well as to become earnest and diligent students of the law.

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga

Photograph: Supplied