I am a Mbokodo, I am courageous, an achiever and a young ambitious lady by the name of Natasha Chiswa, aged 24 years. I have always known that I am destined for more. I was born and bred in a Christian family home. I am a firm believer that through Christ, all things are possible and His grace has brought me this far.
I am a solution driven, cum laude Bachelor of Laws graduate of the University of South Africa. I am the second born in a family of five children. I live in Durban with my parents and siblings. My siblings are the force behind my hard work. As an elder sister, I strive to lead by example, inspire and give them hope for the future.
Growing up I have always been so eager to bring meaningful and significant change in people’s lives. I maintain that the law is a powerful tool that should be used to bring change, fairness and equality. I have always been determined to be the voice to the voiceless. It is our social responsibility as the youth of this nation to embrace and ensure positive dynamism in the key areas of our social lives.
The first step towards achieving my objective was to obtain the Bachelor of Laws degree. I was accepted to study at the University of South Africa. As a first-year student at the university, I was excited and yet nervous. I was not confident that I would manage studying through open distant learning. Despite the difficulties and challenges, senior students encouraged me to stay positive. I was so eager to excel and defy the odds. My goal was to graduate in record time.
The journey towards completing my studies has been eventful. I learnt about the core values of endurance, independence and responsibility. Organising ourselves into groups and co-operating with other students was part of adapting and developing key skills in managing challenges in the modern era.
Despite all the challenges I faced with my studies, I am grateful and give many thanks to my father, Mr Martin Chiswa, who moved mountains to ensure that I complete my studies. It was not easy, yet he sacrificed everything to fund my studies. His endless efforts inspired me to work harder.
My eagerness and motivation are clearly reflected in my previous involvement in legal related activities. In 2016, I had the privilege of being a volunteer at Victim Support at Montclair South African Police Service in Durban. This was an enriching and great experience as I learnt first-hand key issues concerning maintenance and domestic violence. During the vacation of November 2017, I worked at Tate, Nolan and Knight Attorneys. My duties involved law research, court attendance and attending to queries and client consultations. In the same year, I was also elected as the treasurer of Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter in Durban. I was re-elected for a second term as the media and publicity officer of Black Lawyers Association. I participated at ProBono during the National Wills Week as a volunteer assisting with drafting wills at the office of the Master of the high court in Durban.
During the November 2019 vacation, I worked at Bilal Malani Attorneys. My duties included attending court proceedings and undertaking legal research. In December 2019, I had the opportunity to participate in the annual SABWiL Human Rights Court which was based on section 20 of the Constitution, as a junior counsel. Participating in the moot court competition was a great experience. I gained analytical, research and drafting skills. I am proud to say that I was part of a great team that ultimately won the competition.
I believe that every person has the power to create a better tomorrow. The journey is never easy, you must therefore, work smart, be resilient, persevere and maintain a positive mind-set. Always remember that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage all the members to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations. Stay safe and keep the faith. Together we can conquer. Ubuntu. Ayafezeka amaphupho.
Alumna Natasha Chiswa
SABWiL Alumni