Sold, committed and forever grateful to the objectives and aims of SABWiL and SABWiL Alumni!

I was introduced to SABWiL by the UNISA Law Student’s Association (ULSA). We were invited to join the association and follow their events which would assist us in our development as prospective legal practitioners.
I liked the SABWiL Facebook page and followed the events.
Adv. A Tiry posted the SABWiL Human Rights Moot Court competition, and requested interested parties to apply. I applied, was accepted and participated in the 2016 Moot Court. We were given a “defamation” case. The matter was heard by the quorum of Adv. Lindiwe Nkosi SC and Adv. Cornwell Dauds.
We were given the case scenario – “brief” – in advance and instructed to work closely with our partners and file Heads of Argument a week before the Motion Court.
I gained valuable experience during this exercise. Together with my senior counsel, Malebo, we scrutinised the law, textbooks and, all students’ favourite, case law.

Malebo did our opening arguments and honoured me with the closing – rebuttal. Our opposing counsel was the team of our dear SABWiL Alumni President, Madillo and Nassir. The trial was fruitful and meaningful. It highlighted the necessity of balancing rights in the constitutional democracy such as ours. Although citizens have a right to freedom of expression, citizens also have a right to a good reputation and a good name. Rights that are all ‘’cornerstoned’’ by the right to dignity.
SABWiL has opened my eyes to the importance of recognising and acknowledging black excellence. Black people matter. Women matter. Lawyers matter. I was enlightened to the reality that as an individual I would have to work hard to achieve anything in law and I would have to work twice as hard because I am black. But more than that, SABWiL made me believe in my capability to achieve and be excellent.
I write to you, a Candidate Attorney at Rooth & Wessels Inc. I have been temporarily placed in the litigation department. My degree got me the gig, but my experience and exposure keeps me here.

21/06/2019
Sibusiso Mahlangu
LLB (University of South Africa)