For Mohau Phala, leadership has never been about holding a title or being in the spotlight. Instead, it has always been about serving others, making a difference and leaving people and communities better than she found them. 

It is this commitment to servant leadership that has earned the North-West University (NWU) law student a place among South Africa's emerging young leaders as a recipient of the prestigious Abe Bailey Fellowship.

Mohau is in the final year of her LLB degree, having already completed a BA in Law at the NWU's Potchefstroom Campus. A resident of Minjonet Ladies' Residence, she credits her time there with further developing her leadership journey, which began in primary school and continued throughout high school and into university through active involvement in student leadership and residence life. 

"Being selected is an incredible honour and a reminder that leadership comes with the responsibility to keep growing, learning and serving. It is both humbling and rewarding," she says.

Her leadership journey started in residence and Student Campus Council sub-committees, where she discovered that meaningful leadership often begins with simply putting up your hand to serve. From there, she progressed to serving as house committee member responsible for community stakeholder engagement before being elected primaria of Minjonet Ladies' Residence. These roles challenged her to work with people from different backgrounds, navigate difficult situations and make decisions that placed the interests of others first. Along the way, she came to realise that leadership is built on empathy, accountability and service rather than status or position.

Her commitment to service extends beyond campus. Passionate about advancing the rights, dignity and safety of women and children, Mohau views the law as a powerful tool for promoting justice and creating meaningful social change. This commitment saw her selected as one of only 15 participants in the Women's Legal Centre's Feminist Law Cohort, where she gained valuable insight into access to justice, gender equality and the challenges facing vulnerable communities. She also volunteered at pro bono law firms, experiencing first-hand how legal services can restore dignity and positively change lives.

Mohau describes her leadership style as one rooted in transparency, empathy, accountability and humility. "Leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room or holding the highest position. It is about creating opportunities for others, listening with intention and helping people discover their own potential," she says.

As part of the Abe Bailey Fellowship, she will join an exceptional cohort of student leaders from universities across South Africa on a three-week leadership programme from 25 November to 16 December. The fellowship begins in Cape Town before the group travels to the United Kingdom, where they will engage with leaders from academia, business, government and civil society, gaining valuable insights into ethical leadership, governance and global citizenship. 

Her long-term goal is to practise as an advocate of the High Court of South Africa, using the law to promote ethical governance, uphold constitutional values, and contribute to the country's socio-economic development and hopes the fellowship will shape her into an even more thoughtful and globally minded leader. She credits much of her own growth to lecturers, university leaders, mentors and family members who encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone. Their guidance inspired her to pursue leadership opportunities and taught her that true leadership is measured by service and the positive impact one has on others.

Her advice to fellow students is simple: "Don't wait for the perfect opportunity to lead. Every committee, volunteer project, leadership role and challenge offers an opportunity to grow. By serving others wholeheartedly and being intentional about making a difference, every student has the potential to create lasting change."

Mohau Phala is a recipient of the prestigious Abe Bailey Fellowship. Here she is collecting essential supplies to support individuals and families in need through a community donation drive.