By Gofaone Motsamai
South Africa’s beloved Madiba was a member of the law fraternity, so it was fitting that in honour of Mandela Day, law students and lecturers from North-West University (NWU) engaged with Grade 12 learners on the role of law in society.
On 28 July 2025, the Faculty of Law at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus offered learners from Living Faith Independent Combined School insights on the impact of law of people’s lives and what to expect when transitioning from high school to university.
Law is about people
Masego Diale, a Student Campus Council legal officer and final-year LLB student, told learners that law is not just about arguing in court. “Law is about people. Law is about making an impact, because every day you work with people's lives. You work with people’s stories.”
She explained how the law is connected to daily experiences. “If you want to get married, we use the law. If you want to buy a house, you use the law. Even when you give birth, the birth certificate, that’s the law.”
Masego also encouraged learners to consider the NWU for their law studies. “At the NWU, we take the best of the best, so make sure that you work really, really hard.”
She reminded learners that support structures exist at the university. “You have therapists absolutely for free, you also have tutors, people who help you through your studies.” Emphasising that preparation and discipline are key, she said: “You are more than just the statistics and the numbers. You are a person with emotions and feelings and the NWU is just that university.”
Asking questions is key
Prof Precious Sihlangu from the Faculty of Law focused her talk on university readiness. “High school asks, ‘What is your name?’ Varsity asks, ‘Tell us about yourself’. Same question, different levels of insight,” she said. “Varsity wants to check whether you understand, not just recall.”
She encouraged learners to ask questions and make use of consultation sessions. “If you don’t understand the question, what must you do? Ask for clarity.”
Prof Sihlangu also addressed the personal challenges learners may face when they enter university. “When you wake up in the morning, you are the only person that you have to say good morning to. Most students get very lonely. When you get lonely, where do you go to?” She urged them to stay in touch with their families and use campus counselling and support services.
On the nature of the legal profession, she said: “This is a noble profession. You never see a presiding officer or a magistrate drinking in clubs. If you choose this degree, make sure you are choosing the right thing.”
Learners were encouraged to reflect on their subject choices, the university application process and their future. “Prepare by looking at what you want to do. Check the prospectus. It will tell you the admission points scores and subjects needed,” Prof Sihlangu said.
The outreach concluded with learners having a greater appreciation of the law and for the opportunities offered by the NWU.
Prof Precious Sihlangu from the Faculty of Law engages with Grade 12 learners on preparing for university.
Final-year LLB student and Student Campus Council legal officer Masego Diale shares insights on the practical impact of law.
Learners from Living Faith Independent Combined School, teachers and NWU law students and lecturers gather for a group photo after a day of inspiring legal discussions and university readiness talks.
