FOR Kyle Lupke, law has become his passion, but so has addressing the imbalances of the past; to be more specific, providing legal assistance to the poor and teaching them about their rights. The Park Hill resident was the only North Durban finalist in this year’s ProBono Awards held at Constitutional Hill recently. He was nominated in the Outstanding Law Student at a University Law Clinic category.
The former Northwood School pupil and UKZN graduate showed his commitment to his passion by offering legal assistance and volunteering his services to participate in the law clinic’s rights awareness workshops held in Chesterville and Addington.
“Being part of the law clinic really opened my eyes to how many people from disadvantaged communities were helpless when it came to their rights within the legal framework. It also fuelled my passion for law and inspired me to give back to the community. I think you understand the historical injustice of the past and the disparities that still exist today by working with communities like Chesterville and Addington. Our constitution is just a smoke screen, very few people know about their rights. It was quite an enriching experience,” he said.
Lupke said he was humbled by the nomination at the awards.
“I was quite astounded, I wasn’t expecting to be shortlisted and I was a little nervous when they were announcing the winners. Even though I didn’t win, I was reminded what I achieved just by being nominated at such a prestigious stage,” he said.
