The NWU Faculty of Law hosted the final year law student dine with the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, gracing the occasion as the guest speaker on Thursday, 12 October at Christa Galli.
Lamola was one of the special VIP’s who attended this prestigious event alongside, Brigadier Steven Moodley: Station Commander SAPS Potchefstroom and Tshadi Leshomo, Senior Magistrate of the Potchefstroom Magistrates Court.
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
In his keynote address to the students in attendance, Lamola emphasised the importance of two attributes that go hand in hand with becoming a successful law practitioner.
“You must be a life-long learner as well as a person of integrity. You all have a role to play in ensuring that the law does not have eyes. It must be applied consistently without prejudice at the same speed across all demographics,” he added.
Lamola also touched on the importance of creating a space for all cultures in the sphere of transformation.
“Transformation must be representative of all demographics in the country. There can’t be exclusion based on race. There is a space for all in South Africa to work together and the demographics must reflect that. We can only build SA if we embrace each other,” he explained.
Lamola ended off his speech with the emphasis on law gaining victory over physical violence.
“A change in power is through democracy and the barrel of a ballpoint pen and not the barrel of a gun. We must continue to educate society on this fact.”
Law Student Academic Chapter Chairperson, Elton John, also encouraged his fellow students with an articulate and passionate speech on the importance of law in creating positive change.
Mr Kagiso Masilo, Director Undergraduate Studies – Faculty of Law, also presented the farewell address to students who are on their way to becoming the next generation of successful lawyers in South Africa.
