KwaZulu-Natal High Court Judge Mokgere Masipa’s mother, Dr Mochaki Masipa graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) part-time.
The esteemed academic who holds a PhD in Social Science Research and is the Dean of Students at the University of Limpopo worked as an Office Manager at Masipa Incorporated Attorneys for four years under the leadership of Judge Masipa which whetted her appetite for Law.
‘During that time, she encouraged me to pursue a Law degree and suggested I serve articles with the firm. Although I initially declined, when the firm was sold and she was elevated to the KwaZulu-Natal Bench, I recognised the importance of legal knowledge and decided to enrol for the LLB degree part-time with UKZN, a decision she supported, paying for my registration. While her career did not directly drive my decision, Judge Masipa’s influence and my exposure to the legal field played a significant role in my journey,’ said Masipa.
With her background in health science, education and social science research, Masipa found a Law degree both challenging and rewarding. Amongst other challenges, she cited relocating, learning legal writing skills, and managing the demands of part-time study while holding a full-time role.
‘Relocating from KwaZulu-Natal to Limpopo compelled me to interrupt my studies. This was rescued by the introduction of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although most lecturers understood the problems encountered by part-time students, some felt challenged by questions and concerns raised by students. Despite these challenges, the legal knowledge I gained is directly applicable to my current role and has enhanced my professional growth,’ she said.
On the academic front, Masipa plans to further integrate her legal knowledge into her current role by publishing legal articles.
‘I also aim to write articles or even serve articles of clerkship and eventually be admitted as an attorney. This may open new professional opportunities that require legal practitioner status.’
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini