More than 250 first-year Law students committed to serve the legal profession with integrity as students and future practioners during a recent pledge ceremony.

During the ceremony they were formally inducted into the Law School, taking an oath to conduct themselves with decorum, to respect fellow students and staff and to act with integrity.

Keynote speaker, Consumer Law specialist Professor Tanya Woker, encouraged students to make their mark and work hard in order to become ‘change-making professionals’ and to uphold the values set out in the Constitution.

‘You have started on a wonderful journey and you are walking in the steps of some remarkable Law professionals who preceded you in this School and are continuing to make a contribution to the justice system in South Africa, such as UKZN’s Chancellor and the Chief Justice of South Africa Mogoeng Mogoeng, Deputy Chief Justice Ray Zondo and President of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa, Mandisa Maya,’ said Woker.

‘Always remember that you are entering a service profession and that ultimately it is through your service that you can make a difference and make your mark in society. Choose today the kind of lawyer you want to be and then live up to that choice through your words and your conduct.’

The oath taking was presided over by the Dean and Head of the School of Law, Professor Managay Reddi, with students signing the pledge to place on record their commitment to the profession after which they each received a copy of the South African Constitution.

Students, Ms Micayla Desvaux de Marigny and Ms Thabisile Ngubane described the ceremony as inspiring and motivating.

‘The ceremony was a rite of passage. It is a pathway to the rest of my life in a profession I am passionate about,’ said de Marigny.

‘I am officially a Law student,’ said Ngubane. ‘This day marks the beginning of a journey I am excited about and I am looking forward to the knowledge I will gain through this qualification.’

Words and Photograph: Lungile Ngubelanga