The LegalWise Member Bursary Programme has been assisting students to obtain a tertiary qualification since 2006. While receiving a bursary has obvious financial benefits, over the years we have come to realise that students require much more than finances in order to successfully complete their studies. As such, the Bursary Programme has evolved to include a mentorship aspect which provides our Bursary Holders with ongoing academic guidance and psychosocial support to provide them with skills which will enable them to succeed in their chosen field.

“We are constantly looking for innovative ways to support our Bursary Holders to ensure their academic success. The peer-to-peer mentoring system which pairs new Bursary Holders with alumni of the Programme, aims to capitalise on the effectiveness of peer-to-peer learning and encourage cross-campus collaboration”, says Lesley Haynes, Manager: Employee and Community Engagement.

Graduates of the programme are afforded the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through the service level work placement which commences upon completion of their degree. The skills learned during this on-the-job training include attitude, flexibility, motivation, and business etiquette and provide our Bursary Holders with a solid foundation for future success.

As future Brand Ambassadors, our Bursary Holders become part of the family and part of our future. “I was fortunate that LegalWise did not just look at me like a Bursary Holder, they looked at me as a part of their future. The Bursary Programme goes far beyond a Corporate Social Investment initiative; it echoes the concept of Ubuntu. The Programme helps to shape the South African youth and the societies that they live in,” says Maloshnie Pillay, an Alumni of the Programme who is currently employed in the LegalWise Legal Call Centre.

LegalWise welcomed three of our 2021 graduating Bursary Holders into the family as employees at the start of 2022 and are sure they will gain a solid foundation to build their careers on.

As the academic year commences on campuses across the country, aside from welcoming back our returning Bursary Holders who will continue with their studies, LegalWise is proud to introduce four new Bursary Holders who will be joining the programme in 2022.

We are confident that the benefit gained from the dedicated mentorship element will further enable our Bursary Holders to give of their best to their studies and work towards attaining their dreams.

How can we assist? Visit the LegalWise website for more details.

Pretty Mokotjo continues with the Programme and will be completing her BCom (Law) degree at the University of the Free State. She looks forward to joining the LegalWise family in 2023. “The experience and knowledge to be gained during my vacation work, and the job placement after completing my degree will give me the opportunity to see the different aspects of my degree in action.”

Khanyokuhle Nyosi is a veteran of the Bursary Programme having joined in 2019. He is completing his final year of study towards an LLB degree at the University of the Free State. “Receiving the bursary from LegalWise has impacted my life immensely; it has given me the chance to communicate with other Bursary Holders, provided me with mentorship and motivated me to work even harder in realising my dreams of becoming an admitted attorney.”

Kamogelo Gaborone, another returning Bursary Holder, will be completing her third year towards an LLB degree at the University of the Free State. “While the greatest benefit is of course, the financial assistance which enables us to continue our studies, the mentorship is highly beneficial because that will assist us in navigating our way in the legal profession and the employment opportunity is just as beneficial especially given the unemployment crisis in South Africa.”

Neashen Rabie joins the Programme in 2022 in his fourth year of study at North West University towards an LLB degree. “The bursary will have a big impact on my life as it will provide a sense of financial relief for my parents, and myself, thus making it a bit easier to focus solely on academics. I am truly excited about the bursary programme as it provides an opportunity to network with fellow bursary recipients and other individuals in the field of law.”

Nonofo Gabotlhaelwe joins the Programme as a second-year student at North West University studying towards an LLB degree. “Besides financial challenges, the urge to acquire experience prior to practice which LegalWise offers, enticed me to apply for the Bursary. The vision of the Company resonates with me and being in a space which aligns with my goals is personally fulfilling and would enable me to put my nose to the grindstone in pursuit of actualizing the common vision of access to justice.”

Asanda Tsidiso Mthimkhulu, another newcomer to the Programme, from the University of Johannesburg, is in second year studying towards a BCom in Accounting. “My dream is to become an accountant as well as start my own enterprises in the future. Receiving the LegalWise Bursary will assist me in obtaining my degree, which will make it possible for me to make the world my oyster.”

Mukovhe Rosemary Ravhuhali is in her third year of study towards obtaining an LLB degree from Rhodes University. “Receiving this bursary gives me the opportunity to be actively involved in giving people access to their basic rights according to the law. I am confident that the experience and work ethics I will be exposed to at LegalWise will positively shape my legal career.”