Andries Nel, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, stated that the legal profession represents a public service and a calling, extending beyond the scope of a mere career.
Speaking to law students during a career expo, which formed part of the North-West University’s (NWU) Mandela Day programme, he highlighted the significance of purpose and integrity for those embarking on a legal career.
“You may think of this event as a career expo. It is also something more. It is an invitation to consider not only what job you want, but what purpose you will serve. A career is about what you do. A calling is about why you do it. South Africa needs lawyers who understand both,” the Deputy Minister said.
The event, held on July 17th under the theme “The Constitution at 30: Preserving Nelson Mandela’s legacy of equality and justice,” represented a joint effort by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD), the NWU’s Faculty of Law, and various legal stakeholders.
Its primary objective was to introduce students to diverse career paths within South Africa’s justice system, simultaneously paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the late Nelson Mandela, himself a legal professional.
Officials from entities such as the Legal Practice Council, Legal Aid South Africa, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Office of the State Attorney, the Office of the Chief State Law Adviser, the South African Women Lawyers Association, and various private law firms interacted personally with students, discussing internships, candidate attorney programs, and potential career trajectories.
In his address to the students, Deputy Minister Nel urged them to connect with the legal professionals attending the event.
“Today, use the opportunity before you. Speak to the law firms represented here. Ask about candidate attorney programmes. Learn how internships in government work. Explore the Aspirant Prosecutors Programme. Speak to Legal Aid South Africa. Ask public servants what government legal work actually involves. Learn about careers that you may not previously have considered.”
He noted that although academic achievement held significance, a lawyer’s career would ultimately be shaped by their integrity.
“Academic excellence matters, but it is not enough. Above all, it [the practice of law] requires integrity. Your reputation will be one of your greatest professional assets.”
Dr. Joe Molete, the deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation, people, and culture, who also holds the assigned function for the Mahikeng Campus, commented that the collaboration between the university and the DOJ&CD underscored a mutual dedication to nurturing future legal professionals.
“This Career Day is an opportunity to inspire our students to see the legal profession as a calling to serve society, protect the vulnerable, uphold the rule of law and promote access to justice for all South Africans.”
Dr. Molete further noted that the organizations present at the expo showcased the extensive array of opportunities open to law graduates in both government and private sectors. “The calibre of institutions represented here today reflects the many pathways available within the legal profession.”
Students fully utilized the chance to engage with prominent figures from the legal field, while simultaneously honoring Nelson Mandela, who strongly advocated for education as a means of achieving social advancement.
Key attendees included Andries Nel, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development; Dr. Joe Molete, deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation, people, and culture with the assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus; and Prof. Kathleen van der Linde, executive dean of the Faculty of Law.
