Lebo Rapuleng is proud to be graduating with the NQF Level 7 Governance Practitioner qualification through the South African Law School, accredited by the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa.

Through this programme, Lebo gained valuable knowledge and practical skills in legal, ethical and regulatory compliance, while developing a strong understanding of corporate governance, risk management and strategic leadership.

The programme was both practical and demanding, covering important areas such as corporate governance, advanced business law, financial accounting and management principles. For Lebo, it provided more than technical knowledge. It gave her a structured way of thinking about governance, ethics, integrity, responsibility, accountability and risk in the workplace.

Lebo chose the CGISA pathway because she believes governance plays a critical role in helping organisations operate ethically, legally and sustainably while working towards their objectives. What she values most about this qualification is how it bridges law, finance and business in a holistic and practical way.

For students coming from a paralegal or legal background, Lebo believes this qualification is a natural next step. It is also valuable for legal practitioners and professionals who want to strengthen their governance knowledge and move into strategic organisational roles.

Her next goal is to become a Company Secretary, a role that involves far more than compliance and administration. It includes advising the board, promoting ethical governance, managing risk and serving as the link between directors, shareholders and regulators.

This qualification can open doors to many career paths, including governance professional, company secretary, compliance officer and broader executive roles where governance and strategy meet.

Lebo sees this achievement as the first step towards continuing her journey to become a Chartered Secretary at NQF Level 8.

She extends her thanks to the South African Law School, her lecturers, fellow students, CGISA and everyone who supported her throughout her journey.

“I encourage anyone considering this path to pursue it, as it is both valuable and rewarding.”
— Lebo Rapuleng

Inspired by Lebo’s story?
Study at the South African Law School and start building your own future in law, governance and compliance.

My name is Roben De Wet, and I am a 35-year-old woman. In 2020, I took a leap of faith and applied to the South African Law School, not knowing what the journey would hold. It required major sacrifices—I had to leave my job and use my provident fund to pay for my studies. With no other source of income, I became a full-time paralegal student, relying heavily on the support of my husband and my uncle, who stood by me every step of the way.

Throughout my studies, I battled many negative thoughts. I often wondered whether this certificate would benefit my career or even help me secure a job in the future. But despite the doubts, I completed the course on time. I was fortunate to have an incredible lecturer who constantly motivated us, along with a supportive and dedicated team at the law school. They truly were a blessing.

As part of our training, we were required to complete practical work. This gave me the opportunity to be exposed to several law firms. I was incredibly nervous at first, especially because English is not my first language. Although I could understand and read it well, my pronunciation often held me back. Nevertheless, I embraced the challenge and ended up doing voluntary work at four different law firms. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and fell in love with the legal environment.

After completing my paralegal certificate, I continued volunteering at one of the law firms. It was during this time that I realized I wanted to further my studies and pursue an LLB degree. Unfortunately, my matric results did not meet the requirements to enter university. However, I discovered the University of the Western Cape (UWC) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, which allows adult learners without traditional qualifications to apply for a degree.

I had applied for the RPL program several times before and was never accepted—until I completed the paralegal certificate. With that qualification and strong reference letters from the law school and the law firms I worked with, I was finally accepted into the extended LLB program.

Today, I am proud to say that I am in my third year of the extended LLB program. I am living proof that with perseverance, the right support, and opportunities like those offered by the South African Law School, dreams can become reality. I am deeply grateful for the journey that brought me here.

I won the Provincial Award for Western Cape and Northern Cape Paralegal of 2020 in November. I went through to the National Awards and won that Award as well. God is good, and it all started with pursuing my studies at the South African Law School. Thank you SA Law School.

The Institution has a comfortable atmosphere and the environment is pleasant. All the staff are very friendly and helpful and because I have done the Paralegal course I am now employed at the Department of Education.

From the beginning of the first class I attended to the last class, my enthusiasm, dedication and team building with class mates never dwindled – it just got stronger after each class attendance, and all praise must be given to our lecturer Shamiel Jassiem.

His extraordinary teaching abilities astounded me, his patience handling a class full of personalities (which never ever clashed throughout the year – only stronger bonds between classmates were made), to walk out of the class understanding the lecture fully really took all the exam pressure off most shoulders.

My knowledge of the law has been noted by all and the confidence in all consultations with clients have trebled. I applaud Shamiel for all his hard work and dedication he puts into his classes and will recommend anyone to attend SA Law School courses.

We have broadened our scope of business including legal advice, divorce been the primary assistance and have assisted two clients with there divorce proceedings held at the Southern Divorce court, preparing the summons, particulars of claim, serving of the summons, deed of settlements, non defence notices and Setdowns, and both cases were granted on the 26th of January, the gratification of assisting the clients with professional documentation and legal advice has been overwhelming.

Thank you all at SA Law School, the staff are great and the welcome big.

Faieda studied the Administration of Deceased Estates & the Paralegal course at South African Law School.

In January 2024 she opened her deceased estates company and her ADE certificate certainly came in handy.

South African Law School has given her the confidence to push herself further than she knows she can and BELIEVE in herself. Everything is possible with hard work !

SHE IS CURRENTLY A FULL-TIME LLB LAW STUDENT!

She aims to complete her law degree and then pursue the conveyancing course that will complement her current business.

Faieda currently does free wills with no conditions to everyone and will continue giving back to her communities.

“What you stand for, your choice of lecturers, your motivation- has played a huge role in where I am now and where I am going. From the bottom of my heart and the abyss of my soul - THANK YOU!!!!!!” – Faieda Jacobs

In 2023 I fell very ill. It got to a point where I could no longer work or study.  I had given up hope. I thought that I would never get better and that I had no future left. I was at an all-time low. Until November that year, I decided to see a different doctor for a second opinion.  This doctor prescribed a different medication. I started recovering within a matter of days. But that’s not the point of this story. The doctor asked me what my plans were for the future. I couldn’t give him a proper answer because it was not something I gave much thought to because of my circumstances at the time. All I knew was that I would like to go into the legal field. So the doctor mentioned a school his son attended. He told me that it was a really great school and that I should do some more research and consider applying. The school he was talking about was the South African Law School. I decided to take the doctor’s advice. I did some research and eventually I decided to apply. However I was very uncertain about my decision. I was worried that I would not be able to manage and that I would fail and end up wasting my mom’s money. I remember on orientation day I went to Ms Davis to ask her about the dress code. She gave me a basic idea of what was appropriate and what was not and at the end she said, ‘you seem like a smart girl, I’m sure you will be able to figure it out.’ I just laughed when Ms Davis said that. But in my head I was thinking, ‘Me? Smart? I’m not too sure about that.’ At the time, I had a severe lack of confidence in myself.

What I did not know at the time was the major impact the school would have on me. Fast forward a few weeks down the line, we received our marks for the first test we wrote and I did not fail. And as a result I gained a little bit of my confidence back. I realised that maybe this was not so bad. Maybe I could actually succeed. With each test we wrote, my confidence increased more and more. Then the time came for us to job shadow. And that was when everything had changed for me. I job shadowed at two law firms. The head of administration at the second law firm was a former SA Law School student. When she saw that I was studying at the law school she highly recommended that the CEO of the firm gave me the opportunity to job shadow at the firm. She only had really good things to say about the school. And to this day she still remembers everything she was taught and applies it to her work and she was a part of the first group of graduates from the school. At the end, I was left with two opportunities. One offered me a permanent job and the other offered me a bursary to further my studies. These were two opportunities that in 2023, I never thought I would have. I decided to accept the bursary offer and now I am a first year LLB student at the University of the Western Cape.

The Law School did not only give me a certificate saying that I am a qualified paralegal. This school gave me so much more. The school was a part of my healing journey. I gained my confidence back. I was given hope when I thought there was no hope left for me. And I now have a future that is brighter than I could have imagined. None of this would have been possible if it was not for the South African Law School.  So today, I want to say thank you. Thank you Mr Bridges for being such an amazing lecturer. You managed to keep my attention throughout every single class which very few lecturers are able to do. You cared for every single one of us and did everything you could to make sure we pass. I think that other lecturers from universities could learn a thing or two from you. Thank you Shahnaaz, for always being there to help me whenever I was facing any troubles. Thank you for always checking up on me and making sure that I am okay. I am certain that every single graduate sitting here today can share a story of a time that you have helped them. You always go above and beyond to assist us in any way you can. And for that I will be eternally grateful. Thank you, Miss Davis for seeing something in me that I did not see in myself. You may not have realised it but your words had a big impact on me. To every other member of the Law School, thank you for always greeting with a warm smile. It may not seem like much but sometimes having someone smile at you can make your day so much better.

Today I can proudly say that I do not regret my decision to apply at the South African Law School at all. This school paved the way for a better future for me. I can now understand why no one has anything bad to say about this school. It truly is an incredible school. To the graduates of 2024, well done! We did it! I wish you all nothing but the best for the future.

Thank you!

Our lecturer Shamiel was knowledgeable and kept us interested throughout each and every class. He was patient and understanding in instances where a student had some difficulty in immediately understanding a concept. The course material and manuals were well prepared and easy to understand which made studying for tests and exams relatively stress free.

I have no doubt that my attendance and completion of the course has and will continue to help me in my career. Thank you to the staff and Shamiel for a job well done.

After completing my modules and my 85 SALSA hours (in which I had my own cases and clients – so much fun, but still hard work!) we had our end of year presentation in which I discussed (in oral form) one of my cases in detail, to determine if I qualified to graduate.

Graduation was an amazing experience, all my fellow students and I being recognised for our achievements.

With the help of ALAS Recruitment (a part of SA Law School) I was placed at a wonderful law firm in CBD Cape Town. I’ve been at this firm just over a year and a half now and its great! I’m meeting so many new people, and learning so many things. SA Law School gave me a wonderful grounding and the motivation to take my career and my studies further. I am currently a part time UNISA law student planning on finishing my LLB Degree in a few years and practicing as a successful attorney. And as they say, the rest is history…

You have shown me ways to accomplish something in my life – I thought at the beginning I would never survive. I thank my lecturer for the great lectures and the time invested to make us achieve good results.

Thandi studied Paralegal Practice at South African Law School in 2019. After graduation, COVID hit. She was a new mom, facing depression and no job prospects.

SHE DIDN’T GIVE UP!

She went to Pretoria High Court every day, listening, learning, and waiting for a break.

That break came when Advocate Mmusi noticed her drive and offered her a position. From 2021 to 2023, she worked on real matters, discovered RAF law, and kept growing.

Today, she’s the Head Paralegal & Lodgement Specialist at PAS Attorneys.

“When one door closes...build your own door”

Thandi now gives talks to aspiring paralegals, sharing what South African Law School taught her:

✅ Dedication

✅ Confidence

✅ Real-world legal skills

She’s proof that hard work + the right education = legal career success!

Since my graduation from the Deceased Estates course, which I did as a retirement hobby,  I’m proud to say that I have been successful in my efforts and now, independently administer deceased estates in a personal capacity as well as assisting 2 attorneys with their files and basically go with all the files of the one attorney.

My ‘hobby’ in my retirement is now almost full-time and I work from home, not only now, but always and see my associate on a weekly basis or whenever necessary. It works for me – and him - and I do not class this as work, because I so enjoy what I do.

Should you know of anyone who needs any assistance, it would be great if you could recommend them as I/we have developed a reputation for getting things done quickly and efficiently and have therefore received many referrals due to this.

I must say that I am so proud to have completed the course South African Law Schools Paralegal course top of my class!

With the combination of a fantastic lecturer, George Pillay who made our lectures interesting, fun and easy to understand and informative, easy to read course notes I accomplished my goals!

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at The South African Law School and would recommend the school for anyone looking to study law!

I am currently employed at a law firm, and studying at the SA Law School has equipped me with the knowledge and experience I needed to adapt to my work environment.

The staff were friendly and approachable, and the school possessed a splendid learning atmosphere, as well as teaching facilities. I would certainly recommend the South African Law School to other students, as its environment and teaching methods, together with the practical training programme it offers, allows students to uncover their true potential.