A Pledge Ceremony Inspiring the Next Generation of Legal Professionals at UNIZULU

The Department of Law within the Faculty of Commerce, Administration, and Law (FCAL) recently held its 2025 First-year Law Students Pledge Ceremony at the KwaDlangezwa Campus. This ceremony aimed to instill a deep sense of ethical responsibility, professionalism, and commitment to justice in students as they embark on their legal education.

The programme was directed by Michael Buthelezi, a lecturer in the Law Department. While elaborating on the purpose of the day, Buthelezi emphasised that the pledge was not merely a tradition but a solemn commitment to the principles of justice, ethics, and integrity that define the legal profession. He shared that by taking the pledge, students affirm their dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and respect for the law.

 “As you embark on this transformative journey, always remember that law is not just about courtroom, it is about service, justice and pursuit of truth. Let this pledge serve as a guiding light in your study and future legal careers. Absorb wisdom shared and embrace the values that will shape you in future as future leaders of justice,” Buthelezi stated.

This was followed by welcoming remarks from the chairperson of the Law Students Committee, Sabatha Dayile. He expressed his gratitude to all the students who attended the pledge ceremony in large numbers and encouraged them to listen attentively to all the speakers who would be sharing valuable lessons. He stressed that the insights offered would help them become better individuals in society, contributing to a South Africa and world that can be a better place for all.

The event was graced by the presence of Professor Lorraine Greyling, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law; Prof Tholaine Matadi, Head of the Law Department; Advocate T. Mkhwanazi, the guest speaker; and Fikisiwe Gina, a UNIZULU alumna of Law.

Advocate Mkhwanazi first commended first-years on making a wise choice by studying at UNIZULU. She mentioned that if given the chance to redo her LLB, she would choose to do it at UNIZULU, as the institution produces the best lawyers. She emphasised that pledging to serve the community and the country requires certain qualities, namely discipline in all aspects, integrity, a commitment to outstanding practice, and strong communication skills. She cautioned students to avoid acquiring criminal records while at the university, as it could affect their academic journey. She concluded by welcoming them to the noble profession.

The Deputy Secretary of the Law Students Committee, Lwazi Msomi, shared his testimony about the pledge as encouragement for the attendees.

“Winners are always winners, even when they lose. As you embark on this journey, remember that success in law school is not about competing with others but about continuously improving yourself, seeking knowledge, asking questions, and never being afraid to challenge ideas. So, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to a profession that requires nothing but the best of you,” expressed Msomi.

Prof Greyling mentioned that the 200 selected first-year students should consider themselves privileged to join the University, as they received 7,000 applications for the Law programme. She encouraged them to excel in their studies and complete their degrees in record time.

Moreover, Prof Matadi shared a statement with the students:
“Our lives are inextricably linked to those of others, so we bear a responsibility to conduct ourselves with integrity and diligently pursue excellence. Our choices and actions resonate far beyond our individual aspirations. Failure to uphold these responsibilities not only compromises our personal progress but also has far-reaching implications for those who depend on us and the legal profession at large.”

Towards the end of the ceremony, Adv Mthokozisi Khuzwayo shared words of appreciation, quoting US president: “Believe you can, and you are halfway there.” He used this as a supporting phrase, emphasising that students are already halfway to success. However, he stressed that academic excellence on its own is not enough; they also need to participate in other organisations to gain valuable experience.

– Pamela Mlaba

Pictures: Xolani Ncube