Snegugu Langazane, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) student at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU), was born and raised in Paddock, Port Shepstone. She began her studies in 2025, driven by a strong desire to understand the law and use it to address injustices she witnessed while growing up in her community. Langazane shared that many disputes in her village are resolved through customary practices that sometimes contradict South Africa’s Constitution. Serious cases, including assault, are often taken to a village head instead of being reported to the police, with compensation paid in the form of livestock. Based on her observation, in many of these situations, women are the ones who suffer the most. Seeing this injustice motivated her to study law so that she could help educate communities about their rights and ensure that justice is pursued through proper legal channels.
“Many women suffer in silence because they do not know their rights, and I want to be their voice in fighting injustice,” she affirmed.
Choosing to study at the University of Zululand was a natural decision for her because it the institution is recognised for its quality legal academic programme and for its support of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“My first year was a positive and eye-opening experience. I learned a great deal about South African law, and the lecturers were supportive, which made it easier for me to adapt to university life,” she recalled.
However, the journey was not without challenges. Coming from a disadvantaged background, she had limited experience using a computer or laptop, and she was not familiar with how the library system worked. At first, this made completing assignments very difficult. Despite this, she was determined not to give up.
“I made full use of the support services offered by the university. I attended orientation programmes, sought assistance from library staff, and learned how to use the electronic library, which I found user-friendly. I also benefited from peer tutoring and received valuable support from the Writing Centre, which helped me improve my academic writing. The campus clinic also played an important role in supporting my overall wellbeing,” she enthused.
As she prepares for the current academic year, Langazane has begun familiarising herself with her modules and setting clear study goals for herself. She aims to attend all her classes, submit assignments on time, and manage her finances better. She is confident and excited about the year ahead, as she continues to deepen her understanding of South African law and the legal profession.
To fellow students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, her message is simple: “Do not give up. If I can do it, so can you. Education has the power to change lives.”
After completing her degree, the future lawyer hopes to become an advocate and establish her own law firm, with a strong focus on empowering black women through legal education and legal representation.
– Ntombezinhle Zwane
Pictures: Xolani Ncube
