College of Law

Unisa alumnus recognised for excellence in developing jurisprudence

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The Junior Chamber International South Africa (JCISA) recently recognised Celinhlanhla Magubane as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) of South Africa. For this, he was invited to the JCISA TOYP Honourees Awards Ceremony. The prestigious awards ceremony was held in August 2024. He was honoured for his remarkable contribution to the development of jurisprudence.

Celinhlanhla%20Magubane

Celinhlanhla Magubane

Magubane says he believes that this recognition validates his efforts in contributing to the development of jurisprudence through writing academic papers and forming non-profit organisations that uplift communities and partnerships, and foster a bright future for the next generation of young people from rural areas.

He completed his LLB degree in 2020 through Unisa. He was inspired by his late mother and mentor to consider a career in law. "I did not choose to register law, it chose me. Hence the study and practice of law is not just a career to me, it is a calling," says Celinhlanhla.

Magubane‘s journey with Unisa was "neither smooth nor easy". However, Unisa kept him going, knowing he was at the right place at the right time. He said that additionally, Unisa was his refuge, a place of solace where his leadership skills were nurtured.

He used the opportunities provided by the university and participated in various programmes, including the Moot Court and Indaba student debate, and joined law-related student organisations such as the Black Lawyers Association, where he served as academic researcher. In his fourth academic year, Magubane authored an article that was published by the African Law Review Journal and reviewed by a judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Celinhlanhla encourages students to never give up. "Whenever you feel like giving up, just focus on this that sets your soul on fire and continue to build from that," he says. This also takes him back to when he was facing obstacles in his life to a point where he thought there were awards for failure. However, he knew that failure was not an option.

Through failure and nearly giving up, he also learnt that he needs to channel whatever he is going through into possible energy. Celinhlanhla Magubane was born and raised at Nkala in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – a quiet, small town that shaped his years of basic schooling. He says his future plans include enrolling for a PhD in Law or doing pupillage.

* By Lethabo Nkogatse, Intern, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations

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Publish date: 2024-09-06 00:00:00.0

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