College of Law
A double achievement of note
Jessica Soko and her son
At Unisa, staff members often notice graduates walking through the corridors on their way to collect their certificates, each of them carrying a personal journey behind the achievement. One of them is Jessica Soko, a 27-year-old mother who gave birth to her son while completing her final examinations for a Higher Certificate in Law. Her decision to continue her studies despite these circumstances shows her determination and drive to secure a better future for both her and her son.
Jessica completed matric in 2016 at Phumula Guidance School, followed by a gap year. During this time, she applied for a degree in law at the University of South Africa (Unisa), but her application was not approved. She subsequently decided to complete the Higher Certificate in Law, which provided her with the opportunity and a pathway to enrol for an LLB. She is supported in her studies by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and aims to become an advocate specialising in Criminal and Family Law.
Jessica was raised by her grandmother. Her mother passed away in 2007 when she was just nine years old. Her mother was a great role model, inspiring and encouraging her to study and obtain a qualification, as she believed that her daughter could inherit the benefits of education before she passed on. "I want you to be something in life," she said. Jessica mentions that now, having received her certificate, she plans to visit her mother’s grave to show her that she has earned her qualification. Jessica also has a dream to build her grandmother a house as soon as she starts working.
Even though Jessica’s mother has passed away, Jessica did not take her mother’s words for granted. She continues to honour her mother’s wish and lives by her words every day.
She indicates that she planned her studies by using the time her baby was asleep to study. The Unisa model of studying online suited her perfectly because she did not have to attend classes. No one in her family has pursued further education after school; she is the first. She did work in merchandising for a while, but knew that this was not going to be her future.
"Keep calm, focus, know what you want in life, and the future is in your hands," Jessica advises.
* Article and photograph by Lethabo Nkogatse, Intern, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations
Publish date: 2025-10-13 00:00:00.0
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