College of Law

Unisa Ekurhuleni celebrates launch of Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter

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Branch leaders, from left: Lerato Mokolane, Gift Nyaku, Sandisile Matiwane, Snowvian Moela, Lunam Mgcwaba, Zizipho Nkumbi, Given Thobejane, Lulama Mkhabela and Success Ranape

The Unisa Ekurhuleni Campus was abuzz with energy on 5 July 2025, when the Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter (BLAsc) officially launched its Ekurhuleni branch. The milestone event, which took place on the Daveyton Campus, aimed to establish the branch and elect its first official executive committee.

The launch was more than just a formality – it marked the beginning of a purposeful journey to connect law students in an open and distance e-learning environment, and empower them to become future leaders in the legal field. The event encouraged students to view the chapter not just as a student society, but as a hub for mentorship, advocacy, professional development and meaningful engagement with the broader legal community.

The theme of the launch was Encouraging students to step into leadership, challenge barriers in the profession, and make their voices count. One of the issues addressed as part of this theme was the isolation many students face at distance learning institutions. The Ekurhuleni branch of BLAsc aims to meet students’ needs for a supportive community where Unisa law students can build networks, develop leadership skills and participate in conversations that matter in the legal profession.

The programme featured messages of support from the branch executive committees of BLAsc branches across the country, including the Vaal, Florida, Gandhi, UJ and Wits branches, which speak of unity across institutions. A keynote address was delivered by BLAsc President, Lunam Mgcwaba, who emphasised the importance of student-led initiatives and inclusive legal spaces.

The convenor, coordinator and fundraiser of the branch task team delivered powerful addresses reflecting on the chapter’s vision and journey to date. This was followed by the election of the branch’s first executive leaders:

  • Chairperson: Given Thobejane
  • Deputy Chairperson: Zizipho Nkumbi
  • Secretary: Lerato Mokolane
  • Deputy Secretary: Sandisile Matiwane
  • Treasurer: Lulama Mkhabela
  • Media & Publicity Officer: Success Ranape
  • Projects & Events Officer: Snowvian Moela
  • Academic & Legal Research Officer: Gift Nyaku

The Unisa Ekurhuleni Campus coordinated the event in partnership with the BLAsc Task Team. Attendance was limited to Unisa law students, highlighting the focused nature of the initiative while fostering a sense of exclusivity and purpose among its participants.

Although this event was the first held at Unisa Ekurhuleni, plans are afoot to host it annually. It is hoped that the event is the beginning of a new tradition that will evolve and grow with the student body. "This launch is not just a formal event," noted the organisers, "it is a celebration of commitment and resilience, and the start of a legacy built by and for law students in the region."

Reflecting on the chapter’s progress, the branch task team shared that since receiving a mandate from the National Executive Committee in February 2025, they had recruited more than 50 members through major drives and continuous outreach. Their efforts already yielded success: four members had recently secured Winter Legal Aid Vacation Work placements, a testament to the chapter’s growing impact.

The BLAsc Ekurhuleni Chapter is set to become a beacon of leadership, legal education and transformation for current and future Unisa law students.

* By Election Hlawulani Mbekwa and Primrose Nontobeko Qumbisa, Communication and Marketing Interns, Gauteng Region.

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Publish date: 2025-07-23 00:00:00.0

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