From Battlemound, a small village in Kuruman, to one of the country’s leading law faculties, Lebelelang Kutlo Molaaphene’s journey is a powerful story of purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to justice. This season, he proudly graduates with an LLB from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Faculty of Law.

His path to law began long before university. “My journey to studying law began in intermediate school when I was given an assignment about career paths and who I want to be when I grow up. It was in that moment where I decided that law is my destiny,” he reflects.

Rooted in the lived realities of his community, his motivation was clear from the outset.
“The many prevalent injustices in my community inspired me to study law. I told myself that I am going to use law as a tool to make a difference, to eradicate violent crimes and corruption and to be the voice for the voiceless.”

Graduating from UJ Law, ranked among the top law faculties globally and second in South Africa, marks a moment of both pride and reflection. “Graduating from the second-best law faculty in the nation feels amazing. It is an achievement that I take pride in as it was not easy.”

“This achievement means the world to me and my family as it is a dream come true. My family have always supported me throughout my journey, and this achievement signifies the start of many good things to come.”

His time at UJ Law was defined by both academic growth and practical experience. Moot court assignments sharpened his legal thinking, while his final-year experience at the Law Clinic brought the law to life. “At the law clinic I got a glimpse of what it is like being a lawyer and I was afforded an opportunity to apply my legal knowledge to real-life situations.”

Like many students, his journey was not without its challenges. From grappling with difficult concepts to moments of self-doubt, he persevered through faith and support.
“I faced challenges of different magnitudes during my undergraduate studies, such as failing to understand some concepts and constantly wanting to give up,” he shares.

During a particularly difficult period in 2024, following the loss of his stepfather, he found critical support through UJ’s PsyCad services. He explains that PsyCad advised him to engage with his lecturers and take the necessary space to navigate his circumstances, including adjusting his winter examinations. This support became an important part of his ability to continue and complete his studies.

Beyond the lecture halls, UJ played a transformative role in shaping his outlook.
“Academically, UJ has shaped me in a way that has made me realise that I can always learn something from someone. On a personal level, I have learned that I need to put myself out there… I understand the importance of being professional and working well with others.”

His commitment to making a difference extended beyond his studies. In his second year, Molaaphene co-founded a non-profit organisation, Clasatus, where he served as secretary.
“I consider myself an activist and I always want to help where I can,” he says.

Through Clasatus, the team supported matriculants with university applications and led initiatives such as sanitary pad drives for underprivileged learners. In 2024, they also partnered with Prof Boniface on a similar outreach project, further amplifying their impact.

The organisation also reached out to vulnerable communities, including a visit to Children of Fire, a home for survivors of burn injuries. While the intention was to build an ongoing relationship through regular visits, activities, and reading sessions, academic demands limited their involvement to a single visit. Clasatus is currently inactive as its members focused on their academic responsibilities.

Now, he continues to build on this foundation, pursuing a Master’s degree in Commercial Law, with aspirations of reaching the highest levels of legal scholarship and practice.

Reflecting on his journey, he offers a message of encouragement to current and future law students:
“You do not need to carry the weight alone, consult with academic personnel. Always show up. I was taught by our Dean, Prof Maimela, that consistent people are successful people. And most importantly, brag about studying law at UJ, it is one of the best faculties in the country.”

Molaaphene’s story is a reminder that where you begin does not define where you can go, but purpose, consistency, and resilience certainly will.