Among the cohort of Law graduates at the University of Johannesburg this graduation season is Sphamandla Memela, who graduates cum laude with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). His story, which begins in rural KwaZulu-Natal, stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, discipline and faith.

Born into a polygamous family of 17 children as the youngest sibling, Memela grew up in the mountainous area of Ekhobongwaneni in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

“My early mornings were not alarm clocks and traffic, they were cattle, open fields, and walking to the river to fetch water before school,” he recalled. Each day he travelled nearly nine kilometres to attend Imvunulo Senior Secondary School.

Growing up, university was never part of the plan for him. “The script for my life felt already written, finish matric and go work. University was never a thought that crossed my mind,” he said. That changed during Grade 11, when his English teacher asked the class what they wanted to study at university. When none of the learners had an answer, she encouraged them to research possible options. When uncertainty remained, she took a life-changing step.

“The teacher’s daughter chose LLB for me and applied to the University of Johannesburg on my behalf. That decision changed the entire trajectory of my life,” Memela explains.

When he arrived at UJ in 2022, he was excited but initially lacked focus, an unfortunate occurrence that some students fall into when adjusting to university life. “I played FIFA with friends almost every night and barely studied. Naturally, I started failing. That season forced me to reflect and make a deliberate decision to change my environment and my habits.”

Determined to turn things around, Memela introduced structure into his daily life. He began waking up at 06:00 every morning to train at the UJ gym, a routine that helped him develop discipline and focus. “That routine gave me discipline and structure. More importantly, my faith became my anchor. I spoke to God about everything – my fears, my failures, and even the biggest dreams that felt impossible at the time,” he said.

Alongside his academic journey, Memela remained committed to giving back to others. In his first year, he was awarded Champion 101 for the highest donations to orphanages and community initiatives.

“Giving back grounded me and reminded me that success means little if it does not uplift others,” he says.

With renewed focus and determination, his academic performance began to reflect his hard work. In his second year, he received several academic awards, including Best Student in Law of Succession, Best Student in Indigenous Law, Best Student in Criminal Law, and Overall Best Second-Year LLB Student at UJ.

In 2024, during his third year, he further strengthened his involvement within the Faculty by serving as a Law Library Tutor. Around the same time, he developed a passion for running, which became a space for reflection and motivation.

“Many of my biggest reflections and visions happened during those runs. Pushing through physical discomfort reminded me that growth often sits just beyond pain,” he said.

During that period, he set an ambitious academic goal. “I felt a conviction that I would not just graduate cum laude, but magna cum laude.”

In 2025, his final year, that vision translated into academic excellence when he completed his LLB cum laude. To celebrate the achievement, he returned to one of the routines that helped shape his discipline.

“I went for a celebratory jog. For me, it was never just about achievement, but about ensuring that people in my village know that it is possible.”

Today, in 2026, Memela is now a Candidate Attorney at Clyde & Co, where he is developing practical experience in the legal profession.

Reflecting on his journey, he shares a message that continues to guide him saying, “If there is one thing my journey has taught me, it is that when God plants a seed in your mind, your responsibility is to tend the garden, and He will water it until it blooms.”

The Faculty of Law congratulates Mr Sphamandla Memela on this remarkable achievement and wishes him continued success as he advances his legal career.