“There is a time to learn and a time to step forward with confidence” – Dr Tebello Matsela
Dr Tebello is a qualified advocate in the High Courts of Lesotho. Her legal journey commenced in early 2015, serving as a junior advocate focused on cases involving divorces and land matters. During this period, she gained extensive experience in drafting legal documents, handling litigation, and facilitating legal resolutions. Subsequently, she transitioned to the role of a legal advisor in the Health and Safety department of an engineering company. In 2017, she ventured into legal academia, pursuing an LLM in Environmental Law with a specialisation in Mining Law from North-West University, South Africa. This advanced degree equipped her with profound insights into mining sector regulations and laws, honing her skills in legal research and dispute resolution.
Driven by her passion for legal research and problem-solving, she recently bagged a doctoral degree from University of Pretoria, South Africa – a programme which she completed within a period of two years. Her research focused on African Customary Law and its implication on the Rights of Women in South Africa and Lesotho, with special expertise in succession and inheritance rights, customary marriage rights, women’s rights and traditional leadership rights. This endeavour has significantly broadened her expertise in legal research and refined her writing skills as a legal professional. She currently holds the position of post-doctoral fellowship at the North-West University, South Africa. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr Tebello leads a well-rounded life, enjoying activities such as running, cooking, knitting, travelling, and taking time to chase beautiful sunsets.
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the Legal Profession.
At the age of 15, Dr Tebello experienced the loss of her mother. In the aftermath, her mother’s estate was taken over by relatives who believed they were entitled to it. Amid the family disputes that followed, she became aware of the role of the Master of the High Court in protecting the estates of orphans. What remained of her mother’s estate was subsequently placed under the administration of the Master, ensuring that her younger sister and her were provided for and able to continue their education.
It was through this period of adversity that Dr Tebello developed a deep passion for advocating for the rights of vulnerable and marginalised people. She was profoundly shaped by the intervention of the justice system in her own life. This experience inspired her to stand up for others and seek justice for those who may not be able to do so themselves.
Her sense of calling was further strengthened during her high school years when she encountered To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Through the character of Atticus Finch, she was introduced to a compelling portrayal of moral courage and legal advocacy in the face of injustice. This left a lasting impression on her and affirmed her conviction that the law was not merely a career path, but a purpose she was called to fulfil.
What continues to make the practice of law meaningful for Dr Tebello is the awareness that she is walking in her God-given calling. The opportunity to contribute to the development and reform of the law remains a source of motivation, as it allows her to play a part in shaping a more just society. For her, the knowledge that her work may leave a lasting impact for future generations is both a privilege and a profound honour.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Can Cultivate Such Attributes.
Dr Tebello is deeply grounded in her faith, which shapes both her worldview and her approach to the legal profession. She often emphasises that righteousness and justice are the foundations of God’s throne, underscoring the seriousness with which these principles are regarded in the advancement of His Kingdom. In her view, those who believe they are made in God’s image ought to reflect these same values in their work and daily lives.
She holds the conviction that the law, in its truest sense, originates from God rather than man. As such, she believes that every lawyer should be guided by a firm commitment to truth and integrity. For Dr Tebello, an exceptional lawyer is one who has the courage to stand for what is right, to speak the truth without compromise, and to recognise that it is this very truth that has the power to restore and redeem the justice system. Equally important is the principle of integrity; practised consistently, even in moments when no one is watching. She regards the legal profession as a noble calling, one that carries the responsibility of contributing to healing within society and advancing restorative justice. Only through such a foundation, she believes, can lawyers be entrusted with matters that profoundly affect people’s lives.
In addition, Dr Tebello encourages young lawyers to approach the profession with a spirit of service rather than viewing it merely as a means of financial gain. While financial reward may follow, she maintains that it should never be the primary motivation. Instead, purpose and impact should take precedence. She urges emerging legal practitioners to have confidence in their voices and not to shy away from perspectives that may differ from the norm. In her view, young lawyers should be present, engaged, and willing to contribute, even in spaces where they may feel overlooked. She believes they carry valuable insights and solutions; whether in boardrooms, courtrooms, or within their broader communities, and should step forward with both conviction and humility.
3. Significant Ongoing Project or Initiatives and Possible Impacts.
Dr Tebello has a strong passion for legal education, particularly within the academic space. This interest has inspired her to launch a podcast titled “Thoughts Unfiltered with Dr Tebello,” where she thoughtfully brings together themes of faith and law. As part of this platform, she hosts a weekly segment called “Legal-Wise Wednesday,” aimed at breaking down legal concepts into clear, accessible language for those without a legal background.
Although the initiative is still in its early stages, she is actively working on bringing like-minded colleagues on board to help grow and sustain the vision. Her long-term goal is for the podcast to reach even the most remote communities, ideally in African languages that resonate with diverse audiences. She is particularly mindful of how often rural communities are overlooked when laws are introduced or reformed and seeks to bridge that gap through accessible legal education.
More broadly, Dr Tebello hopes to see African legal systems develop in ways that genuinely reflect and serve African contexts. She envisions a future where laws are not simply adapted from Western frameworks but are thoughtfully shaped to address the realities and needs of African people. Central to this vision is the belief that the law should be both understandable and accessible to all, regardless of background or location.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books
Dr Tebello draws inspiration from lawyers who approach the profession with a spirit of self-sacrifice and a deep commitment to justice. She holds in high regard those who rise each day with a sense of purpose, determined to honour the responsibility that comes with the legal calling. Among the many individuals who have influenced her journey, she speaks with particular appreciation of her mentor and friend, Keith Matthee.
Dr Matthee’s life and career have been a profound source of encouragement to her. Having lived through the apartheid era in South Africa, he chose not to benefit from an unjust system but instead worked tirelessly to challenge and dismantle it. His service within the High Courts of South Africa, both as senior counsel and later as a judge, reflects a career marked by integrity and courage. Now in retirement, he continues to support and encourage emerging legal practitioners, including Dr Tebello, to carry forward the work of justice. His faith and principled stance on legal and societal issues have further shaped her perspective on the role of law in preserving dignity and order within society.
In addition to the influence of mentors, Dr Tebello is an avid reader who values the insights found in a wide range of literature. At the centre of her life, however, is the Bible, which she regards as her primary source of guidance and formation. It is this foundation that informs how she conducts herself within the legal profession and how she responds with compassion to those who are marginalised and vulnerable. While she acknowledges that the state of the world, and at times the justice system, can appear discouraging, she remains grounded in her belief that there is hope in Jesus Christ. It is this conviction that continues to sustain her and gives her the resolve to persevere in her work.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates Trying to Find their Place and Purpose in the Legal Terrain.
Dr Tebello often reminds the younger generation that their identity should never be rooted in their work or professional titles. She emphasises that, who a person is cannot be reduced to what they do. While one’s character may shape their work, she encourages a clear distinction between personal identity and professional roles. This perspective, she believes, helps individuals remain resilient in the face of failure and challenges, allowing them to persevere rather than lose themselves when circumstances become difficult.
In her view, titles and material achievements are temporary and can easily be lost. Those who anchor their identity in such things may struggle deeply when they fall away. By contrast, she believes that grounding one’s identity in a higher purpose and in God provides stability and direction. In moments when life feels overwhelming, this foundation offers reassurance, trusting that the One who holds the future is present and purposeful in every step. For Dr Tebello, hope is what sustains a weary heart, and she encourages young lawyers, and those starting out, to remain hopeful. She reminds them that life unfolds in seasons; it is neither easy nor permanently difficult, and there is always light beyond each challenging period.
She further encourages young professionals to trust in the power and authenticity of their own voices. In her view, every individual brings something unique and valuable to the table. Rather than fostering competition, she advocates for a mindset of complementarity, where different stories and perspectives can coexist and enrich one another. She believes there is space for everyone to grow and succeed. There is a time to learn and a time to step forward with confidence, and she cautions against rushing the process. Instead, she encourages contentment and trust in the journey, with the assurance that each person will arrive where they are meant to be in due time.
Click here to read our previous Millennial, Olebile Daphney Muzila
Editorial Team
Silver Obioha
Clinton Nyamongo
Kazeem Afolabi
Dikeledi Matlhagare
Tolulope Olasunkanmi
Sulaimon Badmus
Aya Hamdy
Princess Maake
Vera Enubianozor
Brandon Otieno
Oluwabusayo Awodele
Kyenpiya Wonang
Gift Nwoke
Jessica Odoh
Tracy Karumba
Mary-Jones Ossi
Halimah Oladunni
Mary Linus
Peter Momoh
Jessica Omoruyi
