A new wave of legal talent from Lesotho and South Africa just leveled up, and The PALM was there to celebrate it.
The Legal Luminary Mentorship Programme, organised by the International Human Rights Lab (IHRL) in collaboration with International Supportive Futures (ISF), concluded its Third Cohort with a virtual graduation ceremony held on Saturday, 15 August 2026, via Microsoft Teams. The ceremony ran from 15:00 to 17:00 SAST, marking the culmination of an eight-week mentorship journey involving law students from two universities, the National University of Lesotho and the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Eight weeks. Two universities. One clear mission: to equip promising law students with the knowledge, exposure, and professional skills they need to become the kind of lawyers the profession, and society, needs.
Beyond the Textbooks
While traditional legal education provides students with the foundational principles of law, the Legal Luminary Mentorship Programme sought to take learning beyond the classroom.
Throughout the eight-week programme, mentees were introduced to emerging and specialised areas of legal practice, including FinTech, nuclear law, immigration, policy advocacy and other evolving fields.
Practising lawyers from Lesotho, South Africa, Nigeria and Canada shared insights drawn from their professional experiences, giving participants an opportunity to explore not only the substance of legal practice but also issues such as courtroom strategy, career development, professional branding and navigating the changing demands of the legal profession.
The PALM’s Contribution to the Programme
The People’s Accolade Law Magazine (The PALM) was proud to support the programme as a sponsor of its Legal Writing Contest, providing an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their research, analytical and legal writing abilities.
Representing PALM at the awards ceremony, Mr. Sulaimon Badmus presented prizes to the top three contestants:
- Neo Jessica Lesekele – Winner: R1,000
- Lintle Ralikomiki – Runner-up: R500
- Pontšo ’Mote – Third place: R250
The contest reflected The PALM’s continued commitment to encouraging excellence in legal writing and creating opportunities for emerging legal professionals across Africa.
Celebrating the Cohort’s Standout Performers
The awards ceremony also recognised participants who distinguished themselves throughout the programme.
Chantel Nombili Ncube was named Legal Luminary of the Cohort, the programme’s highest honour, and also received the Excellence Award.
Mkhanyisi Meluzi Dzingwe received both the Advocacy Excellence Award and the Emerging Legal Leader Award.
Other participants were recognised for their individual contributions and progress. Mpho Rabukana and Malehloa Sethuntsa were recognised for their consistent participation and engagement, while Boitumelo Keele received the Most Improved Award.
Thato Mosotho, Senate Mopeli, Ntombifuthi Langagane, Phindile Mongatane and Relebohile Melaphe were also among the participants recognised during the ceremony, with awards highlighting qualities including determination, community-building, commitment to growth and leadership.
Building the Lawyers Africa Needs
Now in its third cohort, the Legal Luminary Mentorship Programme demonstrates the value of connecting law students with practitioners who are actively shaping the profession.
For students, particularly those seeking exposure beyond their immediate academic and professional environments, access to experienced lawyers and international networks can provide perspectives that are difficult to acquire through conventional legal education alone.
By combining mentorship, practical exposure, professional development and legal writing, the programme offers participants an opportunity not simply to learn about the legal profession but to begin positioning themselves within it.
The PALM was pleased to support the Legal Writing Contest and to celebrate the achievements of this year’s cohort.
As these emerging legal professionals begin the next stage of their journeys, their experiences from the programme will hopefully serve as a foundation for meaningful careers and continued contributions to the legal profession across Africa and beyond.
