Legal Aid Board

The Legal Aid Board comprises a diverse group of individuals with vast expertise in law, corporate governance, cybersecurity, human resources, and risk management. These professionals provide strategic oversight and guidance to ensure Legal Aid South Africa (LASA) delivers on its mission.

Key Members of the Legal Aid Board

  1. Judge Nobolao Martha Mbhele – Chairperson
    • Position: Deputy Judge President of the Free State Division.
    • Skills: A seasoned legal practitioner, Judge Mbhele brings her vast experience in the judiciary to lead the board.
    • Highest Qualification: BProc.
  2. Adv. Kgotso Godfrey Maja – Deputy Chairperson
    • Position: Advocate and IoDSA Member.
    • Skills: Law and corporate governance.
    • Highest Qualification: LLB.
  3. Dr. Mduduzi Zakwe – Non-Executive Director
    • Skills: Information technology, cybersecurity, accounting, and corporate strategy.
    • Highest Qualifications: PhD in Cyber Security Education, Chartered Accountant (SA).
  4. Ms. Rahab Serepong – Human Resources Executive
    • Skills: Human capital strategy and management.
    • Highest Qualification: Master of Business Leadership (MBL).
  5. Ms. Lorraine Zanele Francois – Risk and Governance Consultant
    • Skills: Auditing, accounting, risk management, and corporate governance.
    • Highest Qualification: MBA, Certified General Internal Auditor (SA).
  6. Ms. Nonduduzo Samukelisiwe Khanyile – Attorney and Board Member
    • Skills: Law and governance.
    • Highest Qualification: LLM.

The board also includes highly skilled members such as Dr. Maureen Tong, a human rights lawyer with a PhD in International Law, and Mr. Nkhangweni Rambau, an expert in digital transformation and project management.

Leadership and Governance

The Legal Aid Board is led by Judge Nobolao Martha Mbhele, who provides leadership with her vast experience in the judiciary. She is supported by Adv. Kgotso Godfrey Maja, a highly skilled advocate specializing in law and corporate governance. These leaders, along with other board members, ensure that Legal Aid South Africa (LASA) remains focused on its goal of providing equitable legal services.

With a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks, governance, and corporate strategies, the Legal Aid Board fosters a culture of excellence and accountability. Their combined skills ensure that Legal Aid South Africa (LASA) can continue delivering top-tier legal support to those in need.

Executive Leadership

The executive directors of the Legal Aid Board are responsible for day-to-day operations and strategic planning. Ms. Mantiti Kola, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ensures that Legal Aid South Africa (LASA) realizes its mission of offering accessible legal representation. Alongside her is Mr. Sethopo Mamotheti, the Chief Operations Officer (COO), who oversees all support operations within the organization. Their leadership is vital in ensuring that Legal Aid is effectively serving the public.

Importance of Legal Aid South Africa

The Legal Aid Board ensures that all citizens have access to legal representation, regardless of their financial status. This is crucial in a country where many individuals might otherwise face significant challenges in accessing justice. By promoting fairness and human rights, Legal Aid South Africa (LASA) remains dedicated to its core values of providing tax-funded legal assistance to those in need.

For more information on how Legal Aid operates, visit Legal Aid South Africa (LASA).

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.