On 29 January 2025, we hosted our GLR PVT School Award Ceremony to celebrate the success of aspiring legal practitioners who excelled in the 400-hour practical vocational training programme.
The top 12 students achieved excellent marks and walked away with Gawie le Roux vouchers for any of our courses, workshops, and webinars.
Here are some of the top achievers.
"I am a driven and ambitious Candidate Attorney, currently completing my articles at De Kock’s Attorneys in Klerksdorp. With a passion for the law and a strong commitment to professional excellence, I continuously strive to broaden my knowledge and refine my legal skills. I am a proud graduate of NWU, where I obtained my LLB degree. I am particularly interested in estate law and tax law, where I enjoy tackling complex legal challenges and finding solutions. I’m someone who pays attention to the little things, works hard, and loves learning and growing every day. Outside the office, I enjoy reading, hiking, and walking with my German Shepherds, which helps me maintain a well-rounded and balanced approach to life."
- Carla Bester
"I was born and raised in Klerksdorp and joined the TJS Team as Junior Legal Secretary in 2007. May 2025 will be the 18th anniversary of my employment at Theron, Jordaan & Smit Inc., specialising in commercial litigation. The arrival of my two children in 2008 and 2012 respectively, encouraged me to improve our circumstances. I then commenced my LLB studies in 2017 part-time through Unisa. In 2023 I proudly obtained my LLB degree and am completing my articles. Outside of work, I have a passion for restoring old furniture. I enjoy reading and fishing coupled with a good bottle of Pinotage."
- Leana Dunn
Thinus Janse van Rensburg has built a career spanning 18 years in technology, strategic alliances, and global software. While leading teams and driving strategic initiatives, he pursued his LLB and completed the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law’s practical vocational training programme part-time. Balancing these responsibilities instilled invaluable lessons in resilience and time management, as the demands of work and study rarely waited for convenient moments. Thinus approaches each endeavour with quiet determination and a commitment to continuous improvement. His story highlights that significant accomplishments are not forged in isolated grand gestures but in the consistent effort of showing up - day and night, balancing work and study, with the occasional well-earned 'flat white' to sustain the momentum.
- Thinus Janse van Rensburg
Stefanie Kotze is a legal professional passionate about integrating truth and justice in the public sphere. She holds an LLB (2019) and recently completed an LLM in Legal Philosophy and Human Rights (2024) at Stellenbosch University. Stefanie currently works as a Candidate Attorney in Matatiele, where she combines her academic background with practical legal experience to advocate for marginalised communities and uphold constitutional rights. She is committed to providing quality legal services to people in rural communities such as Matatiele and beyond, believing they deserve access to justice and support. Her dedication to justice and human dignity continues to shape her work, with a focus on empowering and defending the vulnerable.
- Stefanie Kotze
"I am a dedicated legal professional, proud mom and wife, currently completing my articles at Matthee Attorneys, a firm renowned for its expertise in wills and estates. I started my LLB studies at Stellenbosch University in 2019 studying full time, while also working full time remotely and trying to do my best as a wife and mom of a then two-year-old boy. As if juggling work, studies and mom life was not enough, Covid hit in my second year of studies and added a whole new set of challenges. In February 2023, I resigned from my full-time job and decided to focus on completing my final year of my LLB studies successfully. I started my articles in 2024, no easy feat for a 47-year-old with a family to provide for, but I face my challenges head-on and believe that I will make a success of my journey as a legal professional. I am still here standing, surviving and making the best of what I have, keeping my end goal in mind. I draw strength from my family and belief in God, which fuels my drive to excel in every facet of my life. As I continue my journey towards admission, I am building the skills, relationships, and expertise that promise a meaningful and impactful legal career."
- Carmen Martin
Loretty Mumba is a versatile and dedicated law graduate. With an LLB and a BA in Law, she has cultivated a strong foundation in legal principles across multiple areas of law. Her legal journey has been shaped by practical experiences, including an internship at the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI), where she honed her skills in research, litigation, and advocacy. Loretty further solidified her practical expertise by completing the 400 hours of practical vocational training, equipping her to tackle the complexities of legal practice. In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, Loretty serves as a sectional title trustee, where she applies her legal knowledge to address governance, financial, and community challenges with integrity and strategic insight. Whilst Loretty has not yet secured articles, her ambition, adaptability, and deep sense of purpose position her as a well-rounded and promising legal professional ready to contribute to the field of law.
- Loretty Mumba
"My primary focus and passion lie in labour law. With an extensive academic background and advanced legal expertise, I bring significant experience and a high level of proficiency to my practice. My commitment to excellence is continually refined through practical application and ongoing academic pursuits. Recently, I completed the esteemed Gawie le Roux 400-hour PVT programme in just four months while managing a demanding full-time career. This programme deepened my understanding of diverse legal fields, reinforcing my reputation as a versatile and skilled professional. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to refine their skills and broaden their knowledge. I attribute my achievements to the Lord and the unwavering support of my fiancé, family, and friends. Their encouragement has fuelled my drive to embrace challenges with gratitude and faith. To those striving for success: Believe in yourself and stay focused! With determination and perseverance, anything is possible. Your commitment will define your success."
- Yvonne Potgieter
"I hold an LLB degree from the University of South Africa. I recently completed the PVT programme with Gawie le Roux Institute of Law, an experience I thoroughly enjoyed for its practical insights and real-world application of legal principles. I am preparing to sit for my board exams this March, a significant milestone in my legal career. I am also excited about joining a law firm to complete my one-year articles, which will allow me to refine my skills, gain valuable experience, and contribute meaningfully to the profession. Outside of law, I am passionate about podcasting, where I explore the intersection of legal issues, society, and current events. Through my podcast, I enjoy breaking down complex ideas, engaging with a broad audience, and creating thought-provoking conversations. I am committed to personal and professional growth, with a vision to make a lasting impact in the legal field while empowering others through knowledge and advocacy."
- Macdonald Sesinyi
"I’m a Candidate Attorney at Matthee Attorneys Inc., where I specialise in deceased estates administration, wills, and estate planning. With over six years of experience in both local and international environments, I’ve developed a solid foundation in problem solving, adaptability, and legal practice. After a five-year break from law, I completed my 400-hour practical vocational training at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law. This training helped me get back up to speed, giving me the confidence and skills to dive back into my legal career. I’m known for my exceptional administrative skills, strong organisational abilities, and a focus on efficiency. I’ve cultivated my leadership and communication skills, which allow me to collaborate effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. My ability to handle complex cases with attention to detail, while keeping a compassionate and client-focused approach, has been instrumental in my work so far."
- Wesley van Emmenes
Learn more about compulsory practical vocational training, formerly practical legal training, here.