Digital trophy case: Top achievers in the comprehensive 400-hour PVT programme

Thursday, June 25, 2026, 8:08
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Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
Top achievers in the 400-hour programme

We recently hosted the first GLR PVT School Awards Ceremony of the year to celebrate the success of aspiring legal practitioners who excelled in the 400-hour practical vocational training programme from February to May 2026.

The top 10 students achieved stellar results and walked away with Gawie le Roux vouchers.

Here are some of the top achievers.

 

Mecia Fourie

"My path to law has not been the most traditional, but it has been deeply formative.  I began my tertiary education with a BMus in Opera at UCT before starting my LLB, but life required me to adapt quickly when a way to support myself grew into a business.

Law appealed to me because it is technical, demanding, and often intimidating, but when done well, it brings structure to uncertainty and helps people move forward with confidence.  The GLR PVT School helped me shift from academic law into the practical mindset required of a legal practitioner.  It reinforced my appreciation for structure, efficiency, high standards, and being surrounded by people who challenge me to grow."

 

Dhiya Singh

“I graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a Bachelor of Commerce in Law in 2024 and completed my LLB in 2025.  Having secured articles commencing in January 2027, I decided to use my gap year to gain the required practical legal training and develop the skills necessary to enter the legal practice with greater confidence and a stronger understanding of the realities of the legal profession.

The past four months have been incredibly rewarding.  While the programme was challenging at times, it provided invaluable practical insight and bridged the gap between academic study and legal practice in a meaningful way.

The programme deepened my interest in areas of law I was already passionate about while also exposing me to new fields and perspectives that broadened my understanding of the profession. Although completing 400 hours initially seemed daunting, the quality of the lectures and the engaging presentation of the material made the experience both enjoyable and inspiring."

 

Rochelle van Rensburg

"I have always been drawn to the analytical and argumentative nature of law.  I enjoy the challenge of examining different perspectives, thinking critically, and finding solutions to complex problems.

Beyond that, what inspires me about the legal profession is its ability to make a real difference in people's lives.  My goal is to use my legal knowledge and skills to help others, advocate for fairness, and one day stand up for those who may not have the means or opportunity to stand up for themselves.

I believe that law is about more than rules and procedures; it is about people.  Whether through compliance, corporate governance, or legal practice, I hope to build a career that combines intellectual rigour with meaningful service to others."

 

Nadine Pieters

"I am a Candidate Attorney at Coetzer Steyn Taljaard Attorneys Inc., where I have been working for the past five years. I began my journey at the firm as a paralegal assistant, and through hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for the law, I progressed to pursuing my articles.  I graduated from Unisa, where I obtained my LLB degree cum laude. 

I am deeply passionate about the law and the important role it plays in society. I believe that the law is a powerful tool for protecting rights, resolving disputes, and promoting justice.  One of the principles I live by is that while no one can ever know everything, we should always strive to learn as much as possible.  This mindset has motivated me to continuously expand my knowledge and develop my skills throughout my career."

 

Merrilise Reddy 

"I don't want to just work within broken systems; I want to help rebuild them.  After completing my law degree in 2018, I pursued international opportunities that allowed me to develop expertise in education management, business development, project management, and leadership.

During my time at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, I served as Golden Key President and completed the Teaching Legal Skills course.  Over the next seven years in China, I held leadership roles in education management and business development, navigating complex operational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic while completing my MBA, PGCE, and Women in Leadership certification.

As I transition into legal practice, I am particularly interested in emerging fields such as AI governance, data privacy, and education technology compliance, where law and innovation intersect."

 

Sinqobile Mkhize

"I'm passionate about access to justice and pursuing a career in public interest law, with a focus on NGO and NPO environments where legal expertise can create meaningful social impact. Alongside my studies, I have shared my knowledge as a law tutor, supporting fellow students in navigating the complexities of legal education.

I'm committed to the kind of lawyering that serves communities, grounded in rigour, driven by purpose, and shaped by a deep belief that the law must work for everyone.  The legal journey is highly challenging and requires constantly equipping oneself with learning. Gawie le Roux makes the experience enjoyable." 

 

Jaden Beukes

"I'm an LLB graduate from the University of the Western Cape and hold membership in the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges, which deepened my commitment to judicial integrity and gender equality.

This hands-on experience in legal drafting, litigation procedures, and professional ethics sharpened my readiness to practice law with confidence and integrity.

I bring strong legal research, oral advocacy, and critical thinking skills, paired with emotional intelligence and a deadline-driven work ethic.  My goal is to grow into a competent, ethical, and client-focused legal practitioner who makes justice accessible." 

 

Christine Latimer

"I hold a BCom Law degree from Varsity College (Emeris) and an LLB degree from Akademia.  I gained valuable insight into the practical application of legal principles and developed skills essential for legal practice at the GLR PVT School.

I take pride in my attention to detail, strong work ethic, and commitment to doing my best in everything I do.  I'm particularly interested in developing my expertise across various fields of law while building a solid professional foundation for my future career.

Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I value balance and personal development, always striving to grow both professionally and personally."

 

Last updated on 25 June 2026.

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