About Cally
"I am currently employed as an Emergency Care Technician/Paramedic at Frontier Medix, where I serve as an Operational Medic. My responsibilities include attending to house-to-house emergency calls and providing medical support at various events, often requiring 4x4 response capabilities in remote environments."
Background
"I graduated from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in 2017 as a qualified Emergency Care Technician. I later gained extensive experience working as a Flight Paramedic and Hoist Operator in helicopter rescue operations, where I also completed a Hoist Operator Course through my employer. During my time as a Flight Paramedic and Hoist Operator in the Garden Route, I decided to further my education by pursuing a career in law.
I utilised my available time between emergency calls to complete my LLB degree through UNISA, for which I will graduate in October 2025. In addition, I successfully completed the 400-hour practical vocational training (PVT) programme at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law."
On enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"In my experience, the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law provides well-structured notes, valuable lectures, and meaningful assessments that truly support learning and practical understanding. What stood out most for me was the flexibility the programme offered to working professionals, which allowed me to complete the 400-hour requirement while continuing my full-time employment. I particularly appreciated the clear communication and structured scheduling, which made it easy to plan when to take time off work and attend live classes. The overall structure, professionalism, and support I received made the experience both practical and rewarding."
"While working as a paramedic, I believed I had seen and experienced it all until I attended the mock trials during the PVT programme. The experience created a new sense of excitement and inspiration, offering a practical and engaging insight into courtroom procedure that reignited my passion for the legal field."
"I am deeply grateful for the guidance, structure, and flexibility provided by the GLR team and look forward to continuing my professional development through their future courses."
400-hour vs 150-hour PVT programme of structured course work
"Completing the 400-hour PVT programme at Gawie le Roux has been one of the most fulfilling steps in my professional journey.
I chose the 400-hour PVT programme because it offers a more comprehensive and in-depth practical learning experience, covering the procedural and administrative aspects of legal practice in greater detail. I wanted to ensure that I was thoroughly prepared for articles of clerkship, the board examinations, and eventual admission as an attorney.
The GLR PVT programme was also personally the best option for me, as I was employed full-time and decided to complete it through the online option offered by Gawie le Roux. This allowed me to balance my professional responsibilities while pursuing my legal training."
On facing challenges
"As a mother, wife, and full-time employee working 24-hour shifts, balancing my time effectively was one of my greatest challenges."
"I knew that careful planning and discipline would be essential to succeed. When I was off duty, I focused on maintaining a healthy balance between my family responsibilities and my studies. While at work, I used every available moment, especially during quiet periods between emergency calls, to read, study, and complete my assignments.
This approach required dedication and consistency, but it allowed me to progress steadily through the programme without compromising either my professional duties or my family commitments."
Cally's tips for PVT students
"First and foremost, set clear deadlines and learn to balance your time effectively. If something in your life does not add meaning or value, it is the right time to let it go and focus on what truly matters. The 400-hour programme requires discipline, consistency, and commitment, but if you give 100% of your effort, you will undoubtedly receive 100% in return."
What's next?
"My immediate goal is to prepare for and attempt the competency-based exams (board examinations) in March 2026, while completing the exam preparation programme and commencing my articles of clerkship during the same year.
Thereafter, I plan to further my professional development by enrolling for the notary and conveyancing preparation courses offered at Gawie le Roux."
Last updated on 16/10/2025