About Oratilwe
"I completed my LLB at the University of Johannesburg, where I was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society in recognition of my academic achievements. During my time at university, I also served as a Peer Mentor and as a House Committee Member, experiences that helped me develop my leadership and communication skills alongside my legal studies.
Before commencing my articles, I gained practical exposure as a Vacation Student at STBB and later as a Student Legal Advisor at the University of Johannesburg Law Clinic. I am currently serving my articles as a Candidate Legal Practitioner at Motsoeneng Bill, where I have gained experience in commercial law, civil litigation, labour law, and regulatory compliance. Alongside practice, I have also developed a keen interest in legal research and have had the opportunity to publish legal research, which has allowed me to combine my passion for academia with practical legal work."
On enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"Completing practical vocational training is an important milestone for every candidate attorney, so I wanted to do it through an institution with a strong reputation. I had heard many positive reviews about Gawie le Roux from candidate attorneys and legal practitioners, particularly about the quality of the lecturers, the practical approach to teaching, and how well the 150-hour programme prepares students for practice. That gave me confidence that I would receive quality training, and it certainly lived up to my expectations.
The lecturers were excellent. Each lecturer brought a wealth of practical experience and a unique perspective to their subject, which made the sessions engaging and relatable. They explained complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand and always encouraged questions and discussion. Their enthusiasm for the law made the learning experience enjoyable, and it was clear that they genuinely wanted us to succeed."
The mock trial
"The practical/class exercises were a very valuable part of the programme because they gave us the opportunity to apply what we had learnt. They helped bridge the gap between theory and practice and made the learning experience much more interactive."
Oratilwe's tips for PVT students
"My biggest piece of advice is: don’t let your own thoughts intimidate you before you’ve even started. I remember feeling quite anxious before the programme because I didn’t know what to expect.
I thought it would be overwhelming and that I’d have to figure everything out on my own. That couldn’t have been further from my experience.
From the very beginning, there was so much support. The lecturers and staff genuinely want you to succeed, and they’re there to guide you throughout the programme. So, trust the process, ask questions when you need to, and don’t be afraid to participate. You’ll probably realise, like I did, that most of the fear was in your own head."
On facing challenges
"Balancing full-time articles with the demands of the programme and the demands of life itself was definitely a challenge. There were many days when I had to transition straight from a busy day at the office to evening lectures and coursework. One thing I’ve learnt is that life doesn’t stop just because you’re studying. Work continues, personal responsibilities continue, and unexpected challenges still arise.
What helped me was accepting that I didn’t have to be perfect every day. I focused on being consistent, planning ahead where I could, and reminding myself why I started. Some days were more productive than others, but as long as I kept moving forward, I was making progress."
Oratilwe's recommended reading for legal practitioners
"Two books immediately come to mind: Atomic Habits by James Clear and Becoming Supernatural by Dr Joe Dispenza.
Atomic Habits taught me that success is built through small, consistent actions rather than occasional bursts of motivation. That’s a lesson that applies perfectly to the legal profession, where growth comes from showing up every day and continuously improving.
Becoming Supernatural had a different impact on me. It reminded me of the importance of being intentional about my thoughts and emotions, and of not allowing fear or anxiety about the future to take over. As aspiring legal practitioners, we often place immense pressure on ourselves. Learning to slow down, breathe, and remain present has helped me approach both my studies and my work with a clearer and more balanced mind."
What's next?
"My immediate focus is on passing the attorneys’ admission examinations and being admitted as an attorney. The notes and resources from Gawie le Roux have already been an invaluable part of my preparation.
Thereafter, I would like to continue expanding my knowledge through specialised courses, while continuing to pursue legal research and writing. I believe the law is constantly evolving, and as legal practitioners, we should never stop learning."
Last updated on 20 July 2026.