Phemelo Mokoena
What led me to this career: My deep commitment to social justice and the belief that the law is a powerful tool for social transformation are mainly what led me to this career. Furthermore, I was drawn to law by the persistent lack of meaningful access to justice in poor and marginalised communities, especially in and around my community, where I constantly witnessed justice either being entirely inaccessible or available only to a select few. I hold a strong belief that the law must continuously evolve to reflect prevailing social norms and the realities that our people experience daily, and studying law provided an opportunity to equip myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to challenge injustice, promote equality, and play an active role in shaping a legal system that is responsive, ethical, and just.
In my downtime I like to
Engage in reflective solitude, often in quiet settings, where I listen to soulful music and assess my life trajectory and future objectives. I also enjoy reading political, legal and economic literature. And I enjoy exploring different cuisines.
My favourite sport is
Soccer
Recommended read
Thabo Mbeki: The Dream Deferred by Mark Gevisser Odyssey of Liberation: Memoir of a Rebel Advocate by Muzi Sikhakhane SC
Favourite game
Need for speed: Rivals
Coffee or Ice cream?
Coffee – Jacobs
Name one thing on your bucket list?
Go to the BMW M Driving Experience – BMW Advanced Driving
If you could choose any person from history to be your friend, who would it be and why?
Muhammad Ali. Ali represents the kind of person I constantly strive to become - disciplined in achievement, fearless in conviction, and grounded in purpose. I like the fact that he understood that success is futile if it is not used to challenge injustice and uplift others. That on its own reflects how I approach my own achievements, not as personal victories, but as tools to create impact. Ali was also unafraid to evolve, which is a quality I value in myself. Throughout my years of study, I always recited the words that Ali himself said: “I am the greatest. I knew that before I even was”. Our friendship would be built on honest conversation, mutual growth, and shared principles.