From 'vac job' to director

The University of Pretoria (UP) produces graduates that are highly sought after and is ranked 190th in the world for Employer Reputation by the 2023 QS World University Rankings.

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House Education Committee members were given the responsibility to put together activities for the students, and they had organised an exciting programme that included sporting activities, board games and indigenous games.

The atmosphere was fun-filled as over 500 students from different levels of study gathered at the Groenkloof Boma. Many had the opportunity to meet their Dean for the first time and experienced exciting moments when he joined them in playing games in which prizes could be won. This was followed by a photo session to capture memorable moments. Everyone was treated to ice cream and cotton candy thereafter.

The Faculty also hosted members of the University Executive and its external stakeholders at a gala dinner. Dignitaries at the event included Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Prof Jonathan Jansen, distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University and President of the Academy of Science of South Africa, who was also the guest speaker; Ms Michelle Mathey, Director of Teacher Education and Research in the Department of Higher Education and Training; Ms Jenny Glennie, Executive Director of the South African Institute of Distance Education; and Ms Confidence Dikgolethe, newly appointed CEO of the IEB and member of the UP Faculty of Education Advisory Board.

The last day was dedicated to staff celebrations that started with a fun walk in the morning and ended with festivities at the Boma.

By Prof Chika Sehoole, Dr Sharon Mashau and Iyanda Phahlane

One alumnus who reinforces that reputation is Thato Lepinka, who was recently appointed as a director of Weavind & Weavind Inc Attorneys.

When Lepinka completed his LLB degree at the UP Law Faculty in 2014 and took up vocational training (articles of clerkship) as a candidate attorney at Weavind & Weavind Inc, UP Law staff predicted Thato’s success at the firm. He had continued to show resilience while juggling his LLB studies and being fully committed to the firm where he began vacation work at the tender age of 20.

As a legal practitioner, Lepinka has a diverse practice, not only focusing on general litigation, but also assisting clients in labour and commercial disputes involving government parastatals. His areas of specialisation include, among others, Property law, Liquidation and Insolvency, Procurement and Administrative law.

Upon his appointment an elated Lepinka commented: “It has been a long journey, but worth it nonetheless. I wouldn’t have reached this milestone if it wasn’t for those who continued to support and believe in me throughout my journey. I’ve learnt a great deal about the human qualities of courage, perseverance and patience.”

Thato’s professional tenure at the firm started when he enrolled for vacation work at Weavind & Weavind in 2012 while undertaking his LLB degree at the University of Pretoria. He subsequently completed his articles of clerkship at the firm and worked his way up the ranks to the position of Associate in the Commercial Department.

In the 2022 URAP World University Rankings, which focus on academic quality, the University of Pretoria was ranked among the Top 200 universities in the world for Law and Legal Studies. It was the first time that this subject was ranked. The subject rankings look at 79 fields of study across various faculties, and UP is ranked in 33 fields.