Law student, Ms Bianca Lee Govender, graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree cum laude.
The top achiever was awarded the College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship recognising her as one of the top three undergraduate achievers in the College.
“I experienced some tough times as a student. In second year, my mum passed away and during that period it was very difficult to find the motivation to keep going, having lost someone so dear to me. I really had to dig deep but I knew mum would want me to carry on and try my best,” she said
Said Govender: “While my mum is no longer physically with us, I know that she is looking down with pride while her belief in me continues to drive me forward every single day. My family is very close-knit, with both of my older sisters involved in law careers. Everything I have achieved is my family’s as much as it is mine. I am naturally quite ambitious always wanting to do better and be better. I am driven by the idea of becoming a person that both my family and I can be proud of.”
Looking ahead, Govender will serve her articles at leading corporate law firm Webber Wentzel next year.
“I plan to continue to work hard, maintaining standards I have set for myself. This qualification has given me a solid foundation, equipping me with the skills and knowledge I need to navigate the legal world and eventually make a meaningful impact through my work.”
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini