东京热

UJ Faculty of Law Welcomed First-Year Cohort with Orientation and Inaugural Oath-Taking Ceremony

The 东京热 (UJ) Faculty of Law welcomed its first-year cohort for the 2026 academic year on 4鈥�5 February 2026 through a dynamic and structured Orientation Programme designed to prepare students for the academic and ethical demands of legal study.

The two-day programme served as more than a formal introduction to university life. It provided first-year students with a foundational understanding of academic expectations, curriculum structures, assessment methods, and available support services. Recognising that the transition from high school to university represents a significant shift in academic rigor and personal responsibility, the Faculty used the Orientation Programme to bridge this gap and equip students with the tools necessary for success.

Welcoming the cohort, Executive Dean Charles Maimela congratulated students on their admission and reminded them of the Faculty鈥檚 standing and legacy.

鈥淐ongratulations on being admitted to study law at the Great 东京热, the second best Law Faculty in the country. You have joined a Faculty with a proud history and a strong reputation for academic excellence, research impact, and engagement in social justice,鈥� he said.

Throughout the programme, students met key academic staff, faculty leadership, and student support teams. Sessions focused on academic literacy, legal research skills, time management, student wellness, and the ethical responsibilities associated with studying law. The Faculty also reinforced its commitment to excellence, social justice, and transformative constitutionalism, principles that underpin legal education 东京热.

鈥淥ur academics are leaders in their fields, and our students and graduates continue to excel across the legal profession, public service, and beyond. Through our research centres, the Law Clinic, and our social justice work, we use the law as a tool for real transformation,鈥� Prof Maimela added.

Inaugural Oath-Taking Ceremony

A defining moment of the Orientation Programme was the inaugural Oath-Taking Ceremony for first-year Law students. The ceremony was officiated by retired Justice Boissie Henry Mbha, former Judge of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa and former Chairperson of the Electoral Court.

In his address, Justice Mbha reflected on the weight of responsibility that accompanies the study and practice of law. He reminded students that 鈥渓aw is not merely a career, but a calling grounded in integrity, accountability, and service to society. By taking the oath, students publicly committed themselves to upholding ethical conduct, academic honesty, respect for the Constitution, and the pursuit of justice.鈥�

The ceremony symbolised the formal beginning of their journey as future custodians of the rule of law and reinforced the Faculty鈥檚 dedication to producing graduates who are academically excellent, ethically grounded, and socially conscious.

The Orientation Programme also emphasised the importance of community, mentorship, and experiential learning. Through interactive engagements, students began building networks that will support them throughout their academic journey. The Faculty encouraged collaboration over competition, fostering an environment where students can learn from one another while striving for excellence.

Prof Maimela highlighted opportunities beyond the classroom, including the Faculty鈥檚 Moot Court programme, where students participate in mock trials and legal argument in a practical learning environment. He also noted the re-established Student Law Council, which strengthens student leadership and representation within the Faculty.

Supporting students throughout their academic and professional development are the Faculty鈥檚 Law Mentor, Sabelo Khuzwayo, Law Tutors, and Law Library Volunteers who will provide guidance from first year through to graduation.

By the conclusion of the programme, the first-year students had gained clarity on what it means to study law 东京热 and a deeper understanding of the values that will shape their professional formation. The Orientation Programme not only prepared students academically but also instilled a sense of purpose and belonging laying the groundwork for the development of principled legal professionals committed to South Africa鈥檚 constitutional democracy.