Young South African Woman Realizes Dream of Becoming Lawyer at 23

At 23, Manoko Mashangoane fulfilled her dream of becoming one of South Africa’s youngest attorneys, overcoming challenges through resilience, community support, and self-belief.

At just 23, Manoko Mashangoane has achieved her lifelong ambition of becoming a lawyer, recently being sworn into the South African Bar. She celebrated the milestone on LinkedIn, proudly posting, “An Admitted Attorney at 23?! You did it, girl!”

Manoko’s journey began with her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Limpopo, followed by Practical Legal Training at the University of South Africa, which led to her formal admission to the Bar.

To deepen her legal knowledge, Manoko pursued a Master of Laws (LLM) at the University of Pretoria. This transition came with challenges: being in a new environment without a strong support network left her feeling isolated and anxious. To cope, she joined a peer support group for law postgraduates, finding a much-needed sense of community.

With time, Manoko’s confidence grew, especially after passing an oral exam that reinforced her belief in her abilities. She realized that success didn’t mean blending in but having faith in her unique strengths.

Her journey reflects not only her drive and determination but also the importance of resilience, support, and self-confidence in achieving one’s goals. Today, she stands as one of South Africa’s youngest attorneys, inspiring others through her remarkable story.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION