“I am at the beginning of my law career and establishing my practice as an Advocate of High Court. I am well trained and hungry to succeed in every sense of the phrase,” said the newly admitted advocate of Polokwane High Court Refilwe Tefu
After she matriculated in 2014, subsequent to that in 2015, she enrolled with the University of Limpopo for a Bachelor of sciences degree in Community water and sanitation, the degree she completed in 2017. In 2018 she advanced her studies once more at the University of Limpopo majoring in Bachelor of Laws (LLB), completing the degree in record time in 2021.
Refilwe served pupillage with the Limpopo Society of Advocates in 2022. She managed to pass competency examinations from the General Council of the Bar (GCB) and the Legal Practice Council (LPC). Recently in June 2023, she got admitted as an Advocate of High Court by the Polokwane High Court.
“I am a person who has a strong sense for justice, law and order. It is my strongest belief that without law and order, nations would perish. I feel fortunate enough to be an official of the High Court to add more contribution to serve the society with honesty and integrity. Nonetheless, I didn’t get where I am today because of some pure luck. I am consistent, hardworking, disciplined, intentional and persistent,” Refilwe said.
Advocate Tefu dishes out her advice to young people out there pursuing their academic careers, that they should learn to prioritize their studies with so much time and effort.
“A perfect example that I would give, is that when you are at tertiary level, the number one priority is to simply study and get your qualification. Your commitment towards your studies should clearly indicate the hours, days, weeks, months, and years you put in to attain your degree. The last 7 years I spent at varsity, 80% of my time went to my academics. I spent most of my time in the library than any other place. It is also paramount to take care of both our physical and mental health, and that is why I decided to join Karate as a sporting activity during my time as a student. Through Karate under the capable training and leadership of Sensei Medupi Lechelele, I became a multiple winner of the many tournaments I took part in. I was awareded a championship medal representing the University of Limpopo at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament in 2017. In a nutshell, I can safely say Karate was a perfect antidote to the stress that came with studying but overall it was a welcome distraction," said Refilwe.
Legal services from private legal representive is expensive, however Refilwe's desire is to provide quality legal advice and services at an affordable fee. Her ambition is to be the voice of the voiceless, and help society to cope as far as getting justice is concerned.