SHAYANDIMA – A young magistrate from a disadvantaged rural background made history by becoming the first black student to be awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s Medal for the best law student from the University of Johannesburg (formerly RAU).

Since the establishment of RAU in 1975, Takalani Ratshibvumo (31) of Shayandima, near Thohoyandou, has become only the third recipient of this award. The award is reserved for the students who display outstanding performance in their results. Many years pass without any student deserving this award.

He became the first black student to be given this award since the establishment of RAU, when he completed his Masters’ degree (LLM) in International Law, which was conferred on him at a ceremony held on April 22 this year. He was awarded the degree cum laude (Latin for ‘with distinction’) after he had passed all the courses he had registered for LLM with an average of 80%.

As a result, he was awarded the Chancellor’s prestige gold medal for the most meritorious master’s study, after making it as a top student in the Faculty of Law. On the 12th of May, 2005, he will also be awarded a special prize from the University of Johannesburg at a function reserved for the students who performed above the required standards.

Ratshibvumo grew up at Lwamondo village, near Tshakhuma, where he completed his primary and secondary education.

He said of his historic achievement: “I believe my achievement will be a motivation for other young people from similar backgrounds. One can make it to the top, irrespective of where you come from.”

He completed his first two degrees, a B. Juris and an LLB, with the University of Venda. He started his career as a public prosecutor for the district of Vuwani in 1996. A year later he moved to Johannesburg where he was appointed prosecutor in the Regional Court. In 2000, he was appointed by the then Minister of Justice, Dr Penuel Maduna, to be a magistrate in Johannesburg. He was also appointed to preside in the Equality Court in the region of Gauteng in 2003. He is the only magistrate with a cum laude pass in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court.

Ratshibvumo is now studying for his doctoral degree in International Law. His research focuses on “The Role of the UN, AU, African Sub-Regional Systems and South Africa, in African Peace-Keeping Missions.”

He attributes his success to hard work, motivation and perseverance. “Although I grew up in a poor family, I had that desire to succeed and I worked hard to achieve my goals. My mother, Noria, has always been a source of my inspiration and she supported me throughout my studies. Success lies within ourselves and we can achieve our goals if we are focused and dedicated.”

As his way to contribute to poverty alleviation and empowerment, he also gives motivational talks to students in Gauteng and Limpopo at no charge for his services.