The Bheki Mlangeni Scholarship Programme 2025
The Bheki Mlangeni Scholarship Programme, established by Cheadle Thompson & Haysom, stands as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Bhekisizwe Godfrey Mlangeni. This scholarship is not merely an educational fund; it is a tribute to a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to the principles of justice and equality. Through the programme, aspiring lawyers are encouraged to uphold the values Mlangeni fought for, ensuring his memory remains a guiding light in South Africa’s legal landscape.
The Legacy of Bhekisizwe Godfrey Mlangeni
Bheki Mlangeni joined Cheadle
Thompson & Haysom in January 1989, during one of the most turbulent periods
in South Africa's history. A graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand
(Wits), Mlangeni was more than just an aspirant lawyer. He was a formidable
student, a community activist, and a family man who believed deeply in the
power of law to effect change.
Mlangeni’s journey, however, was
tragically cut short on February 15, 1991, when he was assassinated by a
booby-trapped cassette player, a chilling act perpetrated by the Vlakplaas Unit
of the apartheid-era South African Police. His death underscored the immense
risks faced by those who stood against oppression and sought a democratic
future.
Purpose and Vision of the Scholarship
The Bheki Mlangeni Scholarship was
created to honor his memory and contributions. Its purpose extends beyond
financial support, aiming to:
- Celebrate
the life and legacy of Bheki Mlangeni.
- Promote
progressive legal education at Wits University and other institutions.
- Serve
as a reminder of the sacrifices made to achieve democracy in South Africa.
- Instill
a sense of responsibility among new generations of lawyers to uphold and
advance constitutional principles.
In doing so, the scholarship ensures
that the ideals Mlangeni championed remain central to the practice of law in
South Africa.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
The scholarship is specifically
designed to support financially disadvantaged, Black South African students
pursuing their final year of an LLB degree. Candidates must demonstrate
excellence in constitutional law, labour law, or administrative law and a commitment
to using their qualifications to further the cause of social justice.
Applicants are required to submit a
comprehensive application, including:
- A
motivational letter explaining why they deserve the scholarship.
- Curriculum
vitae, including their student number.
- Certified
copies of academic results and identity documents.
- Two
letters of reference.
- Contactable
telephone numbers.
Applications must be submitted to the
university coordinators at either Wits University or the University of the
Western Cape (UWC) by the end of February each year. While the process is
competitive, the opportunity to participate in a vacation work programme at
Cheadle Thompson & Haysom further enhances its appeal, providing practical
experience at one of South Africa’s most prestigious law firms.
Upholding the Principles of Justice
The scholarship serves as a benchmark
for Cheadle Thompson & Haysom, reflecting the firm’s ongoing commitment to
the principles that defined its founding years. Established as a beacon of
resistance against the apartheid legal system, the firm has since expanded its
scope, embracing new areas such as constitutional, media, telecommunications,
and commercial law. Despite these changes, the Bheki Mlangeni Scholarship
remains a crucial element of its identity.
The bursary’s existence is a
deliberate act of remembrance, a way to combat the erasure of historical
sacrifices. The firm views the scholarship as a touchstone for its values,
ensuring that the memory of Bheki Mlangeni and his unwavering dedication to justice
continues to inspire both its staff and the broader legal community.
Broader Impact of the Scholarship
The scholarship is not just a
financial lifeline for its recipients; it is an investment in the future of
South African law. By targeting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, it
addresses systemic inequalities that persist in the legal profession. Furthermore,
by prioritizing excellence in areas such as constitutional law, labour law, and
administrative law, it ensures that recipients are equipped to tackle pressing
societal challenges.
Recipients of the scholarship are
expected to embody the spirit of social justice in their careers. This
commitment aligns with the transformative goals of South Africa’s Constitution,
emphasizing equality, dignity, and the protection of fundamental rights. In
this way, the scholarship plays a pivotal role in shaping a new generation of
legal professionals who are both skilled and principled.
What You Stand to Gain
Participation in the scholarship
programme offers more than financial assistance. The inclusion of a vacation
work programme at Cheadle Thompson & Haysom provides invaluable
professional exposure. Here, recipients gain firsthand experience in a dynamic
legal environment, working on cases that often have a direct impact on the
advancement of social justice.
For many recipients, the scholarship
is a transformative opportunity, enabling them to overcome financial barriers
and pursue their dreams of becoming legal practitioners. It also fosters a deep
sense of responsibility to give back to their communities, perpetuating a cycle
of empowerment and advocacy.
How to Apply?
For those who are awarded the
scholarship, the journey is not just about personal achievement. It is about
carrying forward the ideals that Bheki Mlangeni held dear and making meaningful
contributions to society. The Bheki Mlangeni Scholarship Programme is a shining
example of how education and memory can intersect to create lasting change.
As the programme continues to nurture the next generation of legal professionals, it ensures that the sacrifices of the past remain a powerful catalyst for progress. Through their work, scholarship recipients help to build a future that is fairer, more inclusive, and profoundly influenced by the life and legacy of Bhekisizwe Godfrey Mlangeni.
