Elmon Tshikhudo
Becoming a lawyer has been a lifelong dream for Limpopo attorney Terrance Maluleke.
Maluleke has just made history by winning a landmark case for learners who wanted to return to school to sit their matric again. (See “Limpopo Court throws failed matriculants a lifeline”)
The case happened at lightning speed. The parents turned up last Friday at his office at Mvundlela & Associates Attorneys Incorporated.
On Saturday he was in court, launching an urgent application against the department of education.
On Sunday the ruling was out, setting a precedent that will change the fortunes of learners across the country.
Maluleke did the case for free.
Born 32 years ago in the rural Homu 14A in Giyani, Limpopo, Maluleke participated in many school activities including drama.
When he moved to Mafumani Secondary School in the village he developed a love for debates – and a growing passion to be a lawyer.
Maluleke passed his matric in 2006 with an exemption, and went on to the University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus in 2008 where he registered for an LLB degree.
“After completing my degree, I wanted to register and attend School for Legal Practice which I could not do due to my poor financial background. I was fortunate enough that in March 2013, I was appointed candidate attorney by Chabalala & Mthomebni Attorneys at Giyani where I served my articles for nine months,” he said.
He was admitted as an attorney of the high court of South Africa in June 2015 and is presently an associate in the firm and a supervisory attorney in the department of civil litigation.
About his latest achievement, Maluleke said he has represented many clients with no resources on behalf of Legal Aid South Africa.
“I have dealt with a lot of civil and criminal matters. I have a passion for civil and criminal litigation and I enjoy motion proceedings in that it is quick and convenient.”
Maluleke said the matic case was a victory for disadvantaged learners and that it would benefit many learners who are in the same predicament.
He said his firm did the case free of charge after realising that the learners’ rights were being trampled on.
