Written by Tlou Lekgau
‘You empower other not by showing them your strength, but by helping them uncover their own.’
– unknown author
SWCM NPC has greatly shown that empowering its mentees is not about leading, rather reminding them that they were always powerful. On the 6th of April 2025, we indulged in the journey of our becoming, celebrating the heart of SWCM NPC as a movement that prides itself with making legal profession to aspirant legal professions, particularly mentees of 2024/25.
It was not merely a celebration, but an intimate space anchored by a circle of care that grounded many mentees to engage their livelihoods in accordance with the legal profession. It was structured intimately to feature the emotional impact with unfiltered storytelling – from the devastating state the program found us to the aspirant legal professions we learnt to become. This was impact, and impact is an honour. One mentee reflected teary ‘before the program I was in a dark place, I felt like I had no direction. My mental health was not at its greatest. But SWCM reminded me that I am not alone, that I still have a chance and my voice matters. Another spoke of the GBV crises faced by South Africa highlighting the essence of networking, by virtue of SWCM NPC, that meeting people willing to support together with SWCM NPC team. They showed her that she is far more valuable than what has happened to her – she speaks with great humility. These are not anomalies, rather a reflection of what could happen by virtue of impact. Impact caters; it reflects humility, ‘I am because you are’.
The abovementioned serves as the testimonials that life is a journey not a destination. This was emphasized deeply by one of the key speakers, Molebatsi Nthati. She explained the turmoil that life places at your feet, but you must remember that everything you need is within you and that delay is not denial. Her words affirmed the legal journeys we were to further embark on, cementing that resilience is becoming. Her profound words with SWCM NPC team, showered us with the grace of being mentored during uncertainty, but beyond mentoring we celebrated a community that grounded and affirmed us to truly see our purpose.
Additionally, the mentees feasted with hearty thanksgiving and honouring the founders of the mentorship. The theme emerged to celebrate a legacy – offering yourself to nurture and afford exposure to liberate. Subsequently, to celebrate movement – the reflection of being progressive. As the second guest speaker, Advocate Mcineka Andile, continued to celebrate the end of a chapter. He anchored the graduating class with affirmative words showing the witty side of hard work. In our graduation gowns, he handed us our SWCM NPC certificates. Greatly significant, symbolising not just a celebration of the milestone, but the yet to be attained dream. Affirming that one day we could have his legal professional title – the handing of certificates simply enhanced the act of becoming. As we wore graduation gowns, we were celebrated with wittiness. Their care and attention to details honoured us with an appreciative gift that ushered our hearts with warmth. It is such grace that makes one have a burning desire to render themselves to the program post-mentorship. The enrichment, unity, care, support, knowledge and community we received is beyond oneself. It is such selflessness that makes SWCM NPC a brand we stand for as SWCM NPC Alumni.
The graduation is not the end – but a promise. One to continue creating spaces where others feel seen, kept, held, and empowered. It is a promise to honour each journey, irrespective of the challenges that might brew. To give willingly and diligently with all our might because once upon a time, SWCM NPC took us and showed us that the future is not a place we are headed but one we are creating and the path to it changes the maker and destination.
