On 15 September 2025, the University of South Africa (UNISA), in collaboration with the Society for Legal Excellence, hosted a career fair in Pretoria where law students met the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other key institutions. The event, themed “Beyond the Bar: Legal Careers in Public Service”, aimed to show why public service matters by emphasizing diverse legal career paths. Students learned how they could pursue opportunities rooted in justice, rights, and community service, rather than limiting their ambitions to private practice or courtroom appearances.
Their Story
Advocate Nditwani Mutangwa led the NPA delegation, which showcased its wide range of career opportunities, including the Aspirant Prosecutor Programme that grooms future prosecutors for public service. The NPA’s presence carried a strong message: public service careers are vital to South Africa’s legal landscape and remain open to committed young professionals who want to make a difference.
The Event/Occasion
The fair was hosted by UNISA in partnership with the Society for Legal Excellence. It brought together an impressive network of stakeholders including the Hawks, the Companies Tribunal, the Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid, the Department of Labour, and Lawyers for Human Rights.
Exhibition tables, interactive discussions, and mentoring sessions gave students a rare opportunity to hear directly from institutions shaping justice and governance. For the NPA, it was a chance to demystify its work and show opportunities for graduates eager to build careers in the service of justice.
Community Reactions
Students welcomed the exposure to diverse legal career paths. Many said the fair expanded their understanding of the profession, showing that law is not only about litigation but also about defending human rights, advancing justice, and supporting communities.
For the NPA and its partners, the positive response reaffirmed the importance of engaging directly with students, ensuring the next generation of lawyers sees public service as a path of purpose and pride.
