Onika Mokoena obtained her law degree at the age of 19.
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From rural Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga to obtaining her law degree at the age of 19, Onika Mokoena celebrates a remarkable milestone as she graduates with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Johannesburg.
Her journey to this moment began when she entered university at the age of 15. Reflecting on her path to law, Mokoena explains that her passion for the profession stems from a deep desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
“I chose law – or rather, law chose me – because I see it as a powerful tool to bring justice and protect the vulnerable. I want to use my legal expertise to give strength to those who feel powerless, especially in moments where decisions can shift lives in an instant,” she said.
Graduating from the Faculty of Law at the UJ last month, currently ranked among the top law faculties in South Africa, is a milestone that Mokoena describes as empowering. “It feels incredibly empowering. It’s a validation that hard work, self-motivation and faith can turn big dreams into reality,” she shared.
For Mokoena and her family, the achievement carries special meaning. “This achievement means the world to me and my family. It shows that resilience and determination can overcome any obstacle. For my family, it’s proof that education can uplift an entire community and inspire many".
During her time at UJ, Mokoena actively participated in initiatives that shaped her development as a future legal professional. Among the highlights of her studies were her experiences in Moot Court and the UJ Law Clinic, which allowed her to apply legal principles in practical contexts.
“These experiences gave me insight into how to interpret and apply the law and understand how the world operates through a lawyer’s lens. They also helped me build confidence and grow both academically and personally,” she explained.
Outside the classroom, Mokoena also demonstrated leadership and commitment to student support. In 2024, she served as a Faculty Peer Mentor, guiding a group of ten students as they navigate and adjust to university life. She also served as a House Committee member under the Sports, Arts and Culture Officer at Impumelelo Ladies Residence, a role she describes as an experience she is proud to have been part of.
Like many students, Mokoena encountered challenges along the way. However, she credits her faith and determination for helping her overcome difficult moments. “I faced many challenges that sometimes overwhelmed me. But because I’m self-motivated and rely on my faith, I bounced back each time, turning setbacks into learning experiences and staying committed to my ambition".
She believes that being part of the UJ Law community played an important role in shaping her academic and personal growth. “The UJ Law community taught me the value of teamwork, ethical responsibility and relentless curiosity. It shaped me into a lawyer who prioritises justice and empathy, influencing both my academic excellence and personal character".
Looking ahead, Mokoena plans to gain practical experience in the legal profession while continuing to grow academically. “After graduation, I am seeking employment and articles, and I look forward to furthering my studies when the time is right,” she said.
For current and future UJ Law students, she offers words of encouragement drawn from her own journey. “Stay self-motivated and believe in your ability to make a difference. Use challenges as fuel for growth. Remember that law is about shielding the powerless and choosing justice even when systems are flawed. Dream big – God will fund it. With him, nothing is impossible".