Katlego: From classroom to courtroom through steadfast resilience.

A familiar face in Lejweleputswa schools, Katlego Shuping has closed one chapter in education to begin another in the legal field. He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA), a triumph built on years of sacrifice and determination.

Katlego registered at UNISA in 2016 as a self-funded student. “I worked in retail and later at a petrol station, often both day and night shifts, to pay for my studies. I never once considered giving up,” he says.

For the past four years, Katlego served as an Education Change Agent for the Department of Basic Education in the Lejweleputswa district.

Starting at Lephola Secondary and Seabo Primary, he provided one-on-one support to vulnerable learners, linking them with social workers and essential resources.

He served at Circuit 2 schools, including THS Welkom, Reitz Park Primary, and Unitas. Known for initiatives beyond his job description, Katlego introduced life skills education and organised events such as Girl Empowerment and Mjita2Mjita.

He addressed social issues like rape, abuse, teen pregnancy, and school dropout.

He is a passionate debate coach. Katlego guided THS Welkom to three national and two provincial debate victories in 2023, earning Coach of the Year award.

In 2024, his Unitas Secondary team won the Best Applicant Essay in the National Schools Moot Court, while one of his learners claimed first place nationally.

Katlego now embarks on a new journey with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Deve-lopment in the Northern Cape, carrying forward his commitment to empowering others.