THE faculty of law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal has launched the first integrity pledge for first year students.
This week students signed the pledge committing to act with integrity during their time of study and later, as working professionals and alumni of the university.
More than 250 students who signed the pledge received a copy of the constitution, donated by the Department of Justice.
A first year student, Sithokozile Sikhosana, from Harding on the South Coast, said she was overwhelmed by the gesture to ensure that students understand what they get into.
Sikhosana, 18, said her introduction to the legal fraternity has been amazing.
"We mingled with well respected people in the law society and that was encouraging," she said.
The aspirant lawyer said she chose to pursue her studies in law after watching a silly movie that had "marvelous" lawyers who were fighting for justice.
"And with this pledge I want to do exactly that."
Senior faculty of law academic and constitutional law expert Professor Karthy Govender mooted the idea with the aim to foster a culture of respect among students.
He said students must understand and appreciate the opportunity afforded them by South Africans.
"With the many challenges South Africa faces, the government has recognised the role played by the legal fraternity and has invested greatly in law studies," he said.
Govender said the future generation of lawyers have a responsibility to protect the values of South Africa's constitution.
Students pledge for justice
THE faculty of law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal has launched the first integrity pledge for first year students.
This week students signed the pledge committing to act with integrity during their time of study and later, as working professionals and alumni of the university.
More than 250 students who signed the pledge received a copy of the constitution, donated by the Department of Justice.
A first year student, Sithokozile Sikhosana, from Harding on the South Coast, said she was overwhelmed by the gesture to ensure that students understand what they get into.
Sikhosana, 18, said her introduction to the legal fraternity has been amazing.
"We mingled with well respected people in the law society and that was encouraging," she said.
The aspirant lawyer said she chose to pursue her studies in law after watching a silly movie that had "marvelous" lawyers who were fighting for justice.
"And with this pledge I want to do exactly that."
Senior faculty of law academic and constitutional law expert Professor Karthy Govender mooted the idea with the aim to foster a culture of respect among students.
He said students must understand and appreciate the opportunity afforded them by South Africans.
"With the many challenges South Africa faces, the government has recognised the role played by the legal fraternity and has invested greatly in law studies," he said.
Govender said the future generation of lawyers have a responsibility to protect the values of South Africa's constitution.