HE was a court orderly by day and law student by night. Now Sedirwa Osupile, 51, is reaping the fruits of the 10 years he spent burning the midnight oil.
He was recently admitted as an advocate after completing his law degree with North West University.
"I worked a standard 8am to 4pm shift, which gave me ample time to attend to my studies until 10pm every night," said Osupile.
"North West University was a stone's throw away from my workplace and watching the court proceedings inspired me to become a lawyer," Osupile said.
While studying part-time, he also managed to move up the ranks until he became a detective in the child protection unit. "That was my launching pad for taking up legal studies, as I had also developed a passion to study law," he said.
Strangely, advocate Osupile continues to work as a warrant officer at Makgobistad police station, 60km outside Mahikeng.
"Being posted to serve in the courts broadened my horizons to study law," he said.
"I am grateful to my employer for encouraging all of the members to study. As a court orderly I escorted the judge from his chamber into court. I also aspired to command the same respect, hence I sought to improve my qualifications and enhance my career prospects."
Osupile said while working in the child protection unit he used to collect evidence and this further fuelled his desire to study law.
"If you want something badly, you have to be determined and focused until you achieve it. I wanted to dispel the perception that police officers are book phobic."
Inspired by his father, Osupile's son, 23-year-old Kagiso, has also completed an electrical engineering degree and is currently working as an intern. mahlanguba@sowetan.co.za
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
Court orderly now a revered advocate - court by day, student at night
HE was a court orderly by day and law student by night. Now Sedirwa Osupile, 51, is reaping the fruits of the 10 years he spent burning the midnight oil.
He was recently admitted as an advocate after completing his law degree with North West University.
"I worked a standard 8am to 4pm shift, which gave me ample time to attend to my studies until 10pm every night," said Osupile.
"North West University was a stone's throw away from my workplace and watching the court proceedings inspired me to become a lawyer," Osupile said.
While studying part-time, he also managed to move up the ranks until he became a detective in the child protection unit. "That was my launching pad for taking up legal studies, as I had also developed a passion to study law," he said.
Strangely, advocate Osupile continues to work as a warrant officer at Makgobistad police station, 60km outside Mahikeng.
"Being posted to serve in the courts broadened my horizons to study law," he said.
"I am grateful to my employer for encouraging all of the members to study. As a court orderly I escorted the judge from his chamber into court. I also aspired to command the same respect, hence I sought to improve my qualifications and enhance my career prospects."
Osupile said while working in the child protection unit he used to collect evidence and this further fuelled his desire to study law.
"If you want something badly, you have to be determined and focused until you achieve it. I wanted to dispel the perception that police officers are book phobic."
Inspired by his father, Osupile's son, 23-year-old Kagiso, has also completed an electrical engineering degree and is currently working as an intern. mahlanguba@sowetan.co.za
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
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