WSU STREET LAW PROGRAMME BRINGS LEGAL AWARENESS TO VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES

In line with WSU’s mission of combining academic excellence with meaningful community engagement, the School of Law has demonstrated its commitment to social justice through the Street Law programme.

The Bachelor of Laws final year students visited Nyangilizwe Senior Secondary School, Ntaphane Junior Secondary School, Zamukulungisa High School, Efata School for the Blind and Deaf, and the Qumbu Juvenile facility to bring practical knowledge of the law to learners often excluded from such opportunities.

Bachelor of Laws final year student, Kamva Mbangata, said: “The purpose of the Street Law programme is to democratise the law by breaking down its complex nature into simple, accessible terms. We want to show people that the law is not just about courtrooms, but about how it governs our daily lives, our conduct and our rights.”

The initiative focuses on educating young people and vulnerable groups about their rights and responsibilities. 

“By equipping learners with legal knowledge at a young age, we help nurture future leaders who understand justice and are ready to implement fair practices in society,” said Mbangata.

Mbangata further said during the school visits, they uncovered challenges such as unregistered births, overcrowded classrooms, substance abuse and strained teacher-learner relationships.

He said special schools highlighted further issues, including discrimination and barriers to accessing public services.

“Street Law helps learners realise that these challenges are not just unfortunate realities, but legal violations that can and should be addressed. We want people to stop seeing the law as an intimidating barrier, instead, it should be a tool that helps them defend their dignity and improve their lives,” added Mbangata.

Mbangata said the programme plans to host a talk show featuring legal practitioners who will share their journeys with learners. The event will also double as a career expo, inspiring students to consider law as a path for addressing the challenges they face.

By Anita Roji