"The law regulates how people coexist within a society, and legal experts play an important role in that system. We need more people who will philosophise about the law and what it can achieve," he believes.

Now in his fourth year, Thembalethu has found his passion, which lies with human rights, social justice and constitutional law.

"I thought that I had chosen law, but now it seems that law has chosen me," he says.

The highlight of his time at SU thus far has been working with Prof Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector of South Africa and the Law Trust Chair in Social Justice at SU’s Faculty of Law. Prof Madonsela conducts and coordinates social justice research and teaches constitutional and administrative law.

"It’s been the greatest honour (working with her). I’ve learnt so much. She taught me the value of ubuntu, appreciating your good fortune and using your influence to add value to humanity."

During this time, Thembalethu has been involved in campaigns such as #DearPresidents and #Action4Inclusion.

#DearPresidents ran during the election in 2019 and gave young people the opportunity to tell the leaders of the various political parties what they would like to see change in their communities and what their ideal world would look like.

The purpose of #Action4Inclusion, a collaboration between the Social Justice Chair and the Student Representative Council, is to raise money to pay student fees – a very topical issue.

"Education allows people to free their potential and break the cycle of poverty," Thembalethu emphasises.

He has learned important lessons about social justice over the years.

"Don’t go with what’s trending. Find a social injustice, even if people are not talking about it. If you’ve identified it and you’re willing to work for it, do it. Sometimes people don’t see your vision, but at a certain point, they will have to get onboard because social injustice affects all of us."

Stella Foundation

Originally from Uitenhage, Thembalethu was one of the first recipients of the Ciucci bursary awarded by the Stella Foundation. The objective of the Ciucci bursaries is to enable underprivileged students to obtain an outstanding academic qualification that will eventually lead to them making a positive contribution to society and the country in general. The founders of the Stella Foundation, Giuseppe and Kathleen Ciucci, are both alumni of Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Law.

He is extremely grateful for this bursary, which has, as he describes it, “liberated” him, offered him financial security and allowed him to be prosperous in creativity.

To pay it forward, Tembalethu celebrated his 21^st birthday in December by compiling a book consisting of life lessons for young people, 21 Life Lessons @ 21. He approached 21 successful people he admires to share one life lesson or insight they wish they’d known at 21.

Prof Madonsela, Kathleen Ciucci, Prof Wim de Villiers (Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU), Zelda la Grange (former private secretary to President Nelson Mandela), Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng (Vice-Chancellor of UCT) and Thembalethu’s father Sithembiso Welcome Seyisi all feature in the book.

"Over the past few years, I’ve been immensely privileged to have been inspired and mentored by exceptional South African women and men. I wanted other young people to also experience the love, grace and inspiration I have benefited from. My wish is that this book will encourage readers to provide a lifeline to those who are still suffocated by inequality and injustice."