Danica Jonker, 25, is a candidate attorney at Webber Wentzel. She is completing her practical vocational training as part of the process of becoming an admitted attorney of the high court. Her daily duties involve drafting legal documents and correspondence; attending court; meeting clients; training and doing legal research.
In addition, Danica is the secretary general of the Webber Wentzel Leadership Network, an organisation that aims to inspire and educate future leaders. While at university, she was on the student community service committee, helping to rebuild a small primary school in Ikageng, a township in Potchefstroom. “It opened my eyes to the problems that South Africa is still facing, and will continue to face, if we do not all start to make a change,” she says. The fact that she is making a difference motivates her to continue.
One of the biggest challenges she has faced was being unable to pay for her studies at the end of her first degree. To overcome this, Danica started her own business, selling study notes and tutoring students, and working as a marker and tutor. “This was a time where my dreams seemed to be out of reach, but when I looked back, I realised I had learned many valuable skills from such a hard time,” she says.
During my time in university, I formed part of my residence’s Student RAG Community Service committee, where we rebuilt a small primary school in Ikageng, a township in Potchefstroom, in 2019. It opened my eyes to the problems that South Africa is still facing, and will continue to face, if we do not all start to make a change. Once I joined Webber Wentzel, I knew that I had a bigger platform and more resources to make a bigger change.
One project that I am proud and excited about is a run that we are organising to raise funds for St Anne’s, a womens’ shelter in Cape Town. This project will bring everyone in the firm together to run for a cause and make a change in the lives of others.
My parents. Their work ethic and determination to never give up inspires me daily.