Rakgadi Phosa was admitted as an attorney in 2001 after six years in the public sector in which she held various management positions. In 2004 she joined Geldenhuys Lessing Malatji, a Tshwane-based law firm. Four years later she became a director of the company.
Phosa has a BProc degree from the University of Limpopo, formerly known as Turfloop. Specialising in personal injury claims and general litigation, she is also a member of the Cyberlaw Association and the South African Women Lawyers’ Association.
She was announced the winner in the 2010 legal category of the Most Influential Women in Business and Government awards, joining the ranks of previous winners, including Wendy Ackerman, Zarina Bassa, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Dr Olive Shisana, Professor Elaine Vlok and Gail Curtis.
Age: I am in my late 30s.
How do you earn a living? I am an attorney with the law firm Geldenhuys Lessing Malatji Incorporated in Groenkloof, Pretoria.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Seshego, a township just outside Polokwane in Limpopo.
Which primary school did you attend? I started primary schooling at Lotanang Primary in 1976 and, in 1978, I went to Fatima, a Catholic school.
Secondary School? Motse Maria High School in 1985, also a Catholic school; thereafter, in 1988, I went to Malebo Senior Secondary School in Rebone Township, near Ellisras, where I completed matric in 1989.
And tertiary education? I studied for my BProc degree at the then-University of the North (Turfloop), now called the University of Limpopo, between 1990 and 1994. In 1995, I worked at Lawyers for Human Rights as an intern.
In 1996 I went to law school and registered for my articles of clerkship for two years. In the latter part of 1998 I started working in the public sector.
Any favourite teachers? Yes, too many to count. All my teachers played different and distinct roles in my life. But there was one, Meneer Setumo, who taught me history in Malebo. He was the youngest and a university graduate. He always encouraged us to study hard and go to university. Most students could easily relate to him and discuss various issues with him.
Why were you so fond of them? Because the values they instilled in me influenced how I built and shaped my integrity as a person. Today I am a proud and respectable lawyer and have recently won a prestigious award.
How did they influence you?
All my teachers played different roles. The cumulative result is that they taught me to strive for excellence; they instilled core values such as respect, integrity, empathy, love for one’s environment and the people around one; truth and service towards others.
Are you still in touch with them?
The only teacher I still keep in touch with is a Ms Lephondo. A great woman who, through the years, became my “adoptive aunt”. She is still a part of my life.
What were your favourite subjects and why? History and English. I have always enjoyed reading and was very curious and still am, so research has always been a great part of me. History taught me how to do research because I always wanted to know more about the people I studied.
In your view what are the qualities of a good teacher? A good teacher is one who stands out as a role model to his or her learners. (S)he has a caring attitude, must love the job, be prepared at all times and be knowledgeable in broad areas. A good teacher must be creative to make the learning environment attractive and exciting. (S)he must be prepared to help the learners at all times.
What are the things a teacher should never do or say? A teacher should not act out of conduct in public and must never say anything to undermine the confidence and self-esteem of the learner.
What message do you have for teachers in South Africa?
They must put the education of our children first. They must always remember that they are the foundation of the future leaders of this country. A house which has been built without a proper foundation will collapse; so teachers must ensure that their learners get the best foundation ever for the betterment of all South Africans.