- Chigo Mabila graduated with a master’s degree in Procedural Law from the University of Pretoria after previously earning her LLB from the institution in 2020.
- Mabila leads and supports pro bono legal initiatives across several African countries, focusing on access to justice, domestic violence support and human rights litigation.
- She says the law can change lives when it is applied with integrity, courage and compassion.
For Chigo Mabila, the law is more than a profession. It is a tool for restoring dignity, protecting rights and creating meaningful social change.
The University of Pretoria graduate is using her legal expertise to support vulnerable communities across Africa through pro bono legal work that addresses some of the continent’s most pressing human rights challenges.
Mabila was among more than 13 221 students who graduated during the University of Pretoria’s Autumn Graduation season. She received her master’s degree in Procedural Law on 13 May 2026, adding to the Bachelor of Laws degree she obtained from the university in 2020.
Now serving as Pro Bono Associate for Africa at multinational law firm DLA Piper’s Johannesburg office, Mabila leads and supports access to justice programmes across Zambia, Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria. Her work includes constitutional litigation, domestic violence support initiatives and legal matters involving women who were subjected to forced or coerced sterilisation in public healthcare facilities.
Although she originally hoped to become a prosecutor, her career took a different path after completing her undergraduate studies. She entered the corporate legal sector, a move she now regards as an important part of her professional development.
“I am glad I went into corporate law,” Mabila says, “It gave me a strong foundation as a young lawyer. However, over time, I realised that the work that moved me most was always the work connected to people, especially individuals who could not easily access quality legal assistance or navigate complex systems on their own.”
That insight ultimately shaped her career direction and strengthened her commitment to social impact work. Through her role at DLA Piper, she now coordinates pro bono legal programmes and partnerships designed to improve access to justice for disadvantaged communities throughout Africa.
Justice beyond the courtroom
Mabila says earning her master’s degree represents more than academic success. It also reflects perseverance while balancing demanding legal work across multiple countries and jurisdictions.
“Procedural law sits at the centre of whether justice becomes practical and accessible or remains theoretical,” she says. “This qualification has reinforced my commitment to using the law not only effectively but also compassionately.”
Her experience has exposed her to the barriers many people face when seeking justice. These include the cost of legal representation, limited legal awareness and navigating complex legal systems.
“Access to justice is not only about courts or legislation. It is also about information, dignity, language accessibility, emotional support and ensuring that institutions treat people with humanity.”
One of the most significant matters she worked on involved litigation concerning approximately 180 000 Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders in South Africa.
“That case reinforced for me that legal decisions are never abstract,” Mabila says. “Behind every case are real people whose futures, livelihoods and sense of belonging are directly affected by the outcome.”
She has also been involved in litigation concerning women who were subjected to forced or coerced sterilisation in public healthcare facilities.
“Many of the women affected carried these experiences in silence for years,” she says. “Working alongside survivors reinforced the importance of accountability, informed consent and ensuring that women are treated with dignity within healthcare systems.”
Supporting survivors through practical assistance
Beyond litigation, Mabila helped establish a domestic violence helpdesk at Booysens Magistrates’ Court in Oakdene, south of Johannesburg. She describes the initiative as her dream project because it provides direct assistance to survivors entering the legal system during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“The gap we identified was that many survivors felt unsupported and unsure of how to access existing legal remedies effectively,” she says. “Many people simply need guidance, emotional support and someone who will listen.”
Mabila believes emotional resilience is essential for people working in social justice environments. She argues that sustainable advocacy depends not only on professional dedication but also on strong support systems and personal well-being.
Looking back on her years at the University of Pretoria, she credits the institution with strengthening her critical thinking skills and deepening her understanding of the broader social impact of law.
“My time at UP challenged me to think more critically and approach legal issues with greater nuance,” she says. “The journey reinforced resilience, humility and the importance of remaining grounded in purpose.”
As she celebrates her latest academic achievement, Mabila hopes her journey will inspire young African professionals, especially women, to pursue careers that combine professional excellence with public service.
“Careers do not always follow a straight line,” she says. “I hope people see that the law has the power to change lives when it is used with integrity, courage and compassion.”
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