Advocate Philip Dlamini, the 71-year-old lawyer who represented controversial prophet Paseka Mboro Motsoeneng of Incredible Happenings church, said he is not affected by naysayers. The legal expert is a former bus driver who fought his way to enter university with only a Grade 8 qualification.
His mantra of not listening to outside voices helped Dlamini go back to school to obtain his LLB degree from the University of Limpopo at the age of 68.
He told Sunday World that he had to fight for his education because most universities rejected him with his Grade 8.
Entered university at 68, with only a Grade 8
“I wrote my own court documents against the University of Limpopo and challenged them. And I discovered that the registrar’s rejection of my application was due to their lack of awareness. They weren’t aware of certain legal clauses that permitted me to pursue my education. I went to university with my Grade 8,” he stated.
He further shared that he went to school with children young enough to be his grandchildren. And they taught him a lot about life.
“It was an interesting phase of my life. I got to learn some things and shared as much wisdom as I could. Because I had lived experiences of most things,” he shared.
According to Dlamini, he started his degree in 2016. And he finished his degree on record time, and his new life as a lawyer began.
“In 2022 I was admitted as an advocate of the High Court. As a former military veteran, I was supposed to be supported by the government, but they did not. Only small black firms agreed to take me because they have confidence in me,” he added.
Forgetful due to age, but recordings help
He said due to his age, he is forgetful. However, recording things on his notes helps.
The Zola-born advocate from Soweto, said he is aware of the negative comments that have been made about him. However, he does not focus on it.
“Let those who want to criticise, criticise. But that should never stop you from doing what you want to do. If you listen to criticism, there is nothing you can achieve. Did you see the TikTok and Facebook comments about me? I have been criticised! But I remembered that there are those who encouraged me, who always have faith in me. I had to make sure that I do not disappoint them, I focused, did more research and prepared,” he said.
Inspiration to many young ones
“Different law firms approach me when they need someone to deal with certain specialty. With the Mboro case I was briefed by Bukhosi firm of attorneys. And I did what they wanted me to do.”
Even if I were to die right now, at least I know I do not go to the grave withholding any information with me. I shared all I know with the young ones.
“Most children were inspired by me, they said if an old man like me can do it, what would stop them? and they went after their dreams.”
Wow, what an inspiration ntate Dlamini, you are a real example of good perseverance and focusing on what you want rather than what discourages. Keep up the excellent leadership
Thank you my leader, highly appreciated.
You are very inspirational, a very important person in the legal industry
“Age is just a Number” 👊🤛💪👌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Advocate I am humbled and inspired at the same time. Education is one of the critical options we have to genuinely liberate and economically empower ourselves. Forward with Education
Yes my leader, Gibson Kente, prayed for children to go to school. Education is an answer to our suffering.
Yes my brother that’s true such words really do encourage people like me
You are such an inspiration, I admire your perseverance.You are a living proof that nothing is impossible.
Advocate there is no cure, or vaccine for jealousy you are a good example to many young and old people,some of those who criticize you they dont even have matric or if they do have then they dont qualify for university admissions so their jealousy is higher than the mountain,please keep inspiring our youth education is the key no matter the age
It is a duty for the old to transfer knowledge, skills and experience to the next generation, just like the generation before us transferred knowledge, skill to my generation. It is a crime to die without transferring that knowledge to the next generation’s.
I’m humbled by your inspiration hope and pray for you that God bless you with more days of your life so that many people who want to restart their life could humbley do so, I’m really inspired to reach to PhD level through your inspiration
Future is for the brave and daring. Nothing stops a determined person more specially females. I learned from my mother, she kept me alive when I was dying and gave me hope.
Keep up the good job mdala
Inspired and motivated. I’m 56 and planning to go back to varsity.
Keep inspiring them
God is great
Don’t postpone do now while you still healthy my leader. Fear not focus on what you want to achieve, failure is part of the game, focus on the end result.
Well done advocate trust your instinct
He is a true sign that indeed God helps those who help themselves , what a role model of the saying that goes..”nothing is impossible if you dedicate your efforts to it”
Wonderful guide. I am an Adv of the High Court who also got admitted to University on age exemption. I am 62 years old now and holder of three degrees; B.A, LLB and MPhil. I currently do legal research on land matters.
Am humbled with this true story
I am inspired I’ve registered at 50 I want to fight to finish at record time
Those who criticize surely they never went to school. The do that because they think it is impossible.
A lot will be so motivated. They may NOT respond or tell now BUT they will also tell their story
Remain blessed
Yours is a beautiful story Adv. Phillip Dlamini. We wrote Pupillage Examinations together at the Emperor’s Palace in April 2022. You were only writing one or two exams.
I was fascinated by your enthusiasm and experience, particularly the legal work you did in the Unions prior to your admission.
Also, I was at High Court Johannesburg the day you were admitted. We did not see each other as had an appearance.
I loved the entourage of community members who accompanied you in taxis.
Wish you a successful practice and health.
You are a truly phenomenal person!
Thank you my leader, highly appreciated
Not everyone is fortunate to have parents who can afford to send their kids to university. I can identify with you. Doing things on our own against all odds not only gives us an education but character and contextual depth. Wishing you everything of the best Counsel , and may you grow beyond any expectation.
Manoj Hardeo
Director MHA
If you’re not inspired as a person by bab Dhlamini’s story ,nothing will inspire you.A giant that walked our planet during our lifetime.we are truely blessed to human beings like you.God bless Africa…
God bless you baba uDhlamini..
God bless you
It is impossible if you do not try. Give it a try and persist like the old man I watched on TV. What an inspiration to the young people?
A real inspiration indeed. Keep up the GOOD JOB Advocate.
Greetings to you Baba Dlamini and you have a great sense of humor and you have touched so many people and please share your contacts so that we can consult for legal assistance or appointments.
Well done Advocate that’s my wish I believe it will be a reality at some point you are a true inspiration
You are made of sterner Stuff Adv. Dlamini. I don’t feel alone after also obtaining LLB in record time at age 59 and enjoyed studying to inspire my children. I am so motivated that I am currently completing LLM in Multidisciplinary Human Rights and aiming towards LLD before I reach 70. Thanks uBaba Dlamini for your inspiration and motivation.