The Bheki Mlangeni Scholarship Programme is more than a financial award. It is a living tribute to a young lawyer who gave his life in the struggle for justice, and a powerful opportunity for final-year LLB students who want to continue that struggle through the law.
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If you are a financially disadvantaged Black law student with a passion for constitutional values, labour rights, and social justice, this scholarship could change the course of your life — and the lives of many others you will one day serve.
Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Bheki Mlangeni Scholarship Programme |
| Year | 2026 |
| Field of Study | LLB (Final Year) |
| Target Group | Black, financially disadvantaged South African students |
| Key Focus Areas | Constitutional Law, Labour Law, Administrative Law |
| Universities | University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
| Closing Date | End of February 2026 |
| Sponsor | Cheadle Thompson & Haysom |
| Additional Opportunity | Possible vacation work programme |
Purpose of the Bheki Mlangeni Scholarship
The scholarship is intentionally values-driven. It exists to:
- Celebrate the life and legacy of Bheki Mlangeni
- Promote progressive legal education, particularly at Wits University
- Remind South Africans of the sacrifices made to secure democracy
- Strengthen commitment to constitutional principles
- Support students who will use the law to advance social justice
This is not just about academic excellence. It is about character, purpose, and responsibility.
About the Cheadle Thompson & Haysom (CTH)
Cheadle Thompson & Haysom is one of South Africa’s most respected public interest law firms. For decades, the firm has been at the forefront of:
- Constitutional litigation
- Labour law reform
- Administrative justice
- Human rights advocacy
CTH has played a central role in shaping post-apartheid South African jurisprudence. The firm’s decision to endow this scholarship reflects its ongoing commitment to transformation, access to justice, and ethical legal practice.
The scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Bheki Mlangeni, who was serving his articles at the firm when he was assassinated.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)
To be considered for the Bheki Mlangeni Scholarship Programme 2026, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be Black
- Be financially disadvantaged
- Be a final-year LLB student
- Be registered at:
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), or
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Have demonstrated academic excellence in:
- Constitutional Law, or
- Labour Law, or
- Administrative Law
- Show a clear commitment to social justice and public interest law
This scholarship is aimed at students who see law not only as a career, but as a calling.
Required Documents: What Your Application Must Include
Your application must be complete. Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.
You must submit:
- The name of the scholarship you are applying for
- A motivational letter explaining why you deserve the scholarship
- A detailed CV (must include your student number)
- Certified copy of your academic results
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Two letters of reference
- Contactable telephone number(s)
Important: Certification should be recent and clear.
How to Apply
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Submit your application by email
- University Coordinator: Wanda Ndlozi
- Email: wanda.ndlozi@wits.ac.za
- Deadline: End of February 2026
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Submit your application by email
- University Coordinator: Vernon Johannes
- Email: vjohannes@uwc.ac.za
- Deadline: End of February 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
Terms of the Bursary You Must Know
- The scholarship is awarded annually
- Only one deserving student is selected each year
- The recipient may be required to participate in a vacation work programme at CTH
- If you do not receive feedback, consider your application unsuccessful
- The decision of the selection panel is final
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice: How to Strengthen Your Application
At Edupstairs, we’ve seen what makes scholarship applications stand out. Here’s our advice:
- Tell your story honestly — background matters here
- Clearly link your academic interests to social justice
- Show how Bheki Mlangeni’s legacy inspires your career path
- Avoid generic motivation letters — be personal and specific
- Choose referees who truly know your work and values
- Submit early to avoid technical issues
Remember: this scholarship is about values as much as grades.
Career Growth Path After This Scholarship
Winning the Bheki Mlangeni Scholarship can open doors to:
- Vacation work at a top public interest law firm
- Articles of clerkship opportunities
- Careers in:
- Constitutional litigation
- Labour law practice
- Administrative justice
- Human rights organisations
- NGOs and public advocacy bodies
- Postgraduate studies (LLM) in public law fields
- Judicial clerkships
- Policy and legislative advisory roles
This scholarship places you firmly on the path of impact-driven legal practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this a bursary or a scholarship?
It is a scholarship, awarded based on merit, values, and financial need.
- Can first- or second-year students apply?
No. Only final-year LLB students are eligible.
- Is the scholarship available at other universities?
No. Only students at Wits and UWC may apply.
- Does it cover all study costs?
The value is determined by the sponsor and may vary. Confirm details with your university coordinator.
- Is vacation work compulsory?
It may be required if you are selected.
CLOSING DATE: 28 FEBRUARY 2026
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Disclaimer
- Edupstairs is not affiliated with Cheadle Thompson & Haysom, Wits, or UWC
- We do not select beneficiaries
- Always submit applications through official university channels
- Beware of scams — no one should charge you to apply
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