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Black Lawyers’ Association Student Chapter established at SU

A branch of the Black Lawyers’ Association Student Chapter (BLASC) was recently established at Stellenbosch University (SU), with the hopes of assisting new law students to adapt to law school and university life at SU.

The SU branch, which was initiated on 5 September, aims to be an academic society with a strong developmental focus on all law students in particular, and SU students at large, said Bradley Frolick, SU BLASC chairperson.

“The BLASC is the student wing of the national Black Lawyers’ Association, which was formed in 1977 to promote the representation of black people and women,” said  Frolick.

Bradley Frolick is the chairperson of BLASC Stellenbosch, and is in his final year of his postgraduate in LLB. PHOTO: Instagram/@blasc_stellenbosch

According to Frolick, other objectives of the society include providing a mentorship programme to members alongside academic discussions and motivational talks.

“BLASC has registered as a student society, and the Faculty of Law will therefore support the BLASC — as is the case with other student societies on campus and in the faculty that seek to benefit our students,” said professor Nicola Smit, dean of SU’s Faculty of Law.

The Old Main Building houses the SU Faculty of Law. “To the best of my knowledge, the Black Lawyers Association established Student Chapters in 2010 and most South African law faculties now have such a BLA Student Chapter,” said professor Nicola Smit, the dean of SU’s Faculty of Law. PHOTO: Supplied/Stellenbosch University

BLASC is administered by a National Executive Committee (NEC) , according to Frolick. The NEC is elected by representatives of all university branches of BLASC, said Frolick.

The NEC, which is led by Nompumelelo Khaba, provides strategic direction and administers the assets of BLASC, he said.

“The current executive committee was developed by a group of students who identified the importance of the society within our faculty and thus serves as a branch task committee,” said Zandile Tabata, BLASC Stellenbosch’s media and publicity officer.

The executive committee comprises of students in different years of their studies, Tabata said. As the society grows, the aim will be to encourage prospective members to occupy executive positions in order to benefit from the growth of the society on campus, she said.

“We invite all students and staff to join our branch as members. Students who study law or aspire to be law students will particularly benefit from our society’s endeavours,” said Frolick.

“The society aims to amplify the voices of many and shine a light on the importance of inclusivity within the faculty, campus, as well as the law profession,” said Zandile Tabata, a second-year LLB student, and BLASC Stellenbosch’s media and publicity officer. PHOTO: Instagram/@blasc_stellenbosch


According to Tabata, the society welcomes students of all backgrounds and does not discriminate on race, sex, religion and political belief.

“We therefore look forward to engaging with the BLASC executive committee and student members going forward,” said Smit.