At ALPA, we provide the tools, resources, and support necessary for legal professionals to excel and drive positive change across Africa.
Fostering Collaboration
We believe in the power of working together. ALPA brings together diverse legal minds to collaborate on common goals and drive impactful change.
Promoting Justice and Equality
Our commitment to justice, equality, and equity is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring a fair and just legal system for all.
Contact Us
We invite all legal professionals who share our commitment to justice, equality, and excellence to join us. As a member of ALPA, you will have access to a wealth of resources, support, and opportunities to enhance your career and make a meaningful impact in your community. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for Africa.
About Us
Who We Are
The African Legal Professionals Association (ALPA) is a vibrant and inclusive organization committed to uniting legal professionals across South Africa. Our membership includes a diverse group of lawyers, judges, legal scholars, and other legal professionals dedicated to advancing justice, equality, and equity on the continent. We believe that by supporting and empowering our members, we can contribute to a more just and equitable society. ALPA was established in March 2024 but formally launched on 22 June 2024 in Durban
Our Vision
We envision a transformed legal landscape in Africa, where justice, equality, and equity reign supreme, and legal professionals work collaboratively to deliver excellence and value to society. Our vision is rooted in the belief that a strong, united legal community can be a powerful force for good, driving positive change and fostering a more just and equitable world.
Our Mission
At ALPA, our mission is to empower legal professionals to drive positive change, promote justice, equality, and equity, and foster a united and inclusive legal community in South Africa. We are dedicated to providing our members with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to excel in their careers and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Our Services
Professional Development
We provide training, resources, and networking opportunities to help legal professionals enhance their skills and advance their careers through workshops, seminars, conferences, and mentorship programs.
Advocacy
We advocate for policies and practices that promote justice, equality, and equity in the legal system. Our efforts ensure that the voices of our members are heard by policymakers, legal institutions, and other stakeholders.
Community Engagement
We engage with communities to raise awareness about legal issues and promote access to justice. Our outreach programs and public education initiatives empower individuals and communities with essential legal knowledge.
Research and Innovation
We support research and innovation in the legal field to address emerging challenges and opportunities. Collaborating with academic institutions and research organizations, we conduct studies and develop new tools and resources.
Networking Opportunities
We create networking opportunities for legal professionals to connect, collaborate, and share best practices. Our events and platforms foster professional relationships and support a united legal community.
Legal Resources
We offer a wealth of legal resources, including publications, case studies, and legal tools, to support our members in their practice and professional development. Our resources are designed to keep members informed and equipped.
The Executive & Sub-committee members
Sthembiso Mbhele
ChairpersonEmail: sthembiso.mbhele@alpa.org.za
Sthembiso Mbhele is a legal practitioner and director of Sthembiso Mbele & Associates Inc, a Durban based law firm. He holds a B Proc, LLM Business Law and a Master of Business Administration degree. His experience in the legal and corporate sector includes local government, corporate governance, labour, compliance and business management. He also offers extensive legal support to company boards and shareholders emanating on commercial transactions. Mr Mbhele presides on number of boards and tribunals both provincially and nationally.
Mr. Mhlanga is an admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa and a Conveyancer. He is the Managing Director of Mhlanga Inc, a Durban-based law firm. He holds an LLB degree and a Masters Degree (LLM) in Maritime Law. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner, registered with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). With over two decades in the legal profession, he has extensive experience and has held various leadership roles, including serving as a member of various bodies including the Association for Fraud Examiners; the Executive Board of Durban Youth Radio Station; the Municipal Bid Appeals Tribunal as a Deputy Chairperson; the KZN Law Society as the Attorneys' Board Examinations Examiner; and the DOJ as an acting Judge in the Labour Courts of South Africa.
Thina-Ma-Africa Mpumlwana
TreasurerEmail: thina.mpumlwana@alpa.org.za
Thina-Ma-Africa Mpumlwana is an admitted Attorney of the High Court. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Compliance Management and Master of Business Administration (MBA). She is a practicing Attorney and a qualified Compliance officer who is currently occupying the position of a managing director of T Mpumlwana & Associates, a Durban based law firm. Aside from her legal experience, she has served as a trade union representative. Her areas of interest are civil litigation, constitutional and administrative law, corporate law and family law.
Phumla Manzi-Ntshingila is an Admitted Attorney of the High Court for 13 years, Notary & Conveyancer. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree and PG-Insolvency. She is a legal practitioner and director of Qomazitha Zikode Inc a Durban based law firm.
Advocate Celokuhle Everseen Myeni is an advocate of the High Court. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. He is a non practicing advocate who has extensive experience working for eThekwini Municipality as Project Coordinator under Safer Cities. He is a human rights and political activist
Adv. Sanele Lushaba
Member of the Chairman's officeEmail: sanelisiwe.lushaba@alpa.org.za
Sanele Lushaba is an Advocate of the High court, and a member of the KZN society of advocates.
Her chambers at Ridge Chambers in Umhlanga. Her areas of interest: Constitutional Litigation, Procurement Law, Gambling Law, Corporate Law, Construction Law, Banking Law and Family Law.
Within ALPA, Adv. Lushaba is tasked with the role of providing strategic and executive support to the chairperson's office.
Jacqueline V. Pretorius-Bishop
Member of the Treasurer's officeEmail: jacqueline.bishop@alpa.org.za
Jacqueline is an admitted Attorney of the High Court who holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree. She is a director of JV Pretorius attorneys Inc, a Durban based law firm, whose areas of specialization include immigration law, Labour law, Contract law, Divorces,
Civil, criminal law and Family law. She, on occasion, also acts as a Magistrate and also sits on the bench as a commissioner.
Within ALPA, Jacqueline is tasked with the role of providing support to the executive structure (currently serving in the Treasurer's office).
Nompilo Mzimela
Member of the Treasurer's officeEmail: nompilo.mzimelap@alpa.org.za
Nompilo Mzimela is a legal practitioner (currently serving her articles of clerkship). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics Philosophy and Law and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. She holds a stern interest in Civil Law, Administrative Law, Family Law and Criminal Law.
Within Alpa, Nompilo is tasked with the role of providing support to the executive structure (currently serving in the Treasurer's office).
Siwaphiwe Mathenjwa
Member of the SG officeEmail: siwaphiwe.mathenjwa@alpa.org.za
Siwaphiwe Mathenjwa is a legal practitioner (currently serving her articles of clerkship). She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. She has also been a member of the 26th Youth Assembly hosted by the United Nations, the Boxer Youth Leadership Programme, the 2012 Youth Parliamentary Debate team, the UKZN Amnesty International and the UKZN SRC High School Career Outreach team.
Within Alpa, Siwaphiwe is tasked with the role of providing support to the exective structure (currently serving in the Secretariat office).
Thembalihle Manzi
Email: thembalihle.manzia@alpa.org.za
Thembalihle Manzi is a legal practitioner who holds a National Diploma in Public Management, B Tech Degree in Public Management, Bachelor’s Degree in Labour Relations, Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree, Bachelor’s Degree in Policing, Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Masters of Law (LLM) Degree in Corporate Law. His areas of interest are Corporate Law.
Within ALPA, Thembalihle is tasked with the role of providing support to the executive structure.
Our Values
Ubuntu:
Recognizing our interconnectedness and interdependence, and celebrating our diversity. We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual and strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all our members.
Collaboration
Working together to achieve common goals and drive positive change. We believe that by fostering a spirit of cooperation and teamwork, we can achieve more and create a greater impact.
Innovation
Embracing creativity, innovation, and continuous learning to stay ahead in the legal profession. We are committed to exploring new ideas and approaches to address the challenges and opportunities facing our members and the broader legal community.
Excellence
Striving for excellence in all we do and supporting each other to achieve our full potential. We believe in the importance of setting high standards and continuously working to improve our skills and knowledge.
Inclusivity
Promoting equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession. We are dedicated to creating a legal community that reflects the diversity of our society and ensures that all voices are heard and valued.
Integrity
Upholding the highest ethical standards, honesty, and transparency in our actions and decisions. We believe that integrity is the foundation of trust and credibility, and we are committed to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and ethical conduct.
Community
Fostering a sense of community, unity, and belonging among our members. We believe that by building strong connections and supporting one another, we can create a more resilient and effective legal community.
What Drives Us?
In this profession we have members who have played a pivotal role in shaping legal reforms and advocating for human rights and access to justice for others, yet we have observed some vast inequalities amongst ourselves as members of the same profession, which are perceived by us as inequalities that stem from a legal system that is not inclusive. The current system, in effect, does not advance the interests of all the members of the profession equally. As such a large number of deserving and qualified legal professionals do not gain equal access to opportunities nor do they get treated equally or fairly. From our observations and even our own experiences, it is predominantly the African legal professionals that find themselves being prejudiced by the above and it is these inequalities that we wish to address so that members of this profession actually get to enjoy true equality.
