POLOKWANE – Polokwane-based attorney Podu Mdhluli spent an impressive 23 weeks acting as a judge of the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane.

Mdhluli runs a boutique, generalist law firm that serves a diversity of clients who would otherwise not afford legal services.

She added that impacting lives is and has always been what she’s all about since a young age.

For eight months between July 2016 and March 2017, Mdhluli took up an acting stint as a district magistrate at the Thabamoopo/Lebowakgomo Magistrates Court, where she dealt with criminal trials, family law, and civil law cases.

She briefly returned to private practice before taking up another acting stint at the Polokwane Magistrates Court from September 2017 to January 2018, this time working in the immigration and traffic courts, among others.

“This encouraged me to pursue a judicial career as it was not long before I started acting as judge in the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane from July to September 2020, and then again from May to June 2021.”

While acting as judge, Mdhluli predominately worked in the criminal courts, with limited exposure to civil work. “This is where I sat in bail reviews and full bench appeals with other judges.”

“To be a successful attorney as a female, you need to have a strategy of building strong networks and seeking diverse mentorship. Have confidence and assertiveness as these are crucial for advocating for fair treatment and compensation. We as women should also challenge gender bias and stereotypes while cultivating resilience and supporting each other. And lastly, have passion for what do in terms of your career, otherwise it won’t work out as planned,” she advised.

Mdhluli currently serves as the general secretary for the South African Women Lawyers’ Association, after having served in various capacities in the Limpopo branch.

From 2016 to 2018 she was general secretary of the Polokwane Attorneys’ Association, while simultaneously being head of projects and events of the Black Lawyers’ Association’s Limpopo branch.

She was elected chairperson of the Polokwane Legal Practitioners’ Association in 2021, a position she still holds.

Mdluli graduated at the top of her LLM class at the University of Limpopo Law School, taking the class medal and several other awards during the Practical Legal Training course with the Law Society of South Africa.

She also graduated from the University of Venda Law School with an LLB degree in 2005 and started her legal career as a candidate attorney at M.L. Mashego Attorneys in 2006.

Following her admission as an attorney in 2008, Mdluli continued with the firm for a few months before spreading her wings and starting her own law firm, Podu Mamabolo Attorneys, where she currently serves as director.

“Happy Women’s Day to all you beautiful and strong women out there. On this day, we celebrate 30 years of democracy towards women’s development. Here’s to the women who fearlessly pursue their dreams, overcome challenges and inspire others.”