Secunda lawyer stands for the rights to have a fair trial

SECUNDA – He is not in it for the money, but to allow everyone the chance for a fair trial.

Mr Sipho Shabalala (32) is one of a handful of Legal Aid lawyers who stand up in court for those who cannot afford their own attorneys.

“Most of the times I am that person’s only hope for a fair trial.

“Just because a person is poor, does not immediately make him a criminal. Yes, many of our clients are probably guilty, but I do know of some who are truly innocent.”

Mr Shabalala explained that he is obligated to offer the best legal advice and defense possible.

This requires him to believe the person who claims he or she is innocent.

The tall man with the light complexion, contagious laughter and friendly personality, works from one of the small office cubicles at Legal Aid in Secunda.

It is difficult to picture him as a reserved child who was once worried that he will not be able to interact well with others.

“My mother was a domestic worker and my father was a white man whom I have not yet met – hence the fair skin,” he explained and humorously pointed out his similarities with the comedian Trevor Noah.

Mr Shabalala grew up with his grandparents in KwaMhlanga where he aced his matric at Vukuzame High School.

Although Law was not his first choice at university, it was his best choice.

“I loved building wire cars and things, so I came to the conclusion that I have to study mechanical engineering. I however gave up this notion in my first year and eventually tackled law.”

He passed the board exams well and now also teaches bookkeeping courses to other lawyers at Legal Aid.

Mr Shabalala articled at the Legal Aid offices in Witbank and has been working at the Secunda satellite offices for about four years.

“I enjoy my work tremendously and find it fascinating.

“Litigating is my thing and I have learned so much because we work on all types of cases.

“But in all of this, I find that the law deals with the facts. The legal system says a person is innocent until proven guilty.”

A day in his line of work differs often and can be unpredictable.

He has experienced victories and failures, has been threatened by the family of victims and even by his own clients, but he sees that as all in a day’s work.

“I try not to get emotionally involved.”

Mr Shabalala enjoys the analytical way of looking at a case and the constant learning he receives when he is exposed to the various cases and masters of their trades.

He loves reading and will spend most of his spare time, once his kids are settled in, with a book in the hand. He prefers law books or biographies.

He is married to Nadia and has two children aged seven and three, with whom he spends as much time as possible by going to the park and playing at home.