Former security guard in Standerton climbs academic ladder

The chances of a security guard at a magistrate’s court being recognised and studies culminating in an LLB, seem slim, but happened in Standerton.

Mr Phillip Tshabalala is proudly in possession of a paralegal practice certificate of 2013, a national diploma in law of 2014 and the long-awaited law degree from Unisa of this year.

“There will be no graduation ceremony because of Covid-19 regulations,” Mr Tshabalala said.

He was recently appointed as registrar in the regional court, overseeing all divorce matters.

Not to put too fine a point on it, social ills are the biggest reasons for divorce, was his comment.

Mr Tshabalala is employed in the family law section of the Standerton Magistrate’s Court, where he began working as a security guard in 1996, and specialises in domestic violence, harassment as well as legalities regarding equality.

The year 1997 saw Mr Theo Nel, chief magistrate, taking an interest in this hyper-active guard.

“He believed in me and promoted me to an administrative clerk.”

The interest in law stems from a father, Jeremiah, who encouraged him, coupled with the encouragement of Mr Anton Fischer, magistrate, to become a qualified lawyer.

His mother Alina, was then the domestic worker at the Fischers.

Both his parents have since passed away.

The Tshabalalas, Phillip and Yvonne, have three children of which two are studying at universities.

Ms Tshabalala is a Grade 8 and 9 teacher at Khunjuliwe Secondary School, furthering her studies for an advanced certificate in senior phase education.

Soccer and rugby are big for this 50-year-old and make no mistake, Kaizer Chiefs is his team.

“I used to play soccer for Young Highlanders FC and coached them for some time.”

He admires the goalkeeper of Kaiser Chiefs, Itumeleng Khune, for his dedication.

He was also closely involved in coaching the first multiracial soccer team, Standerton United FC in the late 90s.

The Springboks and Rassie Erasmus are admired likewise for their spirit when playing for the country.

“My son Nklaka, introduced me to rugby when he used to play at Laerskool Kalie de Haas and Hoërskool Standerton.”

Both Nklaka and daughter, Yengiwe are last-year-students in respectively public administration and accounting.

The youngest girl, Banele is a learner at Kalies.

Phillip has already enrolled for his masters degree at Unisa.

He is tutoring four LLB-students at the moment, three are enrolled at Unisa and one is at the University of Johannesburg.

“My students wanted to surprise me for my birthday,” he concluded.

“I had no idea that an interview was waiting.¨