Cheadle Thompson & Haysom Inc invites South African students to apply for the Bheki Mlangeni Memorial Scholarship 2026.
Scholarship Application Closing Date: 28 February 2026
Scholarship Location: University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa
About the Scholarship Provider – Cheadle Thompson & Haysom Inc
The Bheki Mlangeni Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Bhekisizwe Godfrey Mlangeni, a colleague and friend of the firm.
Mlangeni joined the firm in January 1989 as a graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand. Despite coming from an impoverished background, he was a committed community activist and aspiring lawyer. He was tragically assassinated on 15 February 1991 by a booby-trapped cassette player sent by the Vlakplaas Unit of the then South African Police.
The scholarship aims to:
- Celebrate the memory and legacy of Bhekisizwe Godfrey Mlangeni
- Honour the sacrifices made for South Africa’s democracy
- Promote progressive legal education
- Encourage commitment to the principles of the Constitution
Founded in 1979 by legal academics from Wits University, Cheadle Thompson & Haysom Inc has grown into one of South Africa’s leading law firms, with offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
About the Bheki Mlangeni Memorial Scholarship 2026
Cheadle Thompson & Haysom Inc Attorneys are inviting applications for the 2026 academic year.
Scholarships will be awarded to:
- Final-year LLB students
- Studying at:
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Recipients may be required to participate in a vacation work programme at Cheadle Thompson & Haysom.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be studying towards an LLB qualification
- Must be entering final year of LLB study in 2026
- Must be studying at Wits or UWC
- Must be Black
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must show commitment to legal studies
- Must have a goal to advance social justice
- Must have demonstrated excellence in:
- Labour Law
- Constitutional Law
- Administrative Law
Failure to meet any of the above requirements may result in disqualification.
Required Documents
There is no application form to complete. Students must submit the following documents via email:
- Name of the scholarship (Bheki Mlangeni Scholarship)
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copy of full academic record
- Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the scholarship
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (including student number)
- Two reference letters
- Contact details (telephone number and email address)
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted directly to the relevant university coordinator.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Email: wanda.ndlozi@wits.ac.za
Contact Person: Wanda Ndlozi (University Coordinator)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Email: vjohannes@uwc.ac.za
Contact Person: Vernon Johannes (University Coordinator)
Use the subject line: “Bheki Mlangeni Scholarship 2026”
Ensure that all required documents are attached before submission.
Closing Date
28 February 2026
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.