Thapelo Teele’s academic journey is marked by determination and a thirst for knowledge. After enrolling in an LLM programme at the University of Cape Town, Teele’s dissertation was remarkably upgraded to a PhD within a year.
Growing up between South Africa and Lesotho, Teele’s early exposure to different perspectives and his father’s legal career kindled his interest in law. He realised that the law influences nearly every aspect of life, driving his decision to pursue legal studies.
Although hesitant at first, Teele eventually embarked on a Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme. However, he found himself repeatedly drawn back to law, recognising its pervasive role in society.
Graduating with a BA in 2014, Teele pursued an LLB, which presented its share of academic and social challenges. Amid these difficulties, Teele experienced an academic setback in 2018 when he was academically excluded. Instead of giving up, this setback strengthened his resolve to complete his LLB and further his academic journey.
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The turning point came when Teele’s final year in 2019 marked a transformative period. Inspired by Professor Jaco Barnard-Naudé, Teele attended a summer school in Paris, where he honed his research skills.
Upon returning to UCT, he encountered an unexpected twist: an essay he initially deemed terrible turned out to be exceptional, setting him on the path to pursue a master’s degree and eventually a PhD in rhetoric studies.
Despite facing challenges such as a change in supervisors and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Teele secured two fully funded scholarships from the AW Mellon Foundation, propelling him to achieve his doctorate in record time.
His success, he believes, is attributed to the unwavering support of a nurturing academic community and his determination to excel in the field of research.
Thapelo Teele’s academic journey is a testament to the power of resilience, passion for knowledge and a supportive network. His story serves as an inspiration for all aspiring scholars.
Read more about his story and his work here.
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Picture: UCT