09 May 2024

As of March this year, the Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies (GUC) law clinic has provided support to the general public by offering both free and private legal advice.

They have handled 63 cases and filed 20 summons at the magistrate.

Additionally, the clinic offers other free services such as drafting letters of demand, landboard applications, and summons for the small claims court, many of which have already been resolved.

In an interview recently, Ms Emilia Sayenda, Head of the Law Department at GUC, expressed delight in the milestone achievement of the law clinic, especially since it has only been operational for less than 12 months.

She highlighted that the law clinic was introduced for students enrolled in the Leeds Beckett University Bachelor of Law program at GUC to ensure they gain practical experience before completing their studies.

According to Ms Sayenda, the law clinic serves as a platform for students to learn how to interact with clients, the importance of consultations, and how to draft legal documents.

She emphasised that the clinic provided assistance to the public, particularly those who could not afford legal representation.

Under the guidance of experienced professionals, students at the law clinic are mentored on meeting client expectations and ensuring their legal documents are compliant with the law.

She mentioned that there was a means test in place to assess applicants’ eligibility for free legal aid.

Furthermore, Ms Sayenda highlighted the presence of an overseer at the law clinic who reviews and validates all legal documents prepared by students to ensure they meet legal standards.

Meanwhile, GUC head of public relations, Ms Kuneni Moswela said college’s Bachelor of Law LLB (Hons) Programme was a UK university based learning programme Ms Moswela said the qualification was fully awarded by Leeds Beckett University and GUC offered the programme on a franchise agreement with Leeds Beckett University.

The agreement was concluded in 2018 with Leeds and the course being accredited with the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) in 2020, she said.

Ms Moswela said GUC had duly notified Botswana Law Society in setting up the law clinic, citing that it was becoming so popular, particularly with mature students who work on compliance issues with government departments and the private sector organisations.

In 2023, GUC graduated 26 learners from the first cohort who were currently preparing to sit for their bar examinations in June 2024.ENDS