​​​Graduate Thembalethu (Themba) Seyisi realised that his law degree would not only allow him to keep criminals off the street but could in fact help him change the world.Seyisi (22), a recipient of the 2021 Rector's Award for Excellence in Social Impact, also received his LLB degree this week at the Stellenbosch University April graduation. Seyisi says this degree empowers him. “I was overwhelmed with joy and felt proud of myself to achieve something I thought I would not be able to achieve," says Seyisi.He is known for his dedication to social justice and tireless efforts to improve the lives of young people. When he turned 21 in 2020, Seyisi decided to publish a book to raise funds for charity instead of hosting a birthday bash. While still a third-year law student, Seyisi approached 21 successful people he admires – some high-profile role models as well as personal heroes and family members – asking them to share one life lesson or insight they wish they'd known at 21. The result is 21 Life Lessons @ 21, a collection of stories by inspirational South Africans such as Justice Edwin Cameron, Prof Thuli Madonsela, Prof Kgethi Phakeng, Sello Hatang, Sandra Prinsloo, Khaya Sithole, Zelda la Grange, and many more.“I wanted other young people also to experience the love, grace, and inspiration I have benefited from. Over the past few years, I've been fortunate to have met wonderful people whose experiences are a source of inspiration for young and old in the difficult times we face. Another big consideration in publishing 21 Life Lessons @ 21 was raising money for causes I feel passionate about, such as helping students pay outstanding university fees so they can graduate."#Action4InclusionIn celebration of his graduation, Seyisi hosted a graduation party with the aim of raising funds for the #Action4Inclusion initiative. The initiative, launched in 2020, was established by Stellenbosch University's Student Representative Council under the patronage of Madonsela, the Law Faculty Chair in Social Justice. The funds raised via #Action4Inclusion are used to support students who cannot register for the next academic year owing to outstanding fees, as well as graduates who cannot access their academic records upon graduation.Throwing a big party wasn't an option in 2020 because of the Covid-19 lockdown regulations, Seyisi explains. “I decided I wanted to celebrate my 21st birthday by doing something meaningful. I also felt a need to 'pay it forward'. Over the past few years, I have benefited so much from amazing role models in my life. I'm deeply grateful for the unique opportunities I've had, such as the Ciucci Bursary awarded by the Stella Foundation, which enabled me to study law at SU." His graduation party at Middelvlei Wine Estate on 5 April 2022 served as a fundraising event and guests were asked to donate to #Action4Inclusion. HighlightsDuring his time at the University, Seyisi was also involved in other social impact campaigns, such as #DearPresidents. This campaign, which ran during the 2019 election, gave young people the opportunity to tell the leaders of the various political parties what they would like to see change in their communities, and what their ideal world would look like. Seyisi, who is now working as a candidate attorney at Cluver Markotter Attorneys in Stellenbosch, says he has learned important lessons about social justice over the years. “Don't go with what's trending," he says. “Identify a social injustice, even if people are not talking about it. If you've spotted it and are willing to work for it, do it. Sometimes, people don't see your vision, but at some point, they will have to get on board because social injustice affects us all."

• To donate to #Action4Inclusion visit www.givengain.com/cc/action4inclusion.
• To order a copy of the book visit www.21lifelessons.co.za