A 19-year-old from Bushbuckridge is making headlines after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Johannesburg.

Onika Mokoena achieved this milestone during the university’s March 2026 graduation ceremonies, earning recognition for completing her law degree at an exceptionally young age.

Her academic journey has been anything but ordinary. In an interview with Sowetan, Mokoena revealed that she progressed rapidly through school, completing multiple grades in a single year.

“In primary school, I did Grade 2 and 3 in one year, and later Grade 6 and 7 in one year. Then in high school, I skipped Grade 9,” she explained.

Despite her accelerated path, the transition to university life was not without challenges.

“At first, it was overwhelming. I come from a small place in Bushbuckridge, so arriving at a big institution like UJ made me feel small,” she told sowetan.

Mokoena began her LLB studies at the age of 15, driven by a strong passion for law and a clear sense of purpose. Her perseverance and discipline saw her overcome the pressures of fast-tracked schooling and the demands of higher education.

Her achievement not only highlights academic excellence but also places Bushbuckridge firmly on the map as a source of young, rising talent.

Mokoena’s success is expected to inspire many young people in the region to pursue higher education and strive for excellence.