Advocate Ruben Letseku delivers his farewell address at the University of Limpopo, reflecting on his 36 years of service in the School of Law and the legal community as a whole. Photos: Dimpho Boshomane
By Hunadi Motlhala- ulpublications@ul.ac.za
After 36 years of exceptional service to the University of Limpopo (UL) and the wider legal community, Advocate Reuben Letseku will retire on 31 December 2025, concluding a remarkable career characterised by dedication, humility, and a commitment to enhancing South Africa’s legal landscape
A heartfelt farewell event hosted by the UL School of Law brought together colleagues, friends, and students to celebrate a man whose influence extended far beyond the classroom. The tributes portrayed Adv Letseku as a principled and gentle leader who has shaped generations of legal scholars and practitioners.
Adv Mashele Rapatsa, Director of the School of Law, described Adv Letseku as a man of discipline and integrity.
“You taught us to work with everyone, even those who don’t agree with us. He dedicated most of his 36 years to serving this University with loyalty and discipline. For that, we are grateful.”
Adv Mafanywa Mangammbi, Head of the Department of Mercantile and Labour Law, emphasised that the farewell was both a celebration and a recognition of a career built on honesty and compassion.
“Tonight, we honour a man who carried this department with dignity and shaped its culture. He cared deeply for his colleagues and always reminded us that people are facing many challenges.”
Dr Bongani Nkosi, a colleague, referred to him as “a man of peace” who guided the department through complex disciplinary matters with fairness. Another colleague, Kagiso Tladi, remarked, “I do not recall a day when the office went to his head. You remain humble, Ruben.”
Long-time friend Adv Manasoe Matime reflected on their shared professional journey.
“He reminded me that advocacy is not only about the law but also about love, courage, and pursuing justice with heart.”
Representing the family, Ruben Letseku Jr. expressed gratitude to the University for honouring his father’s legacy.
“He is a father figure to all of us. His leadership has shaped our lives, and his legacy will continue through us.”
Born in Medingen (Lutheran Church Mission) in Ga-Modjadji in Mopani Limpopo, Adv Letseku is the sixth of nine children of Marcus Matome Letseku II and Annah Mokgadi Letseku (née Malatji). He began his education at Medingen Primary, continued at Sekoala and Tsaneng Combined schools, and matriculated at Bokgaga High. In 1982, he enrolled for BJuris and LLB degrees at the then University of the North—now UL—marking the start of a lifelong association with the institution.
He joined UL in 1989 as a Lecturer in Mercantile Law and earned a Fulbright Scholarship later that year to pursue an LLM in Labour Law at Georgetown University in the United States. While abroad, he worked as a Judge Researcher in the District of Columbia, a Legal Researcher for the United Mine Workers of America, and later joined the Auto Workers’ Union in Michigan. He also completed certificates in International Legal Systems (Georgetown), Trial Advocacy (Harvard), and Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (George Meany Labour Law Centre).
Upon his return, he advanced through the ranks—serving as Senior Lecturer, Head of Department, Director of the School of Law, and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management and Law. During his leadership, he introduced modules such as Banking Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Social Security, and established qualifications including the LLM in Labour Law.
Retiring Advocate Ruben Letseku celebrates his farewell ceremony with his family at the University of Limpopo’s School of Law.
Throughout his career, he published over 20 academic articles, supervised more than 200 LLB and 15 LLM students, and mentored many who became judges, including Phatudi, Ngobeni, and Masipa. Recognised by the Law Society of South Africa and featured in Who’s Who in the World (2005), he also served as a Visiting Researcher at the University of Amsterdam and contributed to the Social Security Reform Project that shaped section 27 of the Constitution.
In his emotional farewell address, Adv Letseku expressed his gratitude to the University community for its trust and support.
“It has been a privilege to serve. I hope my work leaves a lasting impact on the School of Law and the University of Limpopo.”