An Eastern Cape attorney has graduated with an LLM (master of laws) from the renowned Harvard Law School.
Zikho Pali, 27, from Mthatha is now doing groundbreaking work as the co-founder and vice-president of Quro Medical, a startup that is using cutting edge technology to deliver high quality healthcare to emerging markets.
Pali completed her LLB at Wits University in 2013 and spent a few “enjoyable” years in practice as an attorney.
“While in practice, I was afforded the opportunity to learn from some of the best that my profession has to offer. I have always aspired to study at Harvard because of its reputation and the institution’s consistent standing as the best law school in the world.
“I knew I needed to do my time and wait for the timing to be right. After approximately five years in practice, I felt that the timing was right, so I took the plunge and applied,” says Pali.
The young academic graduated in May after a year of study at Harvard.
Pali says she will take the skill sets she acquired from her law degrees and apply them to help those who are in need.
“I am driven by the desire to be of use. When all is said and done, I want to feel like I have used my abilities and the opportunities that I have been given, to make a difference in my country and in the world in which I live in.”
The former Stirling High school pupil says it was her tenacity that propelled her to academic excellence.
“My parents did their best to provide me and my siblings with the best possible education.
“However it became increasingly difficult for them to manage the costs.
“I then convinced myself that I could make myself invaluable to the school and that they would want me to stay, notwithstanding my parents’ ability or lack thereof, to pay for my fees,” she said.
“Thus I did my best to give a good account of myself academically and to succeed in various extracurricular activities.”
Pali says the best part of her school years was spent doing competitive debating, “which culminated in various successes, including winning the Eastern Cape Provincial Debating Championships with my team and being selected to represent the province at the national competition.”
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