Tell us a bit about yourself…
I was born and raised in Polokwane, Limpopo. I then moved to Pietermaritzburg to study at UKZN, where I completed my Batchelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology and Philosophy. I then decided to study law and ultimately completed my LLB degree in 2012.
I concluded my articles at Randles Incorporated, whereafter I moved to Tomlinson Mnguni James Incorporated. I joined PGPS in 2020 at inception, and today the firm is growing exponentially and excited to be part of a vibrant, growing team.
I love sports and generally want to be on the playing field but appreciate and understand that supporting and being on the sidelines can also add value to others and be just as entertaining.
I believe in hard work, integrity, and respect for people. Maintaining a good balance between work and one’s personal life is essential and ultimately rewarding in growing as an individual. Strong family values also keeps one rooted and the friendships I keep are just as valuable and important to me.
What inspired you to choose your respective field of work?
Growing up I watched my mother as a social worker put smiles on people’s faces and my dream was always to help people – one way or another. She inspired me and this was an indication of who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do.
I started my studies with a Batchelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Psychology and Philosophy and then I did my LLB and my goal was still to help people. My LLB degree led me to practice in Fiduciary law (Deceased estates administration, Trust administration, will drafting, and property law) and I have been realizing my dream as time has gone on. It has its challenges but is ultimately satisfying when you have aided a family in winding up a loved one’s estate and gratifying because that is the last thing any family member wants to do during the mourning period.
What service, services do you offer?
PGPS Attorneys specializes in Property law and Conveyancing; Fiduciary law; Litigation; and Commercial Law. Our association with AT Mpungose & Dlamini Attorneys – specialists in Public and Administrative Law – allows us to expand the range of services we can offer to clients.
How many employees do you have?
Our team at PGPS is made up of 8 professionals consisting of 5 directors, 3 junior associates and 2 article clerks. We then have 30 amazing support staff who assist the professionals in executing their duties, roles, and obligations.
What makes your team so effective?
- Good Communication.
- Clearly defined management roles.
- Ease of access to management in respect of communication.
- Structured and scheduled follow-ups.
- Well-organized customer care strategy.
- Ultimately if the team succeeds, we all succeed.
To what do you attribute your success?
I attribute my success to my mentor – Hayley Pillay. I have worked with Hayley since 2012,she has instilled good values good work ethic
I also attribute my success to my parents who have stood by me through trying times and as much as they have not once asked for anything in return, I feel that I owe them a lot for the support that they have given me and the humility and good morals imparted on me.
What’s your company’s objective?
We thrive on customer satisfaction. Our motto speaks for itself – Experienced. Resourceful. Effective. We believe that each client is an individual and should be given great service no matter the issue at hand. From there great service will speak for itself.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
I personally enjoy sports – on average 3 weekdays out of 5 I play sports and on weekends I mostly watch sports. I enjoy playing indoor soccer the most but rugby, and cricket are also amongst my favourite sports to play and watch. I’ve always believed in maintaining a good balance in life by working hard, but also putting aside time to workout (which forms part of my enjoyment).
What advice would you give to the next generation aspiring to follow the same career path?
I have learnt that success isn’t always about greatness, but rather consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come as a result. Always put your best foot forward and that will be appreciated, understood, and well-received by those around you.
Thato Mokone
thato@pgpslaw.co.za
Director
