Lawyer returns from China-Africa exchange programme

Bridgett Majola

Majola is a senior associate in Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr's Finance and Banking Practice. On her return, she described the programme as undeniably the most incredible experience of her life.

In July 2014 Majola was selected as one of 35 participants from Africa to attend the first course of China-Africa Young Legal Professionals Exchange Programme under the auspices of the Forum for China and Africa (FOCAC). In Beijing, Majola studied 17 courses on the Chinese legal system and was subsequently bestowed with the honour of being named a fellow of the China-Africa Legal Research Centre; a consultant for the China Research Centre for Legal Diplomacy; a consultant for the China-Africa Legal Training Base; and a consultant for the FOCAC China-Africa Legal Cooperation Forum.

Heritage Day

While there, and in commemoration of Heritage Day in late September, Brand South Africa arranged for Majola to speak to young SADC graduates (young African professionals and students in China) and some from the Sino African Centre for Excellence about personal branding at Investec's offices.

"While I was in China I met diplomats, government officials, supreme court justices and travelled around Beijing. I was also asked to speak at the China and Africa Investment and Trade Seminar, which I enjoyed thoroughly. This exposure will help me to position myself as a Sino (China) African specialist within the infrastructure and renewable energy sector," she adds.