Phenomenal Vijayta Rana continues to make Soutpansberg proud

Date: 27 September 2024 By: Pétria de Vaal

A phenomenal woman from our region, Vijayta Rana, continues to make the Soutpansberg proud. She holds the position of chairperson of the Pretoria Attorneys Association (PAA) and is not only the first woman but also the first person of colour to be appointed to this role.

The PAA has been a leading protector of attorneys for 78 years – since 1946. Although a non-profit organisation (NPO), it is the largest and most influential independent professional association in South Africa. Since the Law Societies were disbanded, the voluntary association has taken on the role of "guardians", safeguarding the interests of attorneys. “The PAA is the voice of its members, which currently number 1,342. We do this voluntarily – in addition to working full-time in legal practice. When issues arise, we try to resolve them – whether it’s the Road Accident Fund, court trial dates now set as far ahead as 2028, or many other pressing concerns,” Vijayta says.

The PAA also assists its members by liaising with public bodies such as the Deeds Office, the Master’s Office, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, and the courts. Vijayta attends stakeholder meetings with various bodies, judges, and ministers across the country. Members are kept informed of any changes in the functioning of these bodies. The PAA has two fully functional offices situated at the Pretoria High Court and Magistrate’s Court, respectively, offering all necessary office equipment and well-trained staff to assist attorneys and the public. Vijayta is also a member of the executive committee of the Gauteng Attorneys' Association.

Vijayta proudly mentions that her father, Jayson Rana, was a prominent businessman in Musina. “I attended Eltivillas Primary, Soutpansberg Primary, and Musina Primary, respectively. I matriculated from Eric Louw High School. One’s childhood upbringing and community truly impact later successes, and I am grateful to have been raised in the town of Baobabs,” she says humbly.

Vijayta is currently a director at a prestigious and niche law firm, Delberg Attorneys in Pretoria, where she heads the banking and finance division. She graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2010 (BCom Law, LLB) and completed a certificate in commercial law in 2015. Before commencing her articles at Delberg Attorneys in 2013, she worked at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for two years. She was admitted as an attorney in March 2014 and was appointed as a director at Delberg Attorneys in March 2017. In addition to being admitted as an attorney in South Africa, Vijayta has also been admitted to practice in Australia and New Zealand.

Last year, Vijayta was invited to be one of seven prominent speakers to commemorate the ceremonial sitting celebrating 100 years since women were first allowed to practise law in South Africa. The event, held at the Pretoria High Court, was part of nationwide ceremonial sittings where women reflected on their achievements and called for complete equality with their male counterparts. “It was an absolute privilege to address the court with all the judges present within the jurisdiction of the Pretoria High Court. I was able to speak about the inequality and struggles faced by the women who wished to follow their passion for law but were disregarded by the legal system. I met prominent figures like Desiree Mamsie Finca, the first black woman attorney admitted in South Africa – a wife, a mother, and a daughter who just wanted the chance to be a lawyer. It took years before she was finally recognised and allowed to practise,” Vijayta shares.

During her presentation at the 2023 event, Vijayta addressed the court, saying: “We must continue to work towards greater diversity and inclusion to ensure that all legal professionals are treated with fairness and respect, regardless of race, creed, or gender. We should continue to invest in the development and mentorship of women and encourage girls to seek growth and greater opportunities.”

Together with 14 other lawyers on the executive committee, Vijayta contributes to making a difference and resolving problems daily. “Although it’s a selfless job, it is incredibly rewarding to see the changes being made within South Africa and to know that you are part of that change,” she says.

Vijayta was also honoured with an award for being the second-best lawyer in the country by one of the largest commercial banks and has been recognised as the top lawyer in Gauteng in her field of expertise for four consecutive years. When asked about the key to her success, she responds: “God’s blessings, my Dad’s blessings, and my family’s unwavering support to be better and do better. Hard work always pays off.”

Vijayta proudly states that she often comes home, and it remains her favourite place to be. “My mum and brothers are in Musina, and I still have family and friends in Louis Trichardt. It is because of all these people that I am blessed to be where I am today, and for this, I am forever grateful. In all the chaos, never lose sight of where you come from.”

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Pétria de Vaal