If the Rainbow Nation Was a Degree, This Trio Earned It

Photo Credit: Stefan Els for Stellenbosch University

Three friends, each from a different South African culture (Afrikaans, Xhosa, and Indian), became part of a legal eagle trio during their studies. All lawyers now, the tight-knit friends shared how their different backgrounds served an important role in their friendship and successes.

Stellenbosch, South Africa (08 April 2025) — Three friends who became something of a legal eagle trio during their studies at Stellenbosch University have something to teach all of us, and it’s not about law.

This lesson isn’t just about the power of friendships forged from different cultural backgrounds either. Instead, it lies in the experience of actively learning from these differences—which is quite different to simply knowing that the differences are there.

The three friends making up the legal eagle trio are Akhona Sandaza, Dawid Oosthuizen and Seyuran “Sey” Arran.

While studying law, a young Dawid found himself under the mentorship of second-year Akhona during orientation week. Sey soon joined in (he had been friends with Dawid in Johannesburg), and the beginning of a strong friendship between the three men began.

When they weren’t studying or simply being young together, they were learning about each other’s Afrikaans, Xhosa and Indian cultures.

They tasted different foods from one another’s worlds, learnt different expressions and attended each other’s family gatherings.

“Meeting each other’s families closed the circle,” reflected Sey.

Differences ranged beyond culture. Akhona liked the outdoors, while Dawid and Sey relished playing a game of soccer. To this point, the trio made efforts to give time to each other’s favourite activities when they could, and reach compromises when they couldn’t.

Each learnt something from the other through their great respect for what made them different. Not just acknowledgment—respect. The result? A friendship that saw them graduate in their studies and into a new level of friendship, considering each other family.

“Our friendship is a space where I feel comfortable being vulnerable. The fact that I’m different in certain ways never became an issue. We could all just be ourselves. We engage without fear or judgement. It has show me the value of close male friendships that transcend societal expectations of masculinity,’ Akhona reflects.

“The fact that all of us were so different, but had similar core values, helped us to talk through things and hold each other accountable when it mattered most…we all felt responsible for each other and ourselves,” adds Sey.

In fact, differences in viewpoint are often something they embraced. As Dawid shares of his fond memories in debating with Akhona as law students who argued different judgments:

“We don’t always agree, but we refine each other’s viewpoints. The key is staying open-minded and being willing to listen.”

Despite their careers taking them to different parts of the country, the lessons their friendship has taught them will long remain each’s North Star.

“Regardless of where life takes us, we’ll still be supporting each other and celebrate our successes. I dream of us having fulfilling careers, strong families and being there for each other in the years to come.”—Akhona Sandaza.