Life is a constant juggling act, but for this attorney, conveyancer, notary public and lecturer, the secret isn’t trying to keep every ball in the air but is about knowing which ones can never be dropped.
This is the philosophy that has shaped every step of Uyleta Nel-Marais’s life, both professionally and in her personal life as a mom and wife.
From starting as a candidate legal practitioner at Lovius Block Inc. in 2014 to becoming a legal practitioner of the High Court in 2016, a conveyancer in 2017, a notary public and, in 2019, a director at the firm.
She says her passion for lifelong learning has never faded.
In 2025, she completed a programme in insolvency law cum laude, while continuing to inspire future legal minds as an ad hoc senior lecturer at the University of the Free State and serving as a member of the Free State Legal Practice Council.
“I truly believe in the saying to differentiate what is glass balls that will drop and break and what is a rubber ball that will bounce back if it falls. For me, my glass balls are my family and career. The one carries my heart and the other one my name and reputation. Everything else is rubber balls that will bounce back if it falls.”
Yet, despite the impressive milestones, the 2022 Mrs Universe SA winner believes this year’s greatest achievement has been something far less tangible.
“It was to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow and to face new challenges. Each experience has contributed to both my personal and professional development.”
Perhaps that’s why spring feels so personal to her. It isn’t simply a change in season, for her it’s a reminder that growth begins with the courage to start again.
“Personally, it represents fresh starts and professionally it’s a perfect time to plant new ideas and watch them flourish.”
The season also mirrors where she finds herself today where she has the privilege of celebrating the rewards of years of dedication while still looking ahead to what’s next.
One of the highlights of the past year has been seeing the results of her hard work come to life, balanced with unforgettable moments away from the office, including her first boat cruise to the Inhaca Islands in Mozambique.
She believes there is always another lesson to learn, another opportunity to improve and another person to inspire. “The youth is very close to my heart, and they inspire me to always do better and to build strong stepping stones for their future.”
That passion continues to fuel her ambitions as she looks forward to collaborating with inspiring people, exploring new opportunities and remaining true to the vision she has carefully built.
When she isn’t in court, preparing lectures or pursuing professional goals, you’ll often find her soaking up spring in Bloemfontein, be it wandering through the Botanical Gardens, exploring local markets, or supporting local businesses.
At the centre of it all is her faith, which she describes as the foundation of her daily life. It reminds her to protect her time, guard her energy and focus on the things that truly matter.
Her advice to women standing at the beginning of a new chapter is as refreshing as the season itself. “Just go do it. So what if you don’t know how or what? You are here in life to learn and grow, so use your life to the best of your ability.”
As she gets ready to step in a new season and embrace the beauty of life, Uyleta concludes by affirming what she is looking forward to. “This spring, I am choosing to grow and blossom without comparing myself to anyone else.”
Text and photographs: GYPSEENIA LION
