This International Women's Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and determination of women who are shaping their futures and empowering others along the way.
Nadia Kolbe, attorney and founder of Kolbe Attorneys, is a shining example of this spirit.
A woman who defied expectations and carved her path in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Kolbe's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and faith.
Growing up in Mitchells Plain, Kolbe's formative years were shaped by the challenges of the Cape Flats.
“The Cape Flats doesn’t just teach you resilience—it instills it in you. It teaches you a deep understanding of community needs.
“You grow up surrounded by challenges, opportunities, and influences that test your character. Some rise above, some don’t. The difference is often found in the mindset you choose to adopt.
“These experiences shaped my commitment to providing accessible legal services and inspired my entrepreneurial journey to make a tangible difference.” she said.
Though she never initially set out to become a lawyer, Kolbe found herself unexpectedly drawn to the legal field.
“I wanted to be an investigative journalist, a fashion designer, or a psychologist,” she recalled.
“My father had other plans—he applied for me to study law.”
It wasn’t until she began her studies that she discovered the profound impact the law could have, both as a tool for empowerment and a means of advocating for others.
A pivotal moment in her early studies solidified her path: “That was the first time I truly understood the power of legal knowledge.”
But it wasn’t just about law.
Kolbe’s entrepreneurial spirit soon led her to open Kolbe Attorneys, despite it not being part of her original plan.
“I had always wanted to be a business owner,” she admitted, “but I didn’t initially see how it could align with legal practice.”
After spending time in the corporate world and pursuing various ventures, from running a beauty salon to launching a travel blog, Kolbe eventually realised that law had always been calling her back.
The creation of Kolbe Attorneys wasn’t simply about starting a business—it was about following a higher purpose, one she now feels deeply connected to.
As a young female lawyer, Kolbe has faced challenges unique to women in the legal profession, especially in a field traditionally dominated by men.
“People treat you how you allow them to treat you,” Kolbe shared, noting the importance of setting clear boundaries.
A defining moment came early in her career when a male superior berated her over a small mistake. Instead of allowing the incident to define her, Kolbe stood firm and told him that she would not tolerate being disrespected.
“That moment taught me something powerful—men will be men, and when they step out of line, they need to be put back in their place.”
The most rewarding moment of Kolbe’s journey thus far has been securing her first paying client before officially launching Kolbe Attorneys.
“It reaffirmed everything for me,” she says. “This firm isn’t just a business—it’s a calling.”
As she looks ahead, Kolbe envisions a future where Kolbe Attorneys continue to grow and evolve.
“In the next five years, I see my firm expanding into full-service property law,” she shared.
“But beyond that, my bigger goal is to bridge the gap between law, property, and creativity.”
For young women from underrepresented communities looking to follow in her footsteps, Kolbe has powerful advice.
“Your dreams matter,” she said.
“Life is bigger than the street you grew up on. You will become one of two things—either a byproduct of your circumstances or the opposite of them. You decide which road you walk.
“My late mom always said, ‘My child, you have very big dreams. So big, I pray they all come
true for you’
“Yes, Mom. Me too!”
Weekend Argus