Meet Ingrid Lestrade 

Ingrid’s story is an exceptionally inspirational one. A story of triumph in which she shows anyone that has faced adversity, that so much can be achieved when you keep a positive outlook and couple that with indomitable perseverance.

Born as one of four girls and raised in Piketberg by a single mother, Ingrid faced so many struggles as a youngster, yet she never let these struggles overwhelm her. 

You see, Ingrid’s mom believed in two key aspects of life which in addition to her positive attitude, helped to shape how Ingrid saw the world. These two aspects were ‘Faith’ and ‘Education’. 

The result was that Ingrid and her siblings worked hard at school and never lost hope in a bright future. Despite all the odds stacked against her (and there were so many), Ingrid won ‘Best Student of the Year’ in primary school, which marked the beginning of a truly stellar journey of learning and growth. 

Following school, Ingrid managed to register at Stellenbosch University. Due to a lack of funds however, she had to drop out after a year and moved back to Piketberg to work and earn an income.

Ingrid did not let this setback deter her. She worked at a local petrol station washing cars, working as a petrol attendant, cleaning bathrooms and soon working herself up to working in the kiosk. Her salary and tips enabled her to buy food for her family and afford a driver’s license. 

Ingrid then received an opportunity at a local human right’s legal advice office that focused on assisting farm workers. She had done well at Stellenbosch University while she was studying which had earned her the opportunity for a formal role. Although her position at this organisation started off in reception, Ingrid soon moved up to administrator, and then manager of the Stellenbosch branch.  

Moving forward a few years, Ingrid desperately wanted to assist other individuals who had come from a place of poverty like herself, to rise above their adversity and thrive. It is with this in mind that she developed the rural youth program ‘Path Out of Poverty’. She helped to set up 8 rural youth centres, and trained young adults to create youth programs for children and other young adults up to 25 years old.

Though this work was exceptionally fulfilling, Ingrid still yearned to study law. She wanted to finish what she started at Stellenbosch University so many years before and it was this passion that encouraged her to study further and travel.

Ingrid found the opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom and visited Etan College, Marlborough College, and St Andrews University. She developed a wide network of associates and friends, and this experience helped to push her from being an extreme introvert, to a confident woman.

She was finally able to complete her LLB (Bachelor of Laws) through the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2009 and completed her articles at Terblanche Slabber Pieters Inc. in Malmesbury. It was here that Ingrid developed an interest in and appreciation for conveyancing and notary, and decided once her articles were complete, to place more focus on these two areas in addition to other avenues of the law.

Ingrid completed her LLM (Master of Laws) in Tax Law and has also completed a post graduate diploma in Administration of Deceased Estates through the University of South Africa.  

At the farm, Middelpos, Ingrid continues to inspire and nurture youth from rural farms with incredible feeding schemes and educational programs that help children, youth and women to realise their biggest dreams. 

As an avid Judoka and the Development Director of the Cape Winelands Judo Association, Ingrid also promotes and supports a local youth judo team, guiding them and helping them thrive in this uplifting and empowering sport.

Along with her 22 years of experience in the NPO (Non-Profit Organisation) Sector, Ingrid has developed exceptional experience as an attorney. She aims to provide a legal service as an attorney that is affordable, practical, high quality and accurate, with a particular focus on regular communication and a personalised approach.

In addition to her legal practice, Ingrid assists the Middelpos Community Property Association to help individuals develop their farms through business development and skills transfer.

Ingrid believes that the world is literally your oyster. With the right amount of determination and perseverance, you can achieve anything that you set your mind to. Ingrid is living proof of this. Staying humble and connected to your roots however, is also vitally important. It is for this reason that Ingrid is dedicated to supporting her community in every way possible.