Mahlape graduated from Rhodes University with an LLB degree and from Stellenbosch University with an LLM degree in International Trade Law.

She was called to the bar in 2020, having done pupillage in the Bhisho bar and practised in the Pietermaritzburg bar for five years.

Her areas of practice include administrative law, labour law, medical malpractice, public procurement and general litigation.

Mahlape is also a certified mediator.