Hlengiwe graduated with a LLB degree from the University of Nelson Mandela in 2010 and a Masters in Labour Law in 2020, as well as obtaining a Postgraduate Certificate in Labour Dispute Resolution Practice from the University of Witwatersrand in 2019. After being admitted as an attorney in 2013, Hlengiwe joined a law firm in Port Elizabeth as an Associate in their litigation and employment law department and was later promoted to Senior Associate. After relocating to Durban, she joined a local law firm where she continued to practice in employment law and commercial litigation. Hlengiwe joined Garlicke & Bousfield in 2020 as a Senior Associate in the Employment Law Department and was appointed as a Director in March 2024. From 2018 – 2022 Hlengiwe served on the South African Society for Labour Law Regional Committee and as Vice President during the period 2021/2022. She is also a member of the South African Society for Labour Lawyers (SASLAW).