The Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, is proud to announce that their Tuks Law mooters walked away as runner-ups of the English rounds of the 24th African Human Rights Moot Court Competition, which was hosted by the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria in collaboration with the University of Zambia, Zambia from 5 to 10 October 2014 at the University of Zambia.

The second and third day of the competition saw students from over 61 universities on the continent argue a hypothetical case before a panel of judges. The hypothetical case dealt with issues ranging from health, the rights of miners in regards to occupational safety, the right to academic freedom and the right to public protest. The English team rankings saw the University of Nairobi, Kenya ranking first in the Anglophone division with an overall team average of 79.11%. The University of Pretoria finished a close second with an overall team average of 78.62%.

The finalists were announced on the 8th of October after results were verified by an independent auditor. The finals saw a repeat showdown of the 2014 final in the form of the University of Pretoria and the University of Nairobi. In the spirit of collaboration and cooperation, and also to bridge divide of language and legal tradition, the best 2 English speaking teams, as well as the best French speaking team and the best Portuguese speaking team from the Preliminary Rounds are combined –by draw of lots– to form two new joint teams: on one side, one English speaking and one French speaking university; on the other side, one English speaking and one Portuguese speaking team. The finalists who appeared in the final round on 10 October 2015 were, for the applicant, the joint team from the University of Pretoria, South Africa and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique and for the Respondent the joint team from the University of Nairobi, Kenya and Université Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis du Sénégal. The winners of this final were the joint team for the Respondent with an average of 81,66%. The Applicants, placed as runner-ups, averaged 79,50%.

Coach Raphael Chitambira says that,‘Having competed in this competition last year, I was very excited to participate in the 24th All Africa Human Rights Moot Court Competition. I chose my team, firstly on the basis of the fact that one if the members, was an extremely efficient researcher, whilst the other was quick-witted and worked well under pressure. In light of this, both of them were extremely competent speakers and I was not surprised when they made it through to the final. The competition was hosted supremely well and efficiently and the organisation was exceptional to say the least. It was a refreshing learning experience coaching this team as a previous competitor it afforded me the opportunity to improve on little things that I took for granted as a mooter.’

Raphael continued, ‘Every coach must engage in a balancing act between guiding the team to a specific level, whilst not taking over the Moot them self. In summation, I can safely say that every Moot I have participated in has influenced and improved the manner in which I interact with the law. I am very proud of the team and what they have achieved, they deserve all the accolades they have received. I would like to convey my thanks to the Faculty of Law, the TuksLaw Moot Society and the Centre for Human Rights for all the support and assistance they provided throughout our preparation and the competition itself.’

According to mooter, Nonkosazana Nkosi,‘ Participating in the All Africa Human Rights Moot Court Competition was an eye opening experience. You are introduced to the diverse and rich culture of other African countries, and more importantly, their perspective on certain issues, such as the loss of ethnic language by the youth as we embrace Western culture. The fact complex presents issues that countries grapple with on a daily basis. One realises how on an international level citizens of a country have a broad spectrum of protective human rights mechanisms. However, through either a lack of inter-state interaction or knowledge, these instruments are rendered relatively ineffective. This serves to impede the struggle towards turning human wrongs into human rights.

Nonkosazana emphasised that, ‘The Conference on Child Marriage in Africa was the highlight of my stay in Zambia. I was awakened to the complexities regarding the preservation of African Culture and the prevention of child marriage which inevitably, amongst others, has educational, health and psychological implications. Lastly, meeting President Kenneth Kaunda was the ultimate blessing and honour. I encourage students to partake in the Human Rights Moot Court Competition as it is not only a competition but more importantly so, a platform to learn and exchange ideas.’

Stephen Baubeng-Baidoo added, ‘The 24th African Human Rights Moot Court Competition held in Zambia was one of the best experiences of my life. Months of hard work and preparation, all-nighters after all-nighters culminated into a 5 day battle of law and justice. Over 122 students from 61 universities across 21 different countries on the African continent had gathered. Such is the magnitude and prestige of the largest moot court competition in Africa.

There was more to Lusaka than mooting, travelling to Manda Hill Mall, Radison Hotel, the home of President Kenneth Kaunda and the cultural village were but a few of the grand attractions that reminded us to take cognisance of the beauty and history that surrounded us.  The student volunteers were the perfect embodiment of the Zambian spirit, friendly with a welcoming smile and always eager to reveal their country to those willing to learn.’

Stephen concluded, ‘It was an honour to have mooted in this prestigious competition, it was a further honour to have been a part of the finals at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre. To the TuksLaw Moot Society and our ever present coach Raphael Chitambira, I am grateful for the opportunity to have represented our proud university. To the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, this event changes lives and adds greater meaning to a degree so often associated with greed and dishonesty. This competition teaches us to look outside of our contentment and place ourselves in the discomfort of others…to truly desire a brave new world.’

The African Human Rights Moot Court Competition was held for the second time in Zambia, a country endowed with breath-taking natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife and a proud tradition of peaceful democratic transitions. The spectacular Victoria Falls provide a face-to-face encounter with nature at its most powerful and majestic, truly one the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. From the flat plateau along the Zambezi River to its altitudinous capital city Lusaka, the beautiful people of Zambia warmly welcomed Africa to the 24th African Human Rights Moot Court Competition.

Proud Deputy Dean Anton Kok (far left) and Dean André Boraine (far right) received the trophies from the AHRMCC team upon their return - Coach Raphael Chitambira, Nonkosazana Nkosi and Stephen Baubeng-Baidoo - Ed.

The TuksLaw Moot team advocating their case.