The University of Pretoria's (UP)  Faculty of Law announces with pride and congratulates the UP Moot Society on making it to the top 10 teams and winning 2nd best memorials in the 30th African Human Rights Moot Court Competition (now the Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition).

Elated coaches Thuwaybah Moses and Dinendri Pillay report as follows on the participation of the UP Moot team and their results:

“We are extremely proud of the team’s stellar performance. Within less than two months, they expanded their knowledge on the African regional human rights system specifically around gender-based violence and, LGBTQI+ and children’s rights, resulting in memorials of exceptional quality.

Despite the challenges of online training, the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic and the stresses of their penultimate years, the team was consistently receptive to learning and spent countless hours researching and honing in on their writing and speaking skills while enduring innumerable Zoom calls.

Through these turbulent times, Michael, having no prior experience, displayed a level of growth that far exceeded any of his peers. Adivhaho, who had nobly joined the team mere days before the memorials were due, proved to be an indispensable asset to the team’s success. Dunga not only played the part of dedicated and supportive teammate but also contributed greatly to her team members’ development.” 

Micheal Maepa (LLB III) said, “All Africa was an eye-opening, challenging and yet fun experience for me. It was my very first major mooting experience, and to top it all, I found myself working with the most amazing team of people, some of whom were people I had always looked up to.

It was an experience that completely took me out of my comfort zone and catapulted me into a whole new world of legal research and oral advocacy. It made me realise that there is so much more to a law degree than just the modules that are offered in the curriculum. I am truly grateful to my coaches Dinendri Pillay & Thuwaybah Moses for their support throughout the competition.”

Dunga Mashilo (BCom Law III) commented, “Participating in this moot was an exhilarating and humbling experience. It was an indispensable opportunity to expand our legal knowledge in subjects that are urgent and critical, in African jurisprudence and society as a whole, such as the rights of women, children and queer minorities. I am grateful for the guidance of incredible, eager and passionate coaches.

Furthermore, it was an honour to work with a hard working and passionate team, with whom I’ll always share fond memories and the gift of friendship. I am indebted to the Moot Society for constant support, and investing in the growth of law students. I will always remember this moot as a monumental space and an invaluable legacy of Professor Christoph Heyns.”

Researcher Adivhaho Mudanaluwo (LLB III) shared similar sentiments and further stated, “Being part of the All Africa Team was an amazing experience. It was a space that allowed growth and so much learning. I learned so much, from drafting memorials to perfecting research within a short period. The coaches we had transferred a lot of knowledge which I believe will be very helpful in my law career. I had great team members as well.

Having to work under pressure made me realize my full potential and learn how to cope under pressure. I believe this is something every aspiring lawyer needs not only to master but also to experience before going to practice. It was also a platform for me to see if I would enjoy being a lawyer. I also learned more about the litigation side of law. Getting to apply the law and experience a court setting was very rewarding.”

Pillay and Moses further extended their appreciation to the UP Moot Society, “Notably, the team would not have reached such heights without the constant guidance from previous participants of this prestigious moot - we are incredibly thankful to them. Finally, we thank the Dean's Office for its continued support and assistance in securing venues for the moot proceedings.”