The Faculty of Law's Moot Society at the University of Pretoria (UP) has once again showcased its excellence by winning the national rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, which took place from 13 to 14 February 2025. With this victory, the team will proudly represent both the University and South Africa at the international rounds in Washington, D.C.

The Jessup Competition is the largest and most prestigious moot court competition in the world, bringing together law students from various universities to engage in complex legal debates.

The UP team comprised Bianca O'Kelly (speaker), Mapule Shai (speaker), Matthew Du Preez (researcher), Joseph Mangwane (researcher), Moyahabo Thoka (coach), and Professor Babatunde Fagbayibo (coach).

“It’s an immense honour to be part of such a prestigious legacy, and honestly, it still feels a bit surreal,” said O’Kelly.

The Jessup competition is known for its rigorous arguments, and the team described the challenges they faced as both complex and ambiguous. “International law, especially in this case, can be incredibly intricate because there are no definitive answers. It’s a space where the rules are not always concrete, and much of it comes down to interpretation and political dynamics,” O’Kelly explained.

Shai echoed this sentiment, emphasising the team’s resilience: “From the moment we were selected as participants to the moments just before we won, we faced numerous obstacles. However, we overcame them through grit, tenacity, and the unwavering support of our advisors and loved ones.”

The Case Concerning the Naegea Sea

The team tackled a case involving three key legal disputes:

1. Gertrude Cross’ Arrest – In 2024, Rovinia arrested former Ambrosian Minister Gertrude Cross for alleged illegal detentions between 2017 and 2020, based on a human rights report. Ambrosia’s President Derey claimed she had immunity, but Rovinia rejected this argument.
2. Triton Shoal Dispute – In 2015, Ambrosia passed a law fixing its maritime boundaries, which Rovinia opposed, arguing the waters were international. Rovinia issued fishing licenses in the area, while Ambrosia maintained that it was within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
3. Seizure of The Falcon – Rovinia seized an Ambrosian military aircraft over a commercial dispute. The Transitional Council waived its immunity, but President Derey opposed this decision.

The UP team also won the Award for Best Memorials, further solidifying their dominance in the competition.

Gaining Valuable Skills and Experience

Reflecting on the competition, du Preez highlighted how it strengthened his legal research, analytical thinking, and advocacy skills. “The competition required in-depth research on complex international law issues, sharpening my ability to critically assess legal principles and apply them effectively,” he said.

The team also emphasised the importance of collaboration, effective communication, and problem-solving—key skills for any legal career. Additionally, balancing rigorous research, drafting, and practice rounds with their academic workload taught them how to manage multiple responsibilities efficiently while remaining resilient under pressure.

“The competition broadened my understanding of public international law and dispute resolution mechanisms, providing valuable insight into the workings of international courts and tribunals. These are skills that will undoubtedly contribute to my success in the legal profession,” du Preez added.

Extensive Preparation for Success

The team’s preparation was intense. “During the December holidays, we met almost every day to practice oral arguments based on our written memorials. This helped bridge the gap between drafting and preparing for the national rounds. Preparation for the nationals began immediately after submitting our memorials,” said Mangwane.

Speakers practiced in front of researchers and coaches, refining their arguments and building confidence.

When asked about their strategy for the international rounds, Mangwane kept it mysterious: “A chef never tells. However, we will continue with our research and reinforce our memorials to ensure a seamless transition to oral arguments. Our goal is to seal all gaps in our legal submissions.”

He described the team’s spirit as “Thunder.” “Lightning strikes before you hear the thunder,” he said. “By the time you hear us, you will have already been struck by our abilities—and we will have already won.”

The Moot Society’s looks forward to proudly representing UP and South Africa when taking on the world stage in Washington, D.C from 29 March to 5 April.