Street Law in Action

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As part of the Street Law module, a team of 10 final-year KwaZulu-Natal Law students embarked on a 25-hour outreach programme, culminating in the Luthuli Museum Schools’ Moot Court Competition. 

The aim was to empower a selection of 14 Grade 11 learners from Parkhill Secondary School in Durban North with the legal knowledge and courtroom skills necessary to participate in a mock Constitutional Court case - a challenge that the Law students and learners embraced with passion and purpose. 

Over the course of several weeks, the Law students interacted with the learners through after-school sessions, teaching them the foundations of South African Law, the structure of the court system, how to write legal submissions and how to deliver oral arguments confidently. 

The case in the spotlight focused on constitutional rights - particularly equality, discrimination, and language in education - providing a meaningful backdrop for critical discussion and legal reasoning. 

Said facilitator and Law student Ms Thulile Nzimande: “We introduced the high school learners to the basics of law through Luthuli Museum’s outreach programmes, and they were very interested. We taught them how to write moot court submissions clearly and correctly which helped them improve their thinking, speaking and research skills. At the same time, we as teachers learned new ways to explain law and gained experience in guiding learners. The learners’ progress was tangible. Many arrived shy and unsure of their abilities - but week by week they grew asking sharper questions, delivering stronger arguments…and stepped into the shoes of young advocates.” 

Said Law student Ms Mthabiseng Khwela: “Teaching Grade 11 students to moot in court was a rewarding experience that not only equipped them with valuable skills but also inspired a new generation of legal minds. We empowered them to become confident, critical thinkers well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the law and make a positive impact in their communities. The road wasn’t without challenges. Legal concepts can be tough to grasp, and translating them into accessible lessons took creativity and collaboration, but the learners were determined!” 

Ms Minenhle Mkamba added: “Though there were flaws and challenges along the way, the learners showed great enthusiasm and overcame them with determination. Watching them grow and gain confidence was truly inspiring.” She cited. 

Quoting the Bible verse Proverbs 22:6, she said: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” 

“Teaching learners how to moot and think like lawyers has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding,” said student Mr Lwazi Makube. “There is something special about seeing that moment when a learner finally nails a cross-examination or makes a flawless legal submission…their progress makes it worth it.” 

Outreach team co-ordinator Mr Aphelele Madlala said that that this experience - from ensuring the programme ran smoothly to facilitating team meetings, to liaising with the Luthuli Museum and school stakeholders - has taught him the value of professionalism, leadership and adaptability. 

“My confidence in managing formal processes has improved significantly and I leave this project with a renewed sense of purpose and pride,” said Madlala. 

“In the end, this programme was not just about legal education - it was about uplifting young voices, demystifying the law and building relationships rooted in learning and mutual respect. The Luthuli Museum offered us a platform to honour the legacy of justice and empowerment, and we are deeply grateful to them and the Parkhill Secondary learners for reminding us why we chose this path.” 

UKZN Street Law coordinator Dr Janine Hicks congratulated the finalists and confirmed that the School of Law had extended a bursary commitment of R20 000 to winning learner, Ms Thuliso Tusime, should she choose to study Law at UKZN. “I am so proud of what our Street Law students have achieved in preparing school learners to argue a complex constitutional matter before a magistrate,” added Hicks. 

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied