UKZN Law School Hosts Inaugural Junior Internal Moot Court Competition

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The School of Law on the Howard College campus recently held its inaugural Junior Internal Moot Court Competition, an initiative designed to cultivate advocacy skills among second- and third-year Law students. 

Welcoming the participants, the Dean and Head of the School of Law, Professor Freddy Mnyongani, explained: “Mooting is more than a contest; it is a simulation of life’s real challenges. It demands that you think critically, speak persuasively, and stand confidently, even when you’re uncertain. Rising to this occasion, stepping up to the podium, and daring to try -- these are the very ingredients of success.” 

The competition, which took place over three rounds, began with the preliminary rounds which were presided over by senior Law students in their third and fourth years, offering a unique peer-learning opportunity that benefited both participants and adjudicators. 

The semi-finals were judged by academic members of the School of Law- Ms Devarasi Bellengere, Ms Nomfundo Mthembu, and Mr Siphesihle Mbatha - who commended the students for their clarity of argument and confident oral presentation. 

The final round was adjudicated by a distinguished panel comprising Dr Paul Swanepoel and Advocate Mr Lesala Mofokeng of the School of Law, and Advocate Zandile Qono of the KwaZulu-Natal Bar. The panel praised all finalists for their impressive legal reasoning and courtroom demeanour. 

The finalists were Mr Qiniso Luthuli, Mr Sandiso Mdletshe, Mr Nicholas Hodgson and Mr Leal Jensen. After a tightly contested final, the team of Hodgson and Jensen emerged as the winners.

Said organiser of the competition Mr Matthew Kimble: “The competition was a success and showcased the depth of legal talent at Howard College. We look forward to making this an annual fixture on the School of Law’s calendar.” 

Co-winner Hodgson reflected on the mooting process saying: “Being involved in the competition involved many late nights of research, preparation of oral arguments and attempting to answer judge’s questions that made you doubt everything. Yet, despite all of that, I’ll be back...as the experience and skills gained along the way, can’t be taught in a lecture hall.” 

Mdletshe also found the process to be beneficial: “Participating in the moot court competition was insightful, as it taught me that the true test of advocacy isn’t knowing all the answers, but thinking on your feet, listening closely, and standing firm in uncertainty.” 

Luthuli was pleased with his performance as a first-time mooter who made it to the finals. “I truly enjoyed the nerve-racking experience, it was incredibly rewarding,” he said. “It sharpened my legal research and drafting abilities, enhanced my oral advocacy and tested my ability to think quickly and critically under pressure, I would truly urge all second- and third-year LLB students to participate next year. I’ve never faced such tough, fast-paced questioning that demanded immediate, fact- and law-based responses.” 

The general assessment was that the initiative reflected the School’s ongoing commitment to practical legal training and the development of the next generation of legal professionals. The School runs a series of moots in order to prepare students for national and international mooting competitions. 

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied