‘As the overall winner of the 48th Ellie Newman Memorial Moot Competition, I am filled with appreciation and gratitude,’ said Mr Muzi Mgabi.
The flagship Moot Court Competition of the School of Law aims to familiarise LLB students with various aspects of litigation and courtroom procedure. Mooting is an essential component of a well-rounded legal education and an important stepping stone for entry into the legal profession.
The four finalists – Mgabi, Mr Kairav Bhana, Ms Miranda Ntlola, and Ms Shazelle Jeevaruthnam – were given two complicated legal cases to argue before three judges of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court – Justice Peter Olsen Justice Thoba Poyo-Dlwati and Justice Jacqueline Henriques.
Mgabi said the journey to the finals had been rigorous but the experience was one he would not change for the world.
‘At this moment, I cannot explain how excited I am about the opportunity given to me by the School of Law to display my legal prowess after being groomed by legal professionals within the School. I am indeed grateful,’ he said.
Henriques commended the finalists on a job well done. ‘The cases presented were not simple and we were very impressed with the quality of the arguments and how the students presented themselves before the court. They did not shy away from questions and it was evident through their submissions that a lot of preparation went into the presentations,’ she said.
‘It is unfortunate that there has to be one winner, they all worked hard and it showed,’ she added.
The Dean and Head of the School of Law, Professor Managay Reddi, said the training the students received through participating in the moot programme and their exposure to arguing cases had proven to be invaluable in developing students into top class lawyers.
‘I am confident that every one of these finalists will enjoy great success in their law careers while also making a significant contribution to the legal profession just like many Ellie Newman Moot finalists before them who have significantly impacted South African society,’ she said.
The event ended with a handover of certificates to the semi-finalists as well as prizes and trophies to the four finalists.
Prizes were sponsored by LexisNexis and Norton Rose Fulbright.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photographs: Rajesh Jantilal