Representing UKZN at the Child Moot Court Competition 2023 at the University of Pretoria from 21 to 23 September was the highlight of their student experience for final-year Law students Mr Azande Cele and Ms Kaliope Geldenhuys.

‘The competition was well-run and we received a warm welcome from the University of Pretoria. I met many of my peers, and competing provided me with the insight into the situation we had to deal with,’ said Cele.

Participating in this competition also boosted confidence for Geldenhuys who argued amongst top mooters in the country. ‘I learnt how it would feel to represent someone in court, and how to argue clearly, concisely, and persuasively while anchoring my argument in law,’ he said.

These students had to submit heads of argument and make oral submissions in front of judges on current issues in the area of child law and children’s rights. This year the topic focused on the fictional situation of undocumented learners being denied access to education at a private high school in South Africa.

Lecturer in the School of Law, Mr Matthew Kimble accompanied these students to the competition. He also provided them with guidance and training with two other Law lecturers in the School, Professor Willene Holness and Mr Adrian Bellengère.

‘Both conducted themselves in an exemplary fashion and their heads of argument tied third overall. Despite this achievement and good oral argument, they were unfortunately not able to proceed to the semi-finals in a very tight competition,’ said Kimble.

Cele said that the competition inspired him to further develop himself in the field of Law: ‘It provided perspective on how I could further progress and where I can improve.’

Geldenhuys said that she built connections with future attorneys and with the Centre for Child Law which will benefit her in the future.

The students’ participation in the Moot Court highlights the School of Law’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates.

Words: Samukelisiwe Cele

Photograph: Supplied