UKZN’s School of Law recently hosted the Moot Court competition on the Pietermaritzburg campus where the event was adjudicated by two distinguished members of the Bench: the Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal Division, Honourable Madam Justice Thoba Poyo-Dlwati, and the Honourable Madam Justice Siphokazi Jikela.
The Moot Court Competition is a flagship initiative of the School of Law, created to provide Bachelor of Laws (LLB) students with hands-on courtroom experience while sharpening their litigation and advocacy skills.
Dean and Head of the School of Law Professor Freddy Mnyongani welcomed everyone, describing the programme as a vital bridge between theory and practice.
“Through the Moot Court Competition, our students gain exposure to the discipline and rigour of courtroom procedures,” said Mnyongani. “It is also a privilege for our students to argue before esteemed judges, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Judge President Poyo-Dlwati and Madam Justice Jikela for their presence, which enriches the experience and adds prestige to the competition,” he said.
The competition featured two compelling cases that tested the finalists’ ability to interpret law, argue persuasively and think critically under pressure.
In the first matter, The State v. Nancy Khumalo, contestants grappled with the question of whether public breastfeeding could constitute public indecency. The Appellant, represented by Mr Lindokuhle Ngubane, argued that Khumalo’s conduct did not meet the threshold of being ‘public’ within the meaning of the offence, while the Respondent, represented by Ms Luyanda Dlamini, defended the conviction.
The second case, Roy Ramtharan v. Willing Wishes Logistics, examined whether an employer’s refusal to hire a rehabilitated former offender on the basis of a prior criminal record amounted to unfair discrimination. The Appellant, represented by Ms Amanda Tshabalala, argued that Mr Ramtharan’s exclusion was arbitrary and unjust, while the Respondent, represented by Ms Coleen Naik, contended that the company’s policy was justified in light of its operational needs and prior financial losses due to fraud.
Following the presentations, Poyo-Dlwati and Jikela commended the participants for their diligence, preparation and passion for the Law. The judges remarked on the quality of advocacy displayed, noting that the arguments presented reflected the calibre and potential of the next generation of legal practitioners.
Winners, Dlamini and Tshabalala, were congratulated for their clarity of thought, persuasive reasoning and poise under questioning.
Said Tshabalala: “From being selected as one of the top 14 students in professional training to becoming one of the final four, the journey has required great research, preparation and commitment, not only from us as the finalists but also from our lecturers. It was a challenging but rewarding moment.”
Said Dlamini: “Being part of the competition will definitely be one of the most significant moments of my years at university, it wasn’t a walk in the park as it required a lot of determination, hard work and preparation but I am happy to say it was all worth it. I still reminisce about that moment standing before the judges and I smile knowing I gave it my all.”
Professor Darren Subramanien, Academic Leader of Socio-Legal Studies, who formally closed the proceedings, extended his congratulations to all participants.
“Competitions like this showcase the talent and determination of our students. The skills honed here will not only benefit their professional journeys but will also contribute to the broader justice system in South Africa,” he said.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Hesper Cele