Fort Hare launches Madlanga International Moot Court competition – SABC News

Retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has hailed the University of Fort Hare (UFH) in the Eastern Cape for making great strides in intensifying jurisprudence among upcoming legal practitioners.

The institution has launched the Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga International Moot Court competition.

It’s expected to provide upcoming legal practitioners with the opportunity to strengthen their legal research, legal writing and critical thinking skills – through simulated court proceedings.

Madlanga says although the competition is named after him, it’s worth noting that it belongs to those who will practice law.

“Why I say this gives us hope in terms of our judicial system because largely judicial officers especially are drawn from among the reigns of legal practitioners, so this gives us hope for the future of our judicial system.”

Madlanga adds that although the competition is named after him, it’s worth noting that it belongs to those who will practice law.

“Why I say this gives us hope in terms of our judicial system because largely judicial officers especially are drawn from among the reigns of legal practitioners, so this gives us hope for the future of our judicial system.”

The moot court is also expected to focus on critical topics, including international law, human rights and commercial law.

Dean of Law, Professor Mzukisi Njotini says the opportunity given to the mooters will give them greater understanding of law, not only regarding South African challenges but will also enable them to compete globally.

“The most important aspects are those hidden topics for example competition and consumer regulations, but we know that human rights cut across, you almost will not talk about any field in law without talking human rights. So, there is always going to be a human rights element to things competition, to things consumer regulations. Those are the things that we want them to come across here in this competition.”

Aspiring legal practitioners say this competition comes in handy when they start in legal practise.

Lilly Mbengo, a mooter, says the competition gives them a true understanding of their career choice, especially on how to conduct themselves with confidence.

“You will find that with graduate colleagues when they go to practice, they don’t really know court etiquette, they don’t know how to address the court and most importantly they lack that experience, knowledge and confidence that is required in the courtroom. So, in that regard it assists in preparation for the real world.”

UFH says it seeks to foster collaborations with the South African Human Rights Commission and the High Courts in the province to boost practical exposure for its mooters and law students.

-Report by Hlumisa Qabaka