Hlabisa learners shine
TWO up-and-coming ‘legal eagles’ from a high school in Hlabisa held the KZN flag high after reaching the quarter finals of the National Schools Moot Court competition.
After being declared one of the winning teams from the provincial round of the competition, Grade 10 learners Nomfundo Manqele and Sayinile Hlophe from Somfula High School were among learners from around the country whose knowledge of the Constitution was put to the test at none other than the Constitutional Court.
With an aim of persuading school children to understand the Constitution and its values, and to establish a continuous Human Rights learning programme through education, the competition affords learners the opportunity to argue a case.
The Moot Court competition’s judging panel is made up of professional magistrates who preside over the fictional arguments and record the learners’ scores.
Learners are given a hypothetical case to argue as both the applicant and respondent, both written and oral.
The provincial round of the competition is primarily written, with learners submitting two short essays, each arguing the opposing views of a set of fictional questions.
The competition affords learners an understanding of how the Constitution and the law work, and enhances respect for both and for human rights.
‘We congratulate Somfula High School on their win and representing the province well at the national competition,’ said Bongani Mahlangu, Provincial Communication Practitioner for Legal Aid SA.
‘We are appreciative of the opportunity to be part of this initiative in coaching and preparing learners for the competition.
‘This is one way we share our expertise, help develop our communities and shape a better future for our country.’
The National Schools Moot Court competition is an initiative of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, University of Pretoria and the Foundation of Human Rights.