Inter-Varsity Moot Court Competition puts future Legal Practitioners to the test

by Steve Maphakathe

Students from four universities across South Africa participated in a legal argument that challenged their strategic thinking and courtroom advocacy.

The 2026 Inter-Varsity Moot Court Competition, hosted by the NWU’s Law Clinics, united student teams from the North-West University, University of Limpopo, University of Venda, and the Vaal University of Technology to argue a fictional case.

The case centred around a young couple who possess different views on the continuation of a pregnancy that led them to a court appearance. As participating teams, the students represented opposing sides of the dispute, and they were required to explore sensitive legal questions regarding the father’s rights in decisions related to the termination of the pregnancy.

The students also addressed issues of constitutional rights, interim maintenance, and established legal principles. Each team presented arguments before a penal of experts and each objection and submission not only assessed their judicial questioning, but their ability to critically think on the spot and communicate under pressure.

The competition, hosted in collaboration with the University of Limpopo’s Legal Aid Clinic, the VUT’s Legal Science Department, and University of Venda’s Law Clinic, highlighted the significance of preparing future legal practitioners. A hard-fought battle resulted in the University of Venda claiming first place with the University of Limpopo in second. The NWU’s combined team, representing both Mahikeng and Potchefstroom campuses, secured third place, while Vaal University of Technology finished fourth.

“The strongest team distinguished themselves through oral advocacy, persuasive presentation, and a clear, well-structured argument,” he stated. “It is not only about speaking well; it is about presenting your case with confidence, purpose, and professionalism. When your arguments are delivered logically and chronologically, judges can follow your reasoning and are far more likely to be persuaded.”

Advocate Mrabe further emphasised the key skills aspiring legal practitioners need to succeed in the profession.

“Success in the legal profession requires strong legal writing, confident oral advocacy, and clear communication. Aspiring lawyers must be audible, maintain eye contact, and have a sound command of English, as language remains one of the profession’s most powerful tools. These are the skills that inspire confidence in both the bench and your clients.”

The competition was directed by Mr Samson Leshilo who is a supervising legal practitioner at the NWU Mahikeng Law Clinic.

Prof Kathleen van der Linde, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law addressed the students and emphasised the value of the competition. Ms. Chrisna Nicholson, Director of the NWU Potchefstroom Law Clinic welcomed the attendees.

According to Senior Public Prosecutor Advocate Mzwandile Mrabe from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the most successful team shared several key qualities that distinguished them from the rest.

Director of the Mahikeng Law Clinic, Mr Simon Rashikhalela introduced the universities while the Manager: Legal Services of the NWU Potchefstroom Law Clinic, Ms Tshegofatso Nyalungu, did the toss.

Through the support and sponsorship of LexisNexis South Africa, the competition nurtured the next generation of legal practitioners by strengthening advocacy skills and promoting excellence in the legal profession. The NWU’s Law Clinics hope to establish the Inter-Varsity Moot Court Competition as an annual event to reinforce collaboration between university law clinics where aspiring legal practitioners will apply their knowledge to real life constitutional law disputes.