The spirit of excellence was alive and palpable at the Polokwane High Court on the 26th and 27th of April 2025, where the 2nd Annual Black Lawyers’ Association (BLA) Moot Court Competition unfolded. It was an event that once again demonstrated that Unisa is not only opening doors to learning but is actively shaping the legal minds of tomorrow. During the course of the event, Jasmine Senthumule, a first-year LLB student, won the title of overall best mooter - a remarkable achievement for a student so early in their studies, demonstrating the self-driven, resilient, and focused determination that Unisa seeks to cultivate.

From left: Prof Angelo Dube, Jasmine Senthumule, Advocate Anne-Lize Lourens, and Attorney Pfunzo Phosiwa

At the helm of this year’s successful competition was Motlatso Maphosa, a dedicated Unisa LLB student whose tireless commitment, together with her hardworking team comprising Rejoice Chuma, Hlulane Maluleke, Mahlatse Mgiba, Lebogang Ramolotja, Tebogo Sasa and Kwena Kaka, ensured that this iteration was a resounding success.

Professor Angelo Dube, Acting Director of the School of Law at Unisa, served on the panel of judges alongside Gudani Matambunye, a seasoned attorney from Limpopo, Advocate Anne-Lize Lourens of the High Court and a member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates, and Pfunzo Phosiwa, Director of Phosiwa Attorneys. The judges’ diverse backgrounds in academia, private practice, and advocacy proved invaluable as they guided students through three demanding case scenarios.

A fundamental learning platform

In his opening remarks, Dube emphasised that the competition was designed to sharpen key skills, among them, oral advocacy, trial litigation, appeals, courtroom etiquette, and legal research. It was heartening to see students embracing the opportunity with both hands. Continuing, Dube conveyed his deep satisfaction at the impressive turnout - not only from competitors but also from the many students who came to observe and learn. He reminded them that while the moot was competitive, it was fundamentally a learning platform, that this was not a battlefield but a training ground to forge future judges, attorneys, and advocates. In addition, he stressed the importance of mentorship, which, he said, is the lifeblood of a meaningful academic journey, and pointed out that this moot court competition provided a perfect space for such mentorship to flourish.

Matambunye brought a practitioner's rigour to the proceedings, emphasising the importance of understanding courtroom dynamics. He encouraged students to embrace interjections from the bench, noting that robust questioning is the very essence of courtroom life. In particular, Matambunye paid attention to issues of dress and decorum, reminding participants that the presentation of counsel is just as important as the strength of argument.

Phosiwa, a long-standing supporter of the moot, continued his tradition of turning every misstep into a teaching moment. His patient, on-the-spot corrections of procedural mistakes ensured that students internalised not only what was expected of them but also why it mattered. His interventions were a true reflection of a nurturing approach to legal education.

Advocate Lourens, with her wealth of courtroom experience, provided masterful guidance to the students. Her sharp questions and observations steered participants towards the correct application of rules and procedures, challenging them to think on their feet and sharpen their legal acumen.

Students presenting their cases at the Polokwane High Court

During the proceedings, students wrestled with criminal appeals and one complex deceased estate case, yet, they rose to the challenge with aplomb.

At the end of the competition, it was Senthumule, who claimed the title of overall best mooter. She led a strong cohort comprising Deron Baloyi, Morongoa Ngoasheng, Charmaine Makhafula, and a Kgothatso Hlokwe, all of whom will go on to represent Unisa at the next phase of the competition where they will square off against teams from other universities.

During the awards ceremony, Dr Mantepu MaseTshaba, Acting Dean of the College of Economic and Management Sciences, delivered a poignant address. She noted the 70:30 gender imbalance in favour of women, celebrating both the participation of young men and the spirit of excellence displayed by all. She commended the competitors for speaking with such confidence and presence, as if they were already seasoned practitioners, and expressed her pride in seeing the spirit of sacrifice and community learning displayed by students who gave up their weekends to be part of this formative experience.

Concluding, Dube stressed that the moot court competition reaffirmed that Unisa is much more than an open-distance learning institution. He added: “We are a centre of teaching, research, and practical legal training. It is through initiatives like this that we reaffirm our commitment to holistic education - creating well-rounded graduates who are prepared to serve the legal profession and society with distinction.”

Neo Maroga, representing the Black Lawyers’ Association, closed the event with words of encouragement. She lauded the students for taking up the challenge and expressed gratitude to the judges who, despite the long weekend, chose to invest their time in mentoring the next generation of legal practitioners.

*By Prof Angelo Dube, Acting Director, School of Law, College of Law