Unisa law students shine at the 34^th Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition

Through the College of Law and its Law Clinic, Unisa proudly participated in the 34^th Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition, held at the University of Cape Town from 29 June to 5 July 2025. Two exceptional student mooters represented Unisa on this distinguished continental stage: Elana van der Berg and Lungile Mnukwa. Their participation in this prestigious event is a testament to the quality of legal education at Unisa and a celebration of the university’s commitment to advancing human rights discourse in Africa.

The African Human Rights Moot Court Competition was named in honour of the late Professor Christof Heyns, a globally respected human rights scholar, and former UN Special Rapporteur. It has evolved into the largest annual gathering dedicated to human rights legal education in Africa. Since its inception in 1992, the competition has involved 183 universities (including Unisa) from 47 African countries, making it a cornerstone of legal training in the region.

Each year, the competition brings together Africa’s brightest law students, academics, and legal professionals to argue a fictional human rights case before a mock panel modelled on the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The event fosters advocacy, research, and critical thinking skills while promoting continent-wide dialogue on pressing human rights issues.

This year’s hypothetical case centred on urgent and multifaceted themes: migration, statelessness, and the protection of civil and political rights. These issues are particularly relevant given the growing migration crisis across the continent, where millions face displacement and legal invisibility. Participants were challenged to present oral and written arguments that reflect a deep understanding of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and a nuanced appreciation of international human rights law and jurisprudence.

Representing Unisa, Van der Berg and Mnukwa demonstrated remarkable legal reasoning, articulate advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to human rights. Their participation underscored the vital role that young legal minds can play in shaping a more just and humane African legal landscape.

The Unisa delegation’s strong showing would not have been possible without the strategic guidance and academic support of their moot court coaches. Professor Angelo Dube, Director of the School of Law, and Dr Sikekela Ndlazi, Acting Chair of the Department of Public, Constitutional and International Law, played pivotal roles in preparing the team for this high-level competition.

Dube, a seasoned expert in public international law and human rights, spearheaded an intensive training programme for the students. His unwavering commitment to excellence ensured that the Unisa team entered the competition well-versed in both substantive law and persuasive advocacy techniques. Ndlazi, known for his insightful constitutional scholarship, provided critical feedback and mentorship that sharpened the students' analytical and oral presentation skills.

Both coaches exemplify the academic leadership necessary to maintain Unisa’s reputation as a leading institution for legal education and research on the African continent.

Unisa's participation in the 34^th edition of the Moot Court follows its involvement in the 33^rd edition, held in 2024 at the University of Rwanda in Kigali. That event brought together 61 teams from 18 African countries. The cumulative experience from these consecutive appearances has strengthened Unisa’s position in regional legal circles and enhanced the university’s profile as a nurturing ground for socially responsive legal practitioners.

Participating in these moot courts not only allows students to test their legal acumen on a continental scale, but also fosters collaboration, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding among the future leaders of Africa’s legal systems.

As Africa continues to confront complex socio-legal challenges, from refugee rights and democratic governance to constitutionalism and economic justice, the role of legal education in shaping transformative leadership cannot be overstated. Unisa remains deeply committed to preparing students who are not only skilled legal professionals but also passionate advocates for human rights and social justice.

The College of Law and its Law Clinic will continue to invest in moot court initiatives, recognising them as vital platforms for experiential learning and policy engagement. The accomplishments of Van der Berg and Mnukwa at the 34^th African Human Rights Moot Court Competition mark a proud chapter in Unisa’s ongoing journey to foster legal excellence and integrity across Africa.

Click here to watch a video on Unisa’s participation in the competition

* By Kgopotjo Lebepe, Communication and Marketing Officer, Unisa Law Clinic