Long nights spent studying the law led to a Kimberley-based school securing the runner-up position in the National Schools Moot Court competition in the Constitutional Court and at the University of Pretoria (UP) during the previous school holiday.
Lethabo Mooreng and Outlwile Mohlakoana of the Kimberley Technical High School (THS) presented arguments in the Constitutional Court in front of 14 judges.
They reached the finals. Also, Lethabo was mentioned as the second best mooter in South Africa, narrowly missing out on the top position.
The first annual National Schools Moot Court competition took place at the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg on National Human Rights Day, on 21 March 2011. Teams of four schools in each of the nine provinces were selected to participate in this ground-breaking event.
The competition aims to create greater awareness in schools and communities about the South African Constitution and the values it embodies through active participation. The aim is also to encourage talented young people to consider pursuing a career in law.
It provides a unique opportunity for learners of secondary schools in the country to develop their research, writing, and oral advocacy skills as they endeavour to come to grips with some of the Constitutional issues that are presently facing the country.
Schools can enter a team of two learners, with the first round being conducted in written form. Learners are expected to write two essays (two to four pages for each), setting out the opposing sides of the case.
