The spirit of excellence was unmistakable at the Polokwane High Court on 26 and 27 April 2025, where the 2nd Annual Black Lawyers’ Association Moot Court Competition highlighted the next generation of legal minds.
Underscoring Unisa’s commitment to practical legal training and access to legal aid, first-year LLB student Jasmine Senthumule emerged victorious as the overall best mooter, a remarkable feat so early in her legal studies. Senthumule’s stellar performance earned her the best mooter title, leading a formidable team comprising Deron Baloyi, Morongoa Ngoasheng, Charmaine Makhafula, and Kgothatso Hlokwe. This group will represent Unisa at the next phase, competing against other universities in a legal aid-focused moot.
A panel of distinguished legal minds
An esteemed panel of judges presided over the event, including Professor Angelo Dube, Acting Director of the School of Law at Unisa; Gudani Matambunye, a seasoned Limpopo attorney; Advocate Anne-Lize Lourens, a member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates; and Pfunzo Phosiwa, Director of Phosiwa Attorneys. Their combined expertise provided invaluable insights into legal aid, courtroom dynamics, and trial litigation.
In his keynote address, Dube emphasised that the competition serves as a vital learning platform, sharpening students’ oral advocacy, trial litigation, appeals, and legal research skills. He reinforced that while competitive, the event’s primary focus is education and legal aid mentorship, equipping participants with the knowledge needed to serve communities with sound legal support.
Matambunye underscored the importance of courtroom interactions, encouraging students to embrace judicial interjections, while Phosiwa provided real-time guidance on procedural correctness, ensuring students gained practical insights into legal aid applications. Advocate Lourens, leveraging her extensive courtroom experience, pushed participants to refine their argumentation and legal principles application.
Unisa’s commitment to access and excellence in legal aid
During the awards ceremony, Dr Mantepu MaseTshaba, Acting Dean of the College of Economic and Management Sciences, commended students for their professionalism and commitment to legal aid, particularly highlighting the 70:30 gender participation ratio. She praised competitors for their confidence and articulation, noting that they spoke with the poise of seasoned practitioners.
Closing the event, Neo Maroga of the Black Lawyers’ Association applauded students for their resilience and dedication, emphasising that legal aid is a cornerstone of equitable access to justice. “Through initiatives like this, we reaffirm our commitment to shaping graduates prepared to serve the legal profession and society with distinction."
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