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ADVOCATING FOR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS, WSU LAW STUDENTS SHINE IN MOOT COURT COMPETITION
The excellence of Walter Sisulu University’s law programme was once again brought into sharp focus when the university’s students finished fourth place in the annual Child Law Moot Court Competition attended by 18 Southern African universities.
The impressive pair of third- and fourth-year Bachelor of Law students, Bonolo Ramela and Kamva Mbangata, were ranked fourth by judges for best written heads of arguments.
Rhodes university, University of Pretoria and Stellenbosch University finished in the top three.
Ramela and Mbangata demonstrated their exceptional WSU-acquired legal skills and knowledge during the two-day event held from 19-20 September 2025 in Pretoria.
The annual competition, jointly hosted by the University of Pretoria’s Child Law Centre, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Foundation for Human Rights, is in its 14th year.
“The motivation to participate in this competition comes from my passion and anticipation for what is out there in practice and as someone with dreams of advocacy, it feels like a step closer,” an excited Ramela quipped.
She also emphasised how the competition provided a unique opportunity for them as law students to engage with critical child law issues, develop their skills and contribute to shaping the future of child law in South Africa.
The event highlights children’s rights and raises awareness about public interest law, particularly in the realm of children's rights.
Mbangata, a fourth year Bachelor of Law student added that, “We competed against the University of Lesotho and the University of Western Cape, these rounds provided valuable insights into the practical application of legal principles and the importance of being well versed in relevant laws and precedents.”
He explained how participants demonstrated remarkable dedication and passion for child law, impressing judges and peers with their arguments and courtroom presence.
“The competition helped us develop our advocacy skills, think critically about complex legal issues and contribute to the advancement of child law, it also encouraged argumentation from our side as the issue of Baby Saver Boxes does not have precedence from our courts,” Mbangata added.
This duo emphasised how they hope that the participation of Walter Sisulu University in these competitions with does not end with them.
By Mahle Sokiti
