The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Faculty of Law has once again demonstrated its legal prowess on the national stage, with its team securing victory at the prestigious 2024 Kader Asmal Moot Court Competition held on 10 August 2024. The winning team, comprised of second-year LLB students Saurav Maharaj and Muphulusi Rakhuhu, emerged as champions in what was the 10th annual edition of this highly regarded competition.
The Kader Asmal Moot Court Competition is named in honour of the late Kader Asmal, a towering figure in South African history, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to human rights and his significant contributions to the nation’s legal landscape.
This year’s competition paid tribute to his legacy by focusing on a pressing issue: the right of learners to basic education in schools burdened by severe infrastructural challenges, including leaking roofs and pit latrines. The case tested the participants’ ability to navigate complex legal principles while addressing real-world social justice concerns.
In a fiercely contested final round, the UJ team represented the Respondent against the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Despite the challenging facts of the case, which did not favour their position, Maharaj and Rakhuhu impressed the judges with their ability to present innovative and persuasive arguments. Their performance not only secured them the championship but also earned the team the coveted award for Best Heads of Argument—an accolade UJ has now claimed for three consecutive years, underscoring the Faculty’s consistent excellence in legal advocacy.
The success of the UJ team was made possible through the dedicated support of their mentors. Mr Louis Koen, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, and Ms Krishaan Nte, a Moot Court Tutor, accompanied the team to Cape Town, providing invaluable guidance throughout the competition. The team also benefitted from the expertise and support of Ms Jordan Lombard and Ms Rebecca Byker, both Moot Court Tutors, who played a crucial role in their preparation leading up to the event.
This victory at the Kader Asmal Moot Court Competition not only highlights the exceptional talent within UJ’s Faculty of Law but also reinforces the University’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals who are ready to tackle the most challenging issues in South African society.
