Western Cape Moot Court representatives ready for the national stage

21 September 2026

The Western Cape will be represented by learners from Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School, New Orleans Secondary School, Norman Henshilwood High School and Tygerberg High School at the National Schools Moot Court Competition in Pretoria from 30 September to 4 October 2026, with the grand finale taking place at the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg.

The annual competition is an initiative of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and the South African Human Rights Commission.

This past weekend, the Western Cape representatives attended a preparatory workshop ahead of the national competition, where learners will have the opportunity to present arguments as both the Applicant and the Respondent in a case concerning a school's amended cell phone and internet policy restricting social media access for learners under the age of 16.

Tygerberg High School's Micah Arendse and Lesedi Nakedi delivered an outstanding performance in the provincial round. The team received the award for Best Applicant Argument, while Micah was named Best Oralist.

The Moot Court Competition plays an important role in exposing young people to the justice system while nurturing future legal professionals, advocates and leaders. It also provides learners with a platform to develop critical thinking, research, public speaking and advocacy skills grounded in constitutional values and human rights.

As our provincial representatives prepare to take on the country's brightest young legal minds, we wish them every success and an enriching experience.