The 2025 Western Cape Provincial Oral Rounds of the National Schools Moot Court Competition. Picture Credit: Human Rights Commission
By Aisha Zardad
Johannesburg: The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD), is set to host the final rounds of the 14th Annual South African National Schools Moot Court Programme. Taking place on October 9 and 10, 2025, at the esteemed University of Pretoria, this highly anticipated event will culminate in a grand finale at the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, on October 12, 2025.
This year’s moot problem centers around a pressing issue: the constitutionality of language admission policies in schools, particularly those that mandate a single language of instruction. Participants will engage in robust debates concerning whether it is constitutional for schools to restrict admission to learners who either speak a specific language as their home language or are proficient in that language.
Designed primarily for Grade 10 and 11 learners from across South Africa, the programme aims to empower young individuals with foundational knowledge about human rights, while instilling values and principles that promote fairness and equality. It encourages particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to consider future careers in law.
Participants in the moot court programme acquire invaluable skills in public speaking, research, writing, legal reasoning, and case analysis. These competencies are essential for fostering the next generation of lawyers and advocates for social justice.
The final rounds promise to deliver a high standard of adjudication, with esteemed judges, including those from the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, High Court judges, magistrates, and senior legal practitioners overseeing the proceedings. Their involvement underscores the importance of nurturing legal talent and the role of young people in upholding human rights.
As the moot court programme continues to inspire and educate South African youth, it serves as a vital platform for engagement with legal principles and civic responsibility, contributing to the development of a just and equitable society. For those interested in human rights and legal advocacy, this event is not to be missed.
