A University of Fort Hare dynamic duo, law students Christian Buthelezi and Babalwa Mofokeng, have made history by winning the prestigious 2025 Public Interest Law Moot Court competition at the Constitutional Court of SA.
They outshone top universities when they demonstrated their exceptional legal prowess, argumentation and dedication to public interest law.
Third-year students Buthelezi, 23, and Mofokeng, 20, were in the top four teams against the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg and Unisa.
Buthelezi said: “The moot is centred on human rights this year concerning obstetric violence and the right to free expression.”
His focus was on human rights advocacy, and he said the preparations for the competition took months.
"I found it interesting that its focus was on advocacy for human rights, an area of law I am greatly interested in.
“We prepared for four months, working throughout December, January, February and then April. I am humbled and honoured to have made history.”
He said it was not an easy journey as it needed dedication and commitment.
“I am also motivated to do more as I have been rewarded for all the hard work and sleepless nights; more than anything, the experience showcased my ability to be tried and tested and to come out on top.”
He now intends to focus on his academic work and await more opportunities.
Mofokeng said she was drawn to the competition’s emphasis on public interest and human rights law, areas that she was deeply passionate about.
“Equally so, the idea of challenging myself and competing against my peers, nationally, before judges of the Constitutional Court, was fascinating and gave me the drive to participate.
“I felt it was an opportunity to showcase my talent and abilities at a higher level and inspire other young girls who are passionate about law.”
Her preparation began with how she and fellow students had applied themselves to their studies since their first year.
“The competitions and successes are a culmination of the knowledge we have gained through hard work and focusing on our legal studies.
“However, for this competition in particular we began in November 2024, with intense preparation for the drafting rounds and oral arguments.
“With determination, focus, and technical guidance from our coach, we triumphed at each stage towards this historical achievement.”
She said the win was an incredible achievement for her and the university.
“I’m honoured to have represented our university with distinction and, in the process, inspired others.
“Our victory is a testament to the lesson that with determination and hard work, anything is possible, and therefore, I am proud to be exemplary.”
Mofokeng said she was committed to continuing her advocacy for social justice and empowering others, working with various societies and individuals to create positive change and inspire future generations of social justice and human rights advocates.
“In the short term and more importantly, I want to continue with my studies, to pursue academic excellence, hoping, as President Nelson Mandela said, that with that education, I can contribute to changing the world.”
Daily Dispatch
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