The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr John Jeffery awarded the 5th Moot Court Competition winners with bursaries at the finals that were held at the Constitutional Court on 11 October 2015. Two girl learners, Claire Rankin and Clara-Marie Machekeke from Springfield Convent School in the Western Cape, won bursaries to study law at any university of their choice in South Africa.

The competition was created among others, to empower and encourage young South Africans, especially those in Grades 10 and 11 from all provinces, to understand and relate to human rights concepts, values and principles. Another objective of this competition is to encourage learners from previously disadvantaged schools to pursue careers in law.

This competition provides a unique opportunity for learners to develop their research, writing skills, to learn to structure a legal argument and analyse cases.

“We are pleased to see that the Moot Court Competition is going from strength to strength. This is the 5th competition and we had over 150 teams participating this year from over all nine provinces. On Thursday and Friday, 32 teams competed in the final round and the participants have had the privilege of meeting and interacting with Justice Matojane and Justice Van Der Westhuizen,” said Deputy Minister John Jeffery.

The initiative forms part of the Department’s efforts to encourage young people to pursue careers in law and, in the long term, to address transformation in the legal sector.

Issued by Department of Justice and Constitutional Development