Zimbabwe’s MSU Law Faculty triumphs at African Moot Court Competition

ZIMSPHERE 

KIGALI – The Midlands State University (MSU) Faculty of Law from Zimbabwe has emerged victorious at the 33rd Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition, held from July 22-27 in Kigali, Rwanda. 

This prestigious win marks the first time a Zimbabwean law school has secured the title, highlighting a significant milestone in the nation's legal education landscape.

The MSU team, consisting of Watson Tonderai Somerai and Michelle Patricia Chiwanga, under the mentorship of coach Claudios Makwara, delivered a splendid performance that saw them outshining every competitor. 

Their expertise in human rights law, coupled with their eloquence and legal acumen, impressed both spectators and judges.

“These young legal eagles are national heroes,” remarked Dr. G. Manyatera, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Campus Development and former Executive Dean of Law at MSU. 

“They have raised Zimbabwe’s flag to unprecedented heights on the continental stage.”

The competition, organized by the Centre for Human Rights in South Africa, is regarded as the most prestigious law school contest in Africa. 

This year's event featured 50 Anglophone teams, 9 Francophone teams, and 1 Lusophone team. 

In the final round, MSU, paired with Ebonyi State University Abakaliki from Nigeria, triumphed over the University of Nairobi, Kenya, and Université Thomas Sankara, Burkina Faso.

While MSU has long been a formidable force in regional moot court competitions, this African championship represents a huge leap in the institution’s achievements. 

Dr. A. Mugadza, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law, made it clear that this victory is not just a trophy to merely display the cabinet, but a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring legal scholars across the nation.

“This victory is not just a win for MSU, but a testament to the rising standards of legal education in Zimbabwe,” said Dr. Mugadza. 

“It underscores the University’s commitment to producing world-class legal professionals equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century.”