Thabisile Mahatlane and her friend, Patricia Mpapele, both 17-year-old girls, were among the brightest young minds that progressed to the recent national top 10 of the national Moot Court Competition.

They lost in the semifinals, held at the University of Pretoria. Despite their loss, the two pupils from Mahonisi Learning Centre acknowledged how much they enjoyed their journey from the initial commencement of the competition. The Moot Court Competition is a simulation exercise in which participants play the parts of lawyers in a fictitious court case.

Pupils are provided with an opportunity to develop their research, writing and oral advocacy skills. The competition required two people from the same school and Thabisile had persuaded her friend to partner her and join the competition. “This competition was more than a completion to me, but also a learning experience,” she added. The two pupils progressed from the district level to the provincial level until they represented Limpopo in the national competition.

Patricia admitted it was challenging, but mentioned that it had helped her understand the fundamental aspects of the Constitution. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance from the faculty of Law of the University of Venda,” added Thabisile.

She is excited about performing as a lawyer while she is still in school. She thanked her school, her friend Patricia and Adv Makulana from Univen for grooming her. “It brings joy to me and my partner to be champions in our province,” she said.