| 1. |
The seventh annual National Schools Moot Court Competition for senior learners (Grades 10–11) in South Africa will take place between June and August 2018. This competition provides a unique opportunity for learners to develop their research, writing and oral advocacy skills as they endeavour to come to grips with some of the constitutional issues that our country is currently facing. The constitutional challenge or problem statement is usually current but unique and thought-provoking. It is challenging but it allows for some of the most unique insights from the youth. |
| 2. |
The Moot Court will be presented with the active participation of the of law faculties of various universities, the government (specifically the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) and the Department of Basic Education (DBE)), the organised legal profession, the courts and the media. The Universities of Pretoria, Venda, Cape Town and Western Cape will take responsibility for preparing learners. |
| 3. |
The language medium of this event will be English but participants will be allowed to use any of the official languages in the final round. |
| 4. |
All secondary schools in South Africa are invited to enter. A maximum of five teams per school may register. Each team will consist of two learners. A fictional (or "hypothetical") problem involving a constitutional issue(s) will be set. The first round will be in written form. Learners will be expected to write two short essays setting out the opposing sides (applicant and respondent) of the case in a persuasive manner and based on the law of the Republic of South Africa. In order to assist all teams to have a fair opportunity in the competition, material on the South African Constitution will be made available on the internet and to schools in hard copy upon request. |
| 5. |
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) will take responsibility for the provincial oral. This will take place in the Cape Town High Court in August 2018. Four schools from the Western Cape will then be invited to participate in the national oral rounds against teams from the other eight provinces at the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg. Here they will argue against one another to determine the national winners. |
| 6. |
The WCED hereby invites all schools to participate in this exciting competition. Please complete the registration forms and send these to the school enrichment coordinator in your district by 22 June 2018 via email. A list of email addresses is attached. You may also send it to Dennis.Pillay@westerncape.gov.za Please complete a separate registration form for each team. |
| 7. |
Schools that register will be assisted through workshops and coaching by experts in the field. A number of prizes supporting the first year of their study of law at any South African university where they gain admission, will be awarded to outstanding participants. For more information on the Moot Court Competition see www.up.ac.za/law or contact your school enrichment coordinator. |
| 8. |
Kindly bring this minute to the attention of all Grades 10 to 11 teachers and learners. |
SIGNED: TS MATSELISO
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: INSTITUTION DEVELOPMENT & CO-ORDINATION
DATE: 2018:05:29
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