Law student gains invaluable advocacy experience at human rights moot court
The IIE's Varsity College Sandton’s Malik Rapetsoa sharpened his advocacy skills and earned high praise at the continent’s leading human rights moot court, preparing him for a promising legal future.
For Malik Rapetsoa, a fourth-year Bachelor of Laws student at The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton, the 34th Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition was more than a contest; it was a launching pad for a future in legal advocacy and human rights.
Held at the University of Cape Town from June 29 to July 5, the competition is Africa’s largest and most prestigious moot court event, simulating proceedings before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Over 183 tertiary institutions across the continent participated, placing students like Rapetsoa at the heart of the continent’s legal future.
Representing the Varsity College’s Faculty of Law, alongside teammate Nhlayisi Victor Mashimbye from the Pretoria campus, Rapetsoa took part in four challenging rounds, each with five sessions, against different opponents.
Also read: The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton students get active
He demonstrated legal acumen, technical precision, and deep knowledge of human rights law, ultimately earning an impressive average score of 71%.
Judges commended his composure, structured argumentation, and grasp of complex legal principles, qualities that reflect not just preparation, but potential.
Reflecting on the experience, Malik said: “This was a fun and enriching experience, where I learnt invaluable lessons in advocacy. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to have been surrounded by, and to have engaged with, incredible individuals from different campuses and countries across Africa, who are all passionate about and on the same wavelength when it comes to law.”
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