“VUT Legal Assistance students competed at the 2026 Intervarsity Moot Court Competition, gaining practical advocacy, legal reasoning and courtroom experience alongside leading universities.”
04 August 2026 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture: Siphephelo Dlamini
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Law Clinic students showcased their legal reasoning, advocacy and courtroom skills at the 2026 Intervarsity Moot Court Competition, hosted by the North-West University (NWU) Law Clinic at its Potchefstroom Campus on 31 July 2026.
Sponsored by LexisNexis, the competition brought together students from the University of Venda, University of Limpopo, NWU and VUT. The event created a practical platform where students could apply their academic knowledge, present arguments and gain exposure to courtroom procedure.
Welcoming delegates, judges, coaches and competitors, Mrs Chrisna Nicholson, Director of the Law Clinic at NWU Potchefstroom Campus, thanked the judicial officers who officiated during the competition. These included Magistrate Joycell Abrahams, an advocate specialist, as well as magistrates from Lichtenburg, Ventersdorp, Vaal and Potchefstroom. She said their participation reflected the legal profession’s commitment to mentoring future legal practitioners.
In her keynote address, Professor Kathleen van der Linde reminded competitors that moot court is more than a contest. She described it as an important bridge between academic learning and legal practice. She encouraged students to approach each challenge as an opportunity for growth, emphasising the importance of integrity, preparation, teamwork, ethical leadership and respect for opposing counsel.
Mr Lesiba Malebala, an LLB final-year student at NWU, described the competition as a valuable learning experience.
“The Moot Court Competition taught me that law is not only about reading textbooks but about analysing facts, presenting persuasive arguments, and thinking critically under pressure. It strengthened my confidence and reinforced the importance of preparation and teamwork,” he said.
Mrs Tshegofatso Nyalungu, an Attorney at the NWU Law Clinic, praised all participating institutions for their professionalism and advocacy. She noted that VUT’s Legal Assistance students performed strongly despite competing against students from established law programmes.
According to Nyalungu, the VUT team demonstrated confidence, resilience, courtroom etiquette and sound legal reasoning, proving the value of preparation and practical exposure.
Representing VUT, Ms Dimakatso Dhlamini, Principal Attorney at the VUT Law Clinic at the Science Park, commended the students for their dedication during months of preparation.
“We are incredibly proud of how our students conducted themselves throughout the competition. They demonstrated confidence, professionalism, resilience, and a willingness to learn,” she said. “They exceeded our expectations and represented VUT with distinction.”
Ms Karabo Kgethoane, a VUT Legal Assistance student and competitor, said the experience was meaningful regardless of the final rankings.
“Even though we lost, I felt proud of how we represented our University. The competition taught me that preparation, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure are just as important as winning,” she said.
Mr Blessing Lehlohonolo Selematsela, a VUT Advanced Diploma in Mediation student and volunteer at the VUT Law Clinic, said the competition strengthened his practical skills and confidence.
“Volunteering at the VUT Law Clinic has shown me how the law can make a real difference in people’s lives. The Moot Court Competition pushed me beyond my comfort zone and taught me to think critically, communicate confidently, and represent others with professionalism,” he said.
Following a competitive series of rounds, the University of Venda emerged as the overall winner, followed by the University of Limpopo in second place. NWU placed third, while VUT finished fourth.
While VUT did not take home a trophy, the competition gave its students meaningful practical exposure and reinforced the role of the Law Clinic in preparing ethical, confident and service-oriented legal professionals.