Two Mthatha teenagers, Luvumo Bacela and Nathi Thetha, have emerged as national champions in the annual National Schools Moot Court competition. The competition, held at the Constitutional Court, aims to encourage schoolchildren to understand the constitution and its values. The winning duo, both from Umtata High School, expressed their excitement and gratitude towards their school, family, and supporters. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the school, as it is their first time reaching the finals and winning the competition.
Luvumo Bacela, a grade 9 pupil, described the experience as eye-opening and life-changing. He made many friends during the competition and appreciated the accommodating nature of his fellow competitors. Winning the competition made Luvumo proud, and he almost cried when they were announced as the winners. He is considering studying law or chemical engineering and believes that being a lawyer will enable him to change people's lives through the legal system. Luvumo joined the moot court to gain experience as a lawyer and plans to participate in more competitions in the future.
Nathi Thetha, a 16-year-old grade 10 pupil, felt amazing to be a national champion. This is not his first national competition, as he was a runner-up in March. Nathi loves public speaking and entered the competition to explore his full potential and enhance his research skills. Initially, he was not interested in becoming a lawyer, but as he progressed, he realised he might be interested in studying law. Nathi wants to be an actuarial scientist or mathematician and plans to teach learners around South Africa about human rights.
The parents of the winning duo expressed their pride and happiness. Luvumo's mother, Thobeka Bacela, a qualified teacher, described Luvumo as a hard worker who always wants to excel. She was left speechless at his win and wishes him success in his future endeavors. Nathi's mother, Nolufefe, said she didn't think they would go this far, and it makes her see that her children are going beyond her expectations. She is proud of Nathi's dedication and commitment to his goals.
The teacher who supervised the duo, Verna Plaatjies, started with the moot court competition in 2022. She believes in human rights and children's rights and enjoys doing this programme. The school is very proud of their achievements, and Plaatjies is happy to see her students excel in the competition. The school's success in the competition marks a significant milestone, and they look forward to future achievements.
The National Schools Moot Court competition aims to establish a continuous human rights learning programme through education and information. The competition encourages schoolchildren to understand the constitution and its values. The winning duo's achievement demonstrates their hard work and dedication to human rights and the legal system. Their success will inspire other students to participate in similar competitions and pursue careers in law and human rights.
The experience has had a profound impact on the winning duo, and they are grateful for the opportunity to participate in the competition. Luvumo and Nathi plan to use their experience to make a positive impact in their community and country. They are looking forward to their future endeavors and are excited to see where their passion for human rights and the law takes them.
Key points
- - Two Mthatha teenagers, Luvumo Bacela and Nathi Thetha, have won the national moot court competition. - The competition aims to encourage schoolchildren to understand the constitution and its values. - The winning duo plans to use their experience to make a positive impact in their community and country.
