Final rounds of the 2026 PIL Moot Court Competition
- Lee-Anne Gaertner
On 23 and 24 April 2026, CALS hosted the final rounds of the sixth Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition with our partners
CALS has been extremely proud to work with the Student Litigation Society sixth annual Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition, which saw over 420 teams enter. After rounds of written submissions on the hypothetical case on public participation, the top sixteen teams participated in rounds of virtual oral argument. We send our grateful thanks to all those who assisted in these rounds.
The top four teams advanced to the semi-finals, including teams from the University of Fort Hare, Wits University, the University of Johannesburg and UNISA. The semi-finals took place on 23 April in the Judge Ralph Zulman Moot Court Room at the Wits School of Law, presided over by our guest judges:
- Thuto Gabaphethe from CALS
- Thabang Poshodi – a former PIL Moot winner!
- Prosper Dumani from SLS
- Reneilwe Matlala and
- Koketso Annah Qwele
After all the scores were tallied, the top two teams were announced: Lettah Moobi, Sfiso Mashala and Sello Mohlele from the University of Fort Hare, and Anele Desi and Sandiselwe Zwane from Wits University.
For the grand finale the following day, we were pleased to welcome a new set of guest judges:
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Justice Nambitha Dambuza
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Deputy Judge President Roland Sutherland
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Judge Leicester Adams
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Magistrate Motshega
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Prof Thuli Madonsela
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Adv Muhammad Suleman
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Adv Jatheen Bhima from CALS
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Adv Seadimo Tlale
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Ms Samantha Smit – a former PIL Moot winner!
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Mr Thabang Poshodi – a former PIL Moot winner!
After the fierce competition was over, it was time to announce the winners of the second annual PIL Moot Court Competition. Awards were handed out as follows:
- In first place overall was Anele Desi and Sandiselwe Zwane from Wits University
- This year's runners up was Lettah Moobi, Sfiso Mashala and Sello Mohlele from the University of Fort Hare
- Third place went to Nkosi Mnyamana, Nhloso Maluana and Reoemetse from UNISA
- In fourth place was Lerato Salelwayo, Bayanda Bayola Fana and Henny Mmatsodi Laka from University of Johannesburg
- Best oralist went to Sandiselwe Zwane from Wits University
- Runner up best oralist was Lettah Moobi from the University of Fort Hare
- Second best oralist went to Ariana Lenghel from Wits University
- Best written submissions went to Lettah Moobi, Sfiso Mashala and Sello Mohlele from the University of Fort Hare
We are extremely proud of everyone who participated in this PIL Moot and send our deepest gratitude to everyone who made it possible, from organisers like Thuli Zulu at CALS and the team from the Student Litigation Society; to our hosts at Constitution Hill; and the many markers, clerks and judges from our partner organisations. We could not have done this without you.
Finally, we would have had no competition at all without the participation of the many students who put themselves forward from the very first round. Thank you and please do come back again next year!