Pretoria - The Department of Basic Education has congratulated Team South Africa for winning the 2016 International Schools Moot Court competition.
The department on Tuesday said the international competition was held last week at The Hague in South Holland.
This year the International Moot Court Competition tackled the topical issue of crimes against humanity during a time of war.
The 12 countries that participated in the competition were Argentina, Bulgaria, Germany, Mongolia, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, St Martens, USA, Venezuela and South Africa.
“Contestants were given an opportunity to argue both as defender and complainant using international criminal law and treaties that are relevant to the International Criminal Court,” said the department.
The South African team was made up of learners Nthabiseng Mbatha, Simon Motsheweni, Paseka Selinyane, Claire Rankin, Clara-Marie Macheke, Katelyn Chettle and Shandre Smith representing schools ranging from rural schools to former model C.
The South African team comprised learners who had made it to the finals of the South African Schools Moot Court Competition, which was held in October 2015.
“We take the opportunity to congratulate Claire Rankin and Clara-Marie Macheke from Springfield Convent in the Western Cape for taking the top spot at the International Schools Moot Court Competition at The Hague, after toppling Team USA.
“We also want to appreciate the provincial coordinators and national officials of the department for the dedication and hard work in supporting the road to success for the learners,” said the department.
At national level, the competition is held at the Constitutional Court and is presided over by Constitutional judges.
“The Schools Moot Court Competition is implemented in partnership with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the University of Pretoria led by Prof Haynes, and funded by the Foundation for Human Rights.
“The company petition is also supported by independent law firms, non-governmental organisations and the University of Venda,” said the department.
At the international competition this year, Judge Howard Morrison and Judge Raul Pangalangan presided over the competition. - SAnews.gov.za
