Four final year Rhodes University LLB students participated in the All Africa Round of the ELSA Trade Law Moot competition between 24 and 29 April in Nairobi, Kenya.
This was the largest competition in Trade Law with 20 universities competing from across the African continent.
The Rhodes University Faculty of Law is the second South African team to have made it to the top, with the team finishing second place in the All Africa round.
Rhodes team member Kudzani Tvetu was awarded the prize for Best Oralist in the African Grand Final against the Kenyan School of Law.
The award-winning team was made up of Welsey Howe; Christopher John White; Kudzanai Winnet Tsvetu and Samantha Tanyaradzwa Chiunzi and their coach, Advocate Shuaib Rahim.
The team argued a hypothetical trade law scenario which tested the ability of teams to apply international trade law, economics and lateral thinking. With the objective to find solutions to a complex problem seeking to reconcile trade objectives and imperatives with sustainable development. All of this was to be done in a manner that does not unjustifiably prevent the economic growth of any party or unfairly prejudice trading partners.
The students were able to draw on their Rhodes-taught skills in mooting, from civil procedure to alternative dispute resolution while competing in Kenya. The students were especially thankful to their coach, Adv Rahim, as well as Advocate Craig Renaud and Professor Jonathan Campbell for their academic support. A special word of thanks was extended also to Professor Owen Skae, Director of the Rhodes Business School, for spending time in sharing his experience on international trade with the team.
The team also gave thanks to Rhodes University Director of Advancement and Communications Mr Luzuko Jacobs, Development Fundraiser Ellen Bagshawe-Smith, LexisNexis, as well as all the other staff members who contributed to their success.
The World Finals in Geneva later this month presents a historic opportunity for Rhodes University and students from Africa to promote their institution and continent as well as seeking to secure opportunities with the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Law Firms and Trade Agencies, for Rhodes University and African graduates.