The University of the Western Cape (UWC) Faculty of Law congratulates its Moot Court Society team on an outstanding performance at the 2026 Philip C Jessup International Moot Court Competition, after being crowned National Champions on Sunday, 1 March 2026. 

By securing the national title, the team earned the right to represent South Africa at the international championship rounds held in Washington DC in the United States, from 28 March to 4 April 2026.

Organised annually by the International Law Students Association, the Jessup Moot competition is widely regarded as the world’s largest and most prestigious moot court competition. Each year, it attracts participation from approximately 700 law schools across more than 100 countries and jurisdictions. The competition simulates a dispute between states before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.

The 2026 Jessup problem, Case Concerning the Gordian Gorge, required competitors to grapple with complex and contemporary issues of international law, including the right of states to intervene in ICJ proceedings, the rights of indigenous peoples over natural resources, the interpretation of general principles of law, and the immunity of state?owned enterprises in foreign jurisdictions. The competition plays a vital role in preparing future legal practitioners and policymakers for careers in international institutions and government departments such as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Reabetswe Motsimela and Kelebogile Mashiane presenting their heads of arguments

The UWC Jessup team comprised two oralists, Kelebogile Mashiane and Reabetswe Matsimela, both of whom had previously competed in the Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition. They were supported by researchers Khanyisile Mnisi and Mpho Masike, who worked closely over several months on legal research and the preparation of written memorials. The team was coached by Dr Precious Ndlovu (Chairperson of the Moot Committee), Prof Usang Assim, Dr Linda Mushoriwa and Prof Wessel le Roux, whose guidance and mentorship contributed significantly to the team’s national success.

Following their national victory, the oralists departed for Washington DC on 26 March 2026. A total of 164 universities participated in the international rounds, often described as the World Championship of mooting. During the preliminary stage, teams argued four times before the ICJ, appearing twice as applicant and twice as respondent. Although the UWC team did not advance to the knockout rounds, they demonstrated resilience and strong advocacy while competing against universities from Argentina, New Zealand, Russia and Israel. The National University of Singapore ultimately won the final rounds and was crowned World Champion for 2026.

Beyond the competition, the international rounds provided meaningful opportunities for intellectual and cultural exchange. Through events hosted by the International Law Students Association, the team reconnected with fellow African moot court participants and engaged with students from around the world on global social challenges and the role of law in promoting justice.

(From left to right) Prof Wessel Le Roux, Kelebogile Mashiane and Reabetswe Motsimela

The team also visited key historical and legal landmarks, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr delivered his vision of a future in which his children would be judged “not by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character”. They also visited the Supreme Court of the United States and attended a service at the Washington National Cathedral.

The Faculty of Law conveys its sincere appreciation to its supporters. External support was provided by Bowmans, Hayes Inc. and Webber Wentzel, while internal support came from the UWC Rector’s Office, the Institutional Advancement Office, and the offices of the Deputy Vice?Chancellor: Research and Innovation and Deputy Vice?Chancellor: Student Development and Support. 

This support enabled the team’s participation and contributed significantly to their academic and professional development.