Mishka Karsan and Nadia Karodia have been selected as regional finalists to compete in the final rounds of the first National Schools’ Moot Competition to be held in Pretoria from 18 to 21 March 2011

The National Schools’ Moot Competition is run by the University of Pretoria and aims to encourage talented young people to consider pursuing a career in law.

“I am so proud of Nadia and Mishka. Both girls are actively involved in the school’s extra-mural programme, yet possessed the discipline, talent and time management skills to produce excellent legal documents that were well researched, balanced, mature, insightful and thought provoking,” said Mrs Sandra Gerber, Teacher-in-charge.

The girls produced legal arguments representing a hypothetical student and the school wherein they explored the legal and ethical issues surrounding bullying, expulsion, corporal punishment and special needs education.

This competition also aims to create greater awareness in schools and communities in South Africa about the Constitution and the values that it embodies through active participation.

All secondary schools in South Africa were invited to enter a team of two learners. In the first round the learners wrote two essays setting out the opposing sides of the case.

Only four schools within the Eastern Cape were selected to compete in the finals against other provinces. These schools include Kwezi Lomso, Kingswood, St Georges and Riebeek College.