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Zimbabwe brought home the prestigious first prize in the Moot Competition by Orate Africa held in Gaborone, Botswana, affirming the country’s position as continental pacesetters in education.
Zimbabwe was represented by Heritage School and St. Geoge’s College. The students were coached by Teboho Nare and Bernadette Mazambani Chigwida. The students were accompanied by Patience Chitumba from St. George’s College.
Speaking to Spiked Online Media on arrival at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport today, Bernadette Mazambani Chigwida, the Moot Court coach for Zimbabwe, the winning team at the 2024 champions for Orate Africa Moot Competition, said she was pleased by the way Zimbabweans embraced the simulation of court proceedings which were akin to real-life court proceedings.
“So we took this passion from our days in school. We are now full-grown lawyers with about four years of practice together with my co-coach. We introduced the Moot Club to schools and it’s been received very well. Last year we went to Lesotho and we put up a fight but I guess the competition was very tough. I must say this year the competition was equally tough but as they say, as it gets tougher, you toughen up as well. So I am very pleased, very proud.
“The outstanding comments we got from the panel that judged the semifinals were, it is your spirit, it is your passion to be advocates. They were saying the passion that the students portrayed in their semifinals and their rounds is what made them outstanding. All of them know the law, all of them know the records, the facts, but it is the spirit that is absolutely contagious and incredible. So moving forward we just hope this club grows and schools open up and with time we want to gain the mark, the recognition as Zimbabwe moot court champions and African champions moving forward,” Mazambani Chigwida said.
Beaming with confidence from winning, James Charumbira, a St. George’s College student, said he joined the Moot Court at the beginning of this year.
“Later in the year, I became the president then we decided that we were going to go for the Moot Court competition and decided to win it because last year they were supposed to win it but then due to late submissions they couldn’t so we put the burden upon ourselves so that we could actually come here and make it an achievement so that we can make our country proud. In Gaborone, Botswana, We represented our family, we represented our school but most importantly we decided to represent our country so then winning it really feels like an accomplishment for us and hopefully, we can grow the Moot Court to become something bigger,” Charumbira said.
Munotida Foya, a St Georges College student said representing Zimbabwe in the Moot Court in Botswana was an eye-opening and interesting experience.
“I would say this whole trip was very interesting actually. I mean sometimes it was tough. We had times where we would not sleep wondering oh my goodness I’m facing this team tomorrow. I was really, I was in emotional rags. So yeah I’ll give it that. It was hard but I had a good time. I had a great time. I enjoyed myself,” Foya said.
Samuelson Kapingidza, a St. George’s College student, said the team went to Botswana with one target, and one goal to win.
“We are grateful that we came back with a win. And going further, I’d like to keep on doing moot court. I guess we’ll go back again next year and hopefully come back with a win. It’s pleasing to be the best out of 14 schools. We had 3 tough days of serious competition in Botswana,” Kampingidza said.
Simbarashe Mujuru from the same school said the win was after an intense battle as his team were the prosecution and the other side represented the defence.
“We managed to provide relevant information to prove and then in the final again we faced Lesotho which was a tough team as they were the defending champions. We gave our all and we managed to win. I thank all the stakeholders who made this sweet victory a reality.”
Trish Kadenhe from the Heritage School said the experience was quite life-changing.
“We faced a lot of challenges, considering we didn’t sleep for these past five nights, just trying to prepare our memorials and everything. But it all worked in our favor, and I feel like we need to thank God eventually because, without God, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Kadenhe said.
Kimberly Chamboko from Heritage School appreciated the gravity and the intensiveness of the competition and the fact that the Zimbabwe team pushed through.
“I’m very happy because of that. And we all couldn’t have done this without the support from our Counsel, which is our teacher and coach, Madam Mazambani. She helped us through a lot, and it’s because of her that we’re here right now,” Chamboko said.
Beverly Chifeya from Heritage School said the competition was neck to neck.
“We fought hard to get where we are. Everyone had sleepless nights, everyone worked hard, and everyone practiced every single day. One thing I hope to get out of this competition is help with my career. You know, I would like to be a lawyer in the future, and I’m guessing other people on the team would like to be lawyers as well. I’d also like to thank the Moot court coach, Ms. Mazambani for helping all of us, and we wouldn’t be here without her grace and without her help,” Chifeya said.
The Orate Africa Competition consists of the Moot Court, Public Speaking, Debate, quiz, and Spelling.
Special thanks to Mr. C. Mhike, the Headmaster of Heritage School, and Mr. J. Farrelly of St. Geoge’s College for their unwavering support to Team Zimbabwe.
