Online Reporter
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
AFRICA University has once again etched Manicaland’s name onto the global academic map after its School of Law recently clinched the African Round of the prestigious Price Media Law Moot Court Competition.
They secured a coveted place at the World Round in Oxford, United Kingdom.
The Mutare-based institution will now represent the entire continent at the global finals, where it will square off against top law schools from Asia, Europe, North America and South America.
For Manicaland Province, the victory is more than a university achievement, but a statement of regional excellence and academic ascendancy.
Africa University’s continued rise is steadily positioning the province as a centre of legal scholarship and intellectual capital in Southern Africa.
Guided by Head of Procedural Law, Mr Victor Nkiwane, the four-member team who made up the AU team include Munashe Jumbe, Nokutenda Makono, Joseph Matanda and Martha Gamhi who navigated a demanding field of Africa’s finest legal minds.
They were supported by Takudzwa Rusike and Audrey Opiyo. Their path to glory was anything but straightforward.
The AU quartet overcame formidable opposition, defeating South Africa in the semi-finals, before dispatching Nigeria in a gripping final.
Mr Nkiwane explained that the moot problem required mastery of intricate legal questions around freedom of expression, digital surveillance and state regulation of media.
“The moot problem centred on complex issues surrounding freedom of expression and media rights, particularly the State’s power to limit these rights through digital surveillance and interception of communications. It required strong knowledge of international treaties and key decisions from regional and international tribunals. During oral arguments, students were challenged to think critically and respond to probing questions, and the judges commended our team for their deep legal knowledge and clarity in applying the law. The team is fired up for the World Round in Oxford and promises to raise the AU flag high,” he said.
Dean of the School of Law at Africa University, Dr Tendai Nhenga, described the triumph as validation of the institution’s academic rigour and vision.
“Such an accomplishment highlights the immense talent within our faculty and reaffirms our commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal practitioners who will undoubtedly make meaningful contributions to the field. “Congratulations to the winning team, as well as to their coach, Mr Nkiwane and also the AU management and supporting units whose continued support has played a pivotal role in this success. May this win inspire more students to strive for excellence and engage in opportunities that shape their legal acumen and leadership skills. I am very confident that this team will leave an indelible mark when they compete at the world stage in April,” she said.
Her remarks reflect a broader institutional momentum.
Over the years, Africa University has expanded its academic footprint, strengthened its research output and sharpened its competitive edge, developments that continue to bring pride to Manicaland and Zimbabwe at large.
The continental crown was accompanied by individual distinction.
Munashe Jumbe was named Best Speaker in Africa after delivering commanding performances in both preliminary and final rounds.
Measured, yet passionate, Jumbe framed the victory as a deeper mission beyond trophies.
“This competition is about more than winning. It is about developing powers of expression, courageously presenting ideas and ensuring that the human voice is never silenced. The road to victory tested our resilience, but it has strengthened our commitment to excellence,” he said.
Third-year student, Takudzwa Rusike, who served as a student coach and mentor, highlighted the discipline behind the triumph.
“It was an enriching experience to work with intelligent and hardworking mooters whose dedication and discipline made this achievement possible. This victory is a true manifestation of the preparation, resilience and consistency the team demonstrated throughout the competition. One key lesson from this journey is that there is no substitute for hard work and consistency remains the foundation of excellence. I am proud to have been part of this success,” he said.
Widely regarded as the leading global moot in media and freedom of expression law, the Price Media Law Moot Court Competition demands technical precision, intellectual agility and persuasive advocacy under intense judicial scrutiny.
Africa University’s qualification for the World Round underscores the calibre of its legal training and signals Zimbabwe’s re-emergence on elite international academic platforms.
