Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke and Felistas Tavarera
MIDLANDS State University (MSU) moot court champions, who recently lifted Zimbabwe’s flag high on the global stage, have paid a courtesy call on Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister, Ambassador Fredrick Shava.
The champions presented their achievement in the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition held in Geneva, Switzerland to the minister.
Minister Shava described the triumph as not only a victory for the MSU team but also for the nation at large, stressing the importance of celebrating such milestones as collective national successes.
“For securing first place in attaining the status of world champions in the 17th Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition, held from August 14 to 18 in Geneva, we cannot hide this progress, and we cannot hide the brilliance of the trio that went there,” he said.
“Today we celebrate this victory. It is their victory, it is our victory, it is Zimbabwe’s victory.”
The MSU team, represented by Watson Tonderai Somerai and Michelle Patricia Chiwanga, delivered a sterling performance to emerge as world champions.
Minister Shava added that such an accolade demanded immense dedication and was evidence of the success of the heritage-based Education 5.0 philosophy, which emphasises practical, profession-ready graduates.
“This is only the second time the moot competition has been won by an African team, after Strathmore University of Kenya in 2020,” he said.
“To emerge victorious from a contest that began with 80 teams, narrowing down to 24 in-person finalists, is a source of immense pride for Zimbabwe.”
He further emphasised that the victory underscored the need for continued investment in higher education institutions and congratulated the MSU Vice-Chancellor for creating an enabling environment for academic excellence.
Speaking on behalf of the winners, Watson Somerai said the triumph was proof of the Zimbabwean ethos.
“The accolade signifies the Zimbabwean ethos, which is hard work, diligence and resilience,” he said.
“To earn victory in a contest that drew the finest legal minds from around the world is not merely a personal achievement but a statement that Zimbabwe can do it, and Zimbabwe is doing it.”
He added that the competition had offered invaluable experiential learning, allowing the students to apply classroom theory to real legal issues while engaging with them from an African and Zimbabwean perspective.
“We are deeply grateful, not only for this opportunity but also for the unwavering mentorship and support from our faculty and university leadership,” he said.
“This achievement is a testament to collective commitment, from students, faculty, and the institution itself.”
