HARARE, 27 August 2025– In a resounding celebration of academic excellence, Midlands State University’s (MSU) World Champion moot court team was presented to the Honourable Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Dr. Ambassador F. M. M. Shava, in a ceremony brimming with national pride and a profound sense of continental achievement.
The event, held in the capital, was a formal recognition of the team’s historic victory at the 17th Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition in Geneva, Switzerland, where they soared above universities from across the globe to claim the coveted world title.
Setting the stage for the gathering, the MSU Pro-Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Campus Development, Dr. Gift Manyatera—a former Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law—demystified the art of mooting for the audience.
He described it as a rigorous simulation of real-world legal battles, a cornerstone of MSU’s practical-oriented curriculum.
“The culture of mooting is deeply embedded within our teaching philosophy to ensure our students are not just theoretically sound but are also grounded in hands-on experience,” Dr. Manyatera stated.
“This consistent triumph in national and regional competitions is a testament to the quality of education we provide.”
The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Amanda Mugadza, then detailed the intense journey through the 17th Nelson Mandela Moot Court, painting a picture of the intellectual rigour and composure required to compete on the world’s premier human rights stage.
MSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa, framed the victory as a monumental coming-of-age story for the University.
“This Faculty of Law was launched in 2005. To now stand as world champions signifies that it has truly come of age,” Professor Muzvidziwa declared.
“But let us be clear: this is not merely a victory for the brilliant team of Watson Tonderai Somerai and Michelle Patricia Chiwanga. Nor is it just for their exceptional coaches, Mr. Claudios Makwara and Executive Dean Dr. Amanda T. Mugadza. This is a victory for Zimbabwe and for the entire African continent.”
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Ambassador F. M. M. Shava, powerfully echoed this sentiment.
He celebrated the team as national heroes whose prowess adds immense lustre to Zimbabwe’s brand image as a burgeoning hub of human capital development and innovation.
Minister Shava highlighted the scale of the achievement, noting that MSU became only the second African university in history to win this prestigious competition.
He further commended the team for their prior victory as African champions in July 2024, stating it showcased the world-class nature of Zimbabwe’s higher education sector.
In a tangible gesture of support and celebration, the Minister presented each of the student champions, their coach, and Executive Dean with US$1,000.00 each, honouring their collective effort and dedication.
This achievement is a microcosm of MSU’s overarching mission.
The University stands at the forefront of contributing to Zimbabwe’s brand as a centre for human capital development, directly aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
Furthermore, it propels the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, ‘The Africa We Want’, by cultivating a new generation of skilled, innovative, and globally competitive professionals who can champion justice and good governance on the world stage.
In a stirring vote of thanks, Mr. Watson Somerai, one of the triumphant student advocates, captured the forward-looking spirit of the team.
He stated in no uncertain terms that this victory was not a finale, but a prologue. “This world championship,” he affirmed, “is our promise to Zimbabwe and to the world that this is only just the beginning.”
The message from Harare was clear: Midlands State University is not just educating students; it is crafting world-beaters, and this victory is a vibrant chapter in an ongoing story of Zimbabwean excellence.