University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa
Who We Are
Introducing the 31st Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot team from the University of Pretoria.
This is the fourth team from the University of Pretoria that is taking part in the Vis Moot. In its second year of participation in the Vis Moot, the Pretoria Vis Moot team placed third overall in the competition worldwide, among 365 competing universities. With the Pretoria Vis Moot team still being a relatively “new” participant in the Vis Moot, the team hopes to draw from the previous successes of its past teams to make our university proud.
The Pretoria Vis Moot Team has been a part of Africa in the Moot since 2021 and the team is grateful for the opportunities and events which Africa in the Moot continues to provide to the teams involved in its programme. This year’s team particularly enjoys Africa in the Moot’s virtual educational series, which has improved their knowledge in international commercial arbitration.
The team is excited to start with the oral phase of the competition, and to connect with students and practitioners from around the world.
Aaliyah Areff
Aaliyah is currently completing her third year of LLB studies at the University of Pretoria. In her free time, Aaliyah enjoys boxing as it demands valuable skills of her such as self-discipline and perseverance which prove essential in difficult life situations.
She was first exposed to moot through the annual Junior League Moot Court Competition hosted by the University of Pretoria . Her team placed first in this competition which set her on the path to further her mooting experience. This experience encouraged her to participate in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition.
Aaliyah believes that this year's team comprises exceptional minds and personalities that will go far in the competition. She is ecstatic to see what the months ahead will bring and aspires to achieve great heights with the team this year.
In her own words, "Becoming a mootie has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions of my academic career. The invaluable skills and bonds formed in this process have left an unforgettable mark on my path toward becoming a legal professional."
Dharshan Krishna
Dharshan Krishna is currently completing his second year of LLB studies at the University of Pretoria. He is proud to be named after his father, Krishna Naidoo. Dharshan is a modern and forward-thinking leader who is passionate about making a difference to teams and people that he collaborates with.
His first experience with mooting ignited a passion for the law within him as his team won the annual Junior League Moot Court Competition hosted by the UP Moot Society.
In Dharshan’s own words, “My motivation for competing in the Vis Moot is definitely my four beautiful nieces. I want to showcase to them that the world is their oyster and anything that they put their mind to, no matter how small or big it may seem, can definitely be achieved with the right attitude.”
Gregory Jacobs
Gregory is a third-year BCom Law student at the University of Pretoria. As a competitor in the Vis Moot, Gregory aims to further develop his skills in legal research and oral advocacy.
Gregory understands that this competition is not merely a test of legal knowledge, but an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and seasoned professionals in the field of international commercial arbitration. Gregory is excited to represent the University of Pretoria and is committed to putting his best foot forward; leveraging his commitment, knowledge, and analytical skills to contribute to the team's success.
Martha Malia Lui
Martha is a second-year BCom Law student at the University of Pretoria. She recently discovered the abundance of the legal field by participating in the university’s annual Junior League Moot Court Competition hosted by the UP Moot Society. In the competition, Martha achieved the awards for overall runner-up, best-written memorial, and best speaker. This experience catalysed her interest in international commercial arbitration and has been an excellent stepping stone for the journey ahead.
Martha loves a good scavenger hunt. Unironically, she will be a researcher for the 2024 Vis Moot Team of Pretoria and wholeheartedly looks forward to extending her advocacy skills and gaining valuable experiences for a future in the legal profession.
In Martha’s own words, “Mooting has blessed me with invaluable practical insight into the world of law, pushing me to delve into extensive research, think critically, and respond to complex legal questions. It has honed my ability to express my ideas articulately and has given me the opportunity to develop meaningful connections with my peers.”
Pieter Reyneke
Pieter is a second-year BCom Law student at the University of Pretoria. In his free time he practices karate and teaches chess. He is also a fan of theatre and attends as many shows as he is able to.
Pieter gained a love for public speaking during his high school years and this led him to pursue mooting. He was first introduced to moot through the annual First Year League Moot Court Competition hosted by the UP Moot Society. Pieter progressed to the quarter-final rounds of this competition. Owing to his love for mooting, Pieter reigned victorious as the winner of the inaugural VC-UP moot that was jointly hosted by Varsity College and the University of Pretoria. In this competition, Pieter was awarded the best speaker; his team placed first overall and achieved the award for best-written memoranda.
Pieter is excited to participate in the Vis Moot as he views the competition as a puzzle which can only be completed once he understands the nuances and intricacies of arbitration. Pieter’s love for puzzles stems from his years of playing chess and competing in various tournaments. Arbitration caught his eye, as it is a new experience he has yet to master. We look forward to seeing Pieter grow his knowledge of arbitration throughout his Vis Moot journey!
Samkelo Olwethu Mtshali
Sam is currently completing his second year of BCom Law studies at the University of Pretoria. Sam loves attending quiz nights with his friends and a good game of 30 Seconds. He enjoys games which test your knowledge under time constraints as it provides an effective way under which to expand your knowledge. Sam appreciates being active in fostering a helpful and collaborative team environment.
Sam was first exposed to moot through his participation in the annual First Year League Moot Court Competition hosted by the UP Moot Society. He developed a deep interest in moot around this time as he instantly fell in love with mootʼs ability to grow one’s advocacy skills.
He decided to become a member of the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot team as he feels that it provides greater insight into the world of private international law, with a purpose of providing practical training to students for resolving international commercial disputes.
Chris Cloete (Coach)
Chris is a fourth-year LLB student and BA Law Graduate at the University of Pretoria. His participation in the 30th Vis Moot propelled his interest in dispute resolution and the pursuit of a career in the practice area of commercial arbitration. He is set to start his LLM studies in International Trade Law at the University of Cape Town in 2024.
Chris believes that through meticulous planning, a helping hand, and consistency, a team is set for success! As a coach for the 31st Vis Moot, Chris looks forward to cultivating these habits in the team and he is excited to assist the team in developing their research and legal-writing skills throughout the competition.
For the Vis season ahead, Chris wants to continue to embrace the vast knowledge that the Vis Moot has to offer and he is excited to interact and collaborate with other teams on their Vis Moot journeys. He resonates with the quote by Mark Cuban, “The only thing in life you can control is your effort. That is all and that is everything.”
Simon Augustyn (Coach)
Simon Augustyn is a third-year BCom Law student at the University of Pretoria. Simon is an alumni of the 29th Vis Moot team that placed third in the world in the Vienna rounds. Simon was a procedural speaker and was awarded an honourable mention for best speaker.
Simon is participating in the Vis Moot for the third time and for the second time as a coach. He is excited to bring a host of experience to the competition and help the team to advance in a positive way. Simon has grown to love international commercial arbitration and believes that it may be a calling for him in his career. Thus, he continues to give back to the competition that has given him so much as he has made it a goal to become an expert in the field during his career.
Michela du Buisson (Coach)
Michela is currently completing her third year of LLB studies at the University of Pretoria. She is an alumni of the 29th Vis Moot where the team placed third in the world and she successfully completed an internship at the International Law Institute, South African Centre for Excellence. She is now joining the rodeo for a second time as a coach on this year’s team.
Her intentions for coaching this year are largely based on proving that there is always room for compassion and humanness in the workplace, especially for something as intellectually challenging as the Vis Moot. She sincerely looks forward to watching our team embody a culture of enthusiasm and dedication, not only intellectually, but also towards their personal growth and well-being outside of the competition.
In Michela’s own words, “The Moot changed my life and I simply want to be able to assist in doing the same for our team.”
Zakir Wazar (Coach)
Zakir is a third-year BCom Law student at the University of Pretoria. After participating in the 30th Vis Moot as a speaker, Zakir fell in love with the craft and found an appreciation for private international law. Zakir believes that this competition not only fosters an environment to leave your comfort zone, but also enables you to grow as an individual and find a sense of belonging.
In 2022, Zakir won the Junior League Moot Court Competition, achieving second place for best speaker. In 2023, he coached 5 teams in the same competition, with one of his speakers achieving the awards for overall runner-up, best-written memorial, and best speaker. Now he is ready to take on the big leagues as a coach and shape the 31st Vis Moot team in having them leave Africa’s mark in the international sphere.
In the words of Malala Yousafzai, “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”