Midlands State University Wins the 2024 Manfred Lachs Space Moot African Regionals
Key Highlights
- MSU wins the 2024 Manfred Lachs Space Moot African Regionals
- MSU will represent Africa in the world finals during the IAC 2024 in Milan, Italy
The African Round of the 2024 Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court concluded on May 24, 2024, with students from Zimbabwe’s Midlands State University (MSU) emerging as the winners. The University of Calabar (Nigeria) secured second place, while the University of Benin (Nigeria) came in third. Uganda’s Makerere University was awarded Best Memorials, and Mr Watson Tonderai Somerai from MSU received the Best Oralist award.
MSU’s winning team consisted of three students: Mr Watson Tonderai Somerai, Ms Grace Rumbidzai Charumbira, and Mr Siphathisiwe Mitchel Lunga. MSU, which previously won the Regional Round in 2022 and finished as second runner-up in 2023, has reclaimed the title of African champions.
This year’s moot court case involved a hypothetical space law dispute before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The 2024 case, titled “The Protection of Dark and Quiet Skies and The Freedom of Scientific Investigation,” is significant for South Africa, given the country’s substantial investment in the SKA project for scientific advancement.
Six memorials were submitted for this year’s edition by Nigeria’s University of Calabar, the University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, Uganda’s Makerere University, Kampala International University, and Zimbabwe’s Midlands State University.
Judges for the competition’s memorials and oral presentations included public and private counsels such as Botswana’s Adv Icho Kealotswe-Matlou, Kenya’s Dr Asangire Oprong, Ms Vivianne Muthoni, and South Africa’s Dr Maria Ria Nonyana-Mokabane, Mr Michael Kabai, Ms Nompumelelo Nzimande, and Adv Patrick Sekhula.
From October 14-18, 2024, Midlands State University will represent Africa in the world finals in Milan, Italy, at the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) colloquium, held within the margins of the 75th International Astronautical Congress. Three International Court of Justice (ICJ) members traditionally judge the world finals. The competition simulates a fictional dispute between countries before the ICJ, the judicial organ of the United Nations.
The International Institute of Space Law (IISL) organised the competition. It was hosted virtually by South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry and the South African Council for Space Affairs. The regional coordinator under DTIC’s Space Affairs unit led the initiative.
The 2024 African Round collaborated with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). It also partnered with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the South African National Earth Observations and Space Secretariat. Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and Law Space Africa also participated. These partnerships enhanced the event’s impact and reach.
The competition promotes Space Law interest and knowledge among students, fostering a fair, competitive environment for idea exchange. Ms. Majaja from the DTIC, the Regional Coordinator, emphasised the competition’s role in including Space Law in academic curricula. It aids countries in developing legal expertise, given the rising number of African space programs. She praised their contributions to teams, coaches, judges, SANSA staff, and CSIR.