University of the Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa
Who We Are
The University of the Free State team is honoured to have been granted the prestigious opportunity to participate in the 32nd Annual Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. Our university upholds core values of excellence, accountability, and care, which our team embraces and strives to embody.
Our team comprises dedicated and enthusiastic scholars, each committed to hard work and a deep desire for learning. Reflecting the rich cultural diversity of South Africa, our team brings together individuals from varied backgrounds. We are proud to represent seven of South Africa’s eleven official languages, showcasing the linguistic diversity within our team. Though we are at different stages of our legal studies, we are united by a passion for exploring new challenges and pursuing academic excellence.
This journey promises to enhance our knowledge and skills, while opening numerous opportunities for our future careers. We are privileged to be guided by our team coach, Mr. J. Vermaas, whose dedication, high ethical standards, and inspiring leadership set a powerful example for each of us.
Together, we look forward to representing the University of the Free State with pride and commitment on the international stage.
Alumni teams
2024 | 2025
Meet the Team
Amoré Maarman
Amoré Maarman is a final-year Bachelor of Laws student at the University of the Free State. This year marks her debut participation in the prestigious Willem C. Vis Moot Court Competition. With a strong commitment to developing her oral advocacy and legal research skills, Amoré discovered her passion for mooting through her university’s elective Moot Court module.
She is deeply dedicated to advancing public awareness of legal rights while promoting dignity and respect. Amoré is known for her collaborative spirit and eagerness to learn. She is honoured to participate in the thirty-second annual Willem C. Vis Moot and looks forward to contributing meaningfully to this esteemed event.
Andile Zulu
Andile Zulu is a final-year law student at the University of the Free State, and an LLM Candidate passionate about academia and strongly committed to developing his research and oral advocacy skills. As a participant in the Vis Moot, Andile is eager to engage with fellow students and experienced professionals in international commercial arbitration.
In his own words, Andile shares, “Participating in the Vis Moot is not just about competing; it’s an invaluable opportunity for my personal and academic growth. The challenge of rigorous legal research and presenting arguments in a high-pressure environment will refine my skills and deepen my understanding of international law.”
Andile is excited to represent the University of the Free State and is dedicated to contributing to the team’s success through his enthusiasm, knowledge, and analytical abilities.
Ayamthanda Siyale
Ayamthanda is a second-year Bachelor of Laws student at the University of the Free State (UFS). Ayamthanda is currently serving as the Legal and Academic Research officer of the Black Lawyer's Association Student Chapter at the university. His role has honed his research and analytic skills, which he actively applies in his legal career.
Ayamthanda's journey in moot began with his participation in an internal moot court competion organized by the Black Lawyer's Association (UFS branch). Through this experience, he deepened his passion for legal persuasive advocacy, research and critical thinking skils. He is eager to explore the complexities underlying commercial disputes and the relevant applicable instruments.
Ayamthanda regards the Vis Moot as a stepping stone in his legal career, one that promises significant personal and professional growth through collaboration with peers and the expansion of his legal knowledge in the commercial realm.
Lethabo Lekhuleng
Lethabo is a second-year LLB student and Psychology graduate at the University of the Free State, where her passion for law flourished. In 2023, she made a debut in moot court, winning Best Speaker, Best Heads of Argument, and Overall Speaker at the University of the Free State internal moot competition. This year, she represented her university at the All Africa Moot in Kigali , Rwanda and is excited to participate in the upcoming Willem C Moot Court competition.
Lethabo served as the Public Relations Officer for Legal Behemoth Moot Court Society in 2023-2024 and currently serves as the newly elected Chairperson for the Moot Society.
With a strong commitment to human rights, Lethabo enjoys spending her free time volunteering, reading and watching court proceedings, continually expanding her legal knowledge and advocacy skills.
Her favourite quote is, “With hard work and dedication anything is achievable” and she aims to inspire fellow law students by embodying this spirit in her participation in this year’s Willem C Moot Court competition.
Palesa Keketso Mabitle
Palesa is a student at the University of the Free State and is excited to be representing her university at the Vis Moot.
Rotondwa Mambona
Rotondwa is a final year law student at the University of the Free State. Her pursuit of a career in the practice areas of commercial law and corporate investigations propelled her interest in participating in the 32nd vis moot.
This is her first participation in the William C. Vis moot and as a competitor, Rotondwa aims to further develop her skills in legal research and oral advocacy. She sees this competition as an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and seasoned professionals in the field of commercial law.
Rotondwa is excited to represent the University of the Free State and is committed to putting her best foot forward, leveraging her commitment, knowledge and collaborative skills to contribute meaningfully to the teams success.
Sivuyisiwe Nofatyi
Sivuyisiwe Nofatyi is a second year LLB student at the University of The Free State. Sivuyisiwe is a Xhosa name that means “she brings joy”. Sivu enjoys spending time with her friends and family, trying out new food, the outdoors and reading mystery books.
Sivu joined Vis Moot as a personal challenge to further develop skills in the legal field, such as legal writing, and to find confidence in oral advocacy. Vis Moot is her first moot, and she is very excited as it is a good platform to meet like-minded people who have the same interest in sharpening and expanding their legal knowledge. Sivu trusts that her best attribute is being a team player and her willingness to learn new things. Sivu is proud and honored to represent the University of the Free State and working with such a diverse team.
Tsholofetso Mahasa
Tsholofetso is a 4th year LLB student at the University of the Free State. Tsholofetso had the privilege of mooting in front of constitutional court justices while representing the University in Cape Town at the Kate O Reagan moot. Tsholofetso was also a junior moot officer for Legal Behemoth were she facilitated moot court competition for first years.
Adriaan Jean Vermaas (Coach)
Adriaan is a practising attorney who has assisted the UFS team for several years. He specialises in litigation, arbitration and general court work.
Kate Metzer (Coach)
Kate Metzer is law student at the University of Pretoria, ready to embark on a Master's degree in Human Rights at the prestigious Centre for Human Rights. As a passionate advocate for justice and equality, Kate has actively contributed to various legal initiatives including the Global Accountability Network.
As Deputy Chair of the Teams Coordination Committee and a satellite coach for the University of the Free State, Kate has demonstrated exceptional leadership and mentoring skills. Her participation as a speaker in the 30th Vis Moot and subsequent role as a satellite coach for Africa highlight her expertise in international commercial arbitration.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Kate is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. As a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the Moot Alumni Association, she actively works to create a more equitable and representative legal landscape.
Melissa Ikawa (Coach)
Melissa is a graduate of Strathmore University in Kenya. She competed in the 31st Vis Moot in 2023-2024. She is set to begin the advocates training program at the Kenya School of Law in 2025. She hopes to pursue a career in commercial arbitration in the near future.