The Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State has reached a significant milestone by fielding its first all-women team at the 33rd Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna, Austria. The competition marked the faculty's 18th year of participation in one of the world's most prestigious international commercial arbitration contests. 

Representing the University of the Free State on the international stage were Tsholofetso Mahasa, Lefran Smith, Mapadi Shantel Molato, and Sharonrose Bolaji. The team competed in four challenging rounds against teams from the University of São Paulo, the University of Tamil Nadu, the University of Sarajevo, and Leuphana University of Lüneburg. 

The students were coached by Adriaan Jean Vermaas, a practising attorney and former UFS Vis Moot participant, together with Prof Elizabeth Snyman-Van Deventer, who has led the faculty’s coaching team over the past four years. 

Expanding international opportunities beyond Vienna 

Vienna was not the team's only international engagement this year. Since 2025, the University of the Free State has also participated in a moot competition hosted in Kenya by Africa in the Moot, further strengthening the faculty’s commitment to providing students with global learning opportunities. 

Lefran Smith and Sharonrose Bolaji, accompanied by Veronica Plaatjies as coach, travelled to Nairobi to participate in the competition. Their participation was fully sponsored by Africa in the Moot.

The programme in Kenya offered participants far more than courtroom experience. While students participated in workshops and preparation sessions, Plaatjies attended the ArbitralWomen Lunch and the Diversity Toolkit Training, both presented as part of the 5th East Africa Pre-Moot and Arbitration Conference. 

The training focused on advancing diversity and inclusion within international arbitration and provided practical tools to promote greater gender representation and equitable participation in arbitration proceedings. 

Building a legacy of legal excellence 

Since the UFS first participated in the Vis Moot in 2008,  more than 100 students have represented the university in the competition. Among its alumni are three current members of Parliament, practising advocates, senior attorneys, and legal professionals working across South Africa and internationally. 

Over the years, the competition has become one of the Faculty of Law’s most successful platforms for developing globally competitive graduates and creating pathways into international legal careers.

For the University of the Free State, this year's team's achievement represents more than a historic first. They reflect the faculty's ongoing investment in cultivating well-rounded legal professionals who are equipped to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.