SALRC Essay Competition Opens for South Africa’s Future Legal Leaders

The South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) has opened entries for its 2026 Legal Essay Writing Competition, giving law students across the country an opportunity to showcase their ideas on law reform and democracy while competing for valuable prizes.

The annual competition is aimed at students currently studying towards LLB and LLM qualifications at South African universities. This year’s edition carries added significance as it celebrates three decades of South Africa’s democratic journey and pays tribute to one of the country’s most respected legal figures.

Competition Honours Justice Yvonne Mokgoro

The SALRC announced that the competition will, for the next five years, be dedicated to the memory of the late Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, recognising her lasting contribution to constitutional law, human rights and the transformation of South Africa’s legal system.

Justice Mokgoro, who passed away in 2024, played a historic role in shaping the country’s democratic legal framework. In 1994, she became South Africa’s first black female justice of the Constitutional Court, serving on the nation’s highest court for approximately 15 years.

Her work helped influence constitutional jurisprudence during a critical period in South Africa’s transition to democracy. Through this tribute, organisers hope to inspire a new generation of legal thinkers to engage with issues of justice, equality and legal reform.

Students Invited to Share Fresh Ideas

According to the SALRC, the competition seeks essays that demonstrate innovative thinking about the role law reform has played in strengthening South Africa’s democracy over the past 30 years.

The commission, working in partnership with legal publisher Juta and Company, is encouraging aspiring legal scholars to reflect on how legislative and constitutional developments have shaped the country since the advent of democracy.

Participants are expected to present thoughtful arguments and original perspectives that highlight the importance of law reform in addressing social challenges, protecting rights and supporting democratic governance.

The competition also offers students a platform to develop their research and writing skills while gaining recognition within the legal community.

Deadline and Submission Details

The SALRC says students interested in participating should submit their essays no later than midnight on 31 July 2026.

Entries must be emailed to Reform@justice.gov.za and copied to ADzebu@justice.gov.za.

Organisers believe the competition provides a valuable opportunity for young legal minds to contribute to discussions about the future of South Africa’s legal system while honouring the legacy of a jurist whose work continues to influence the country’s constitutional landscape.

Law students with a passion for legal reform and democratic development are encouraged to take part and compete for the chance to join a growing community of emerging legal scholars.