WATCH: Local high school students debate social media restrictions at Moot Court Competition

A clip of a young high school learner arguing against social media restrictions in schools at the Constitutional Court is going viral, sparking an online debate about the differences between public and private schools in the country.

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The clip is from the Moot Court Competition held over the weekend amongst four schools, where they were tasked with arguing the issue of high school policies that ban the use of cellphones in school.

The viral clip

The video currently circulating on social media shows a high school student speaking in front of the moot court, arguing that a cellphone ban in schools is a violation of the learners’ human rights.

“Yet the first respondent limits the access learners have to their dreams because of their age, which violates the inherent dignity these learners have under Section 10 of the Constitution,” the learner stated.

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“Send your kids to private school”

A social media user on X reacted to the video, impressed by the learner’s level of articulation, and suggested parents send their children to private schools.

“If you are poor, you have no business having kids,” the user claims.

The user seemed to reiterate the classist stereotype that private schools offer better education than public schools. This sparked an online debate, where many defended public schools.

Guys, send your kids to private school🔥🔥🔥

If you are poor, you have no business having kids 💔 https://t.co/jUFWJ1yhfp

— Minister of Electricity (@VITO_G_Wagon) October 6, 2026

Many users responded with anecdotes of how many well-educated people came from the public school system. Others derailed the assumption the original post made by sharing that the actual winners of the Moot Court Competition were from Umtata High School, which is, in fact, a public school.

@VITO_G_Wagon The kids that won the competition were from UHS, which is a public school. Don’t come here with your nonsense rage baits. https://t.co/gKCX0KbGsq

— Benjammin95 (@LevelleMclevi) October 6, 2026

Another argued that it’s not about public schools but rather encouraging one’s children to be better.

@VITO_G_Wagon It’s not about taking your kids to private school. Train and encourage your kids to read, and keep them away from the streets and screens. Even at a government school, our kids can still do it.

— 🇿🇦 BabakaThingo (@Deeds12917547) October 6, 2026

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