South Africa has appointed Former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke to join the bench at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
The BRICS member state has no permanent representation at the United Nations court. On Friday, the country’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation Department’s Clayson Monyela, confirmed that it approached Moseneke to join the bench.
The ICJ has 15 regular judges appointed under nine-year terms, and Moseneke will join the panel next week when Israel appears before the court.
South Africa wants the ICJ to declare Israel’s military action in Gaza to be declared as genocide.
Monyela has confirmed that Moseneke has agreed to hear the case. “Accordingly, SA has approached Justice Dikgang Moseneke, who has agreed to join the other ICJ judges on the bench & hear our case”.
Who is Dikgang Moseneke?
Dikgang Ernest Moseneke, a prominent figure in the South African judiciary and former Deputy Chief Justice of the country, was born in Pretoria.
His remarkable journey encompasses overcoming imprisonment on Robben Island at the age of 15 and later ascending to the position of a justice on the bench at the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
Renowned for his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, Moseneke has made significant contributions to the legal field.
His exemplary efforts have earned him numerous honours and awards, including the 2020 Bolch Prize for the Rule of Law.
Recognised for his dedication to justice and equality, Moseneke’s life and career continue to exert substantial influence.
Moseneke has presided over numerous notable cases during his tenure as a judge.
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Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act: He was involved in a case related to the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act, which aimed to address sexual offences and related matters in South Africa. Moseneke’s judgment on this case contributed to developing South African law and protecting women’s rights.
Tshikululu Trust and Another v. Minister of Finance and Others: In this case, Moseneke ruled on the constitutionality of the tax exemption granted to the Tshikululu Trust and other similar trusts. His decision had significant implications for the tax treatment of trusts in South Africa.
Minister of Home Affairs and Another v. Fourie and Others: Moseneke was part of the Constitutional Court panel that heard this case, which dealt with the constitutionality of the Marriage Act and its provisions regarding same-sex marriage. His judgment contributed to the landmark ruling that decriminalised same-sex marriage in South Africa.
Vakalisa and Another v. The State: In this case, Moseneke ruled on the constitutionality of the provisions of the Road Traffic Act that criminalised driving under the influence of alcohol. His judgment led to the decriminalisation of this offence.
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