President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his congratulations to University of Pretoria Professor Dire Tladi for being selected by the United Nations (UN) to be a judge in the International Court of Justice.

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the UN and one of its six principal bodies.

Tladi is the newest member of a law fraternity of South Africans globally who are in positions of service to the international community.

The President hopes “he will make important contributions to the better world we seek to build”.

Tladi is Professor of International Law at the University of Pretoria and serves as President of the South African Branch of the International Law Association and Executive Member of the International Law Association.

In May, Cabinet endorsed Tladi’s nomination by the South African Government, together with South Africa’s membership on the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The Court’s role is to settle legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised UN organs and specialised agencies.

Commenting on Tladi’s appointment, University of Pretoria pan-African collaborative research platform Future Africa director Dr Heide Hackmann said his appointment is a milestone in the pursuit of global peace and justice.

She said Tladi being the first South African judge at the International Court of Justice, will undoubtedly raise the important voice of Africa and contribute to shaping a safer and more equitable world for all.

“We look forward to witnessing the positive influence his expertise will have and commit our support to him in taking on this important international role,” she said.

Reflecting on his election which she said was intense and humbling, Hackmann said she was overwhelmed with gratitude because “so many people played a role in this journey”.