Research Articles (Public Law)

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Dikgeo tsa puo le setso le ditokelo tsa ditjhaba tsa matsoalloa : maikutlo a tswang kahlolong ya sustaining the Wild Coast
Rantlo, Tiisetso John (Routledge, 2026)
KAKARETSO : Dikahlolo tse entsweng nyeoeng ya Sustaining the Wild Coast NPC v Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy di bontsha kamoo dikgeo tsa puo le setso di ka amang ditokelo tsa tshebetso le tsa motheo tsa ditjhaba tsa matsoalloa. Pampiri e hlalosa hore molao wa wa Afrika Borwa, o itshetlehileng mokgweng wa Yuropa, o hlolehile ho utlwisisa le ho fetolela ka nepo moelelo wa ditokelo tlasa molao wa setso. Sena se bakile tahlehelo ya moelelo le ho se kenyeletswe ha ditjhaba ha ho etsa diqeto. Pampiri e totobatsa hore ditokelo le boikarabelo tlasa molao wa setso di itshetlehile hodima setso, puo le tumelo ya semoya, mme di ke ke tsa bapiswa ka ho toba le tsa molao wa senyesemane. Ho hloleha ho ananela phapang ena ho lebisitse kgatikelong ya ditokelo tsa matsoalloa. Ho rarolla bothata bona ho hloka mokgwa o akaretsang o kenyeletsang dipuo le meetlo ya matsoalloa kahare ho tsamaiso ya molao. ABSTRACT : The judgments in Sustaining the Wild Coast NPC v Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy highlight the impact of linguistic and cultural translation gaps on the procedural and substantive rights of indigenous communities. This paper examines how these translation gaps, rooted in the Eurocentric orientation of South African civil law, led to a loss of meaning of the rights of affected communities. The paper demonstrates that rights and duties under customary law cannot be equated with their civil law counterparts, as they derive meaning from distinct cultural, linguistic, and spiritual contexts. An overview of the case highlights the exclusion of indigenous communities from decision-making processes, which constituted an infringement of their procedural and substantive rights. This exclusion stemmed from a failure to appreciate the significance of linguistic and cultural diversity in legal contexts. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. It involves ensuring legal procedures are culturally sensitive and inclusive.
Perfektering van ’n algemene notariële verband verleen géén vervreemdingsbevoegdhede aan die verbandreghebbende hetsy in daardie hoedanigheid óf as pandreghebbende nie – behalwe in dié hof
Sonnekus, J.C.; Schlemmer, Engela C. (Juta Law Journals, 2026-03)
The discussion examines the legal consequences of the perfection of a general notarial bond within South African law and critically assesses the judgment of Du Plessis AJ in Spar Group Ltd v Volemo Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd t/a Njhaka Njhaka Build It (2025 ZALMPPHC 194). South African authority, notably Cooper NO v Die Meester and Contract Forwarding (Pty) Ltd v Chesterfin (Pty) Ltd, firmly establishes that a general notarial bond does not confer a real right in the property described in the bond until it is perfected. Upon perfection – whether through consensual delivery or an order compelling specific performance – the bondholder acquires the status of a pledgee, with a limited real security right over the specific movable property of the debtor that has come into its possession. Before perfection, the bondholder is merely a preferent creditor in respect of the debtor’s free residue as contemplated in section 102 of the Insolvency Act, and not a secured creditor. Perfection does not, however, vest in the pledgee any powers of ownership, management, or unilateral realisation. South African law prohibits parate executie in respect of notarial bonds and disallows any arrangement amounting to a pactum commissorium. A pledgee may therefore neither appropriate the pledged assets nor dispose of them for its own account without the intervention of a court. The only functionary legally empowered to realise and distribute an insolvent’s assets is the liquidator or trustee, acting in the interests of the body of creditors and subject to the concursus creditorum. The focus then turns to the Spar Group’s credit arrangements with Volemo (in casu), secured by several general notarial “covering” bonds. It is doubted whether these instruments complied with section 51 of the Deeds Registries Act, particularly the requirement of a stated maximum amount where future indebtedness is to be secured. The discussion of the court’s perfection order describes it as “unprecedented”. The order authorised the Spar Group not merely to take possession of Volemo’s movable assets, but to take control of the business, regulate the movement of stock (including stock possibly owned by third-party suppliers), operate the debtor’s bank accounts, collect book debts, transfer licences and permits, and dispose of assets while purportedly passing “valid title”. These powers far exceed those of a pledgee and directly conflict with the nemo plus iuris principle. No authority was cited for such far-reaching relief, (because none exists). The court appeared to rely on the fact that the debtor did not oppose the application, but it is contended that a failure to oppose cannot enlarge a creditor’s substantive rights nor derogate from the protections afforded to other creditors under the Insolvency Act, including the statutory provisions on impeachable dispositions. The judgment is regarded as fundamentally flawed in doctrine and dangerously out of step with established principles of South African real security law. Yet, unless overturned on appeal, it remains binding on lower courts – a disquieting outcome given the serious legal errors it contains.
Paraphilia and criminal responsibility – a South African criminal justice perspective
Carstens, Pieter Albert, 1960-; Curlewis, Llewelyn Gray; Stevens, Philip (Juta Law Journals, 2026-03)
AFRIKAANS : Die komplekse verhouding tussen parafilieë en die reg is al lank ’n bron van kommer, met historiese wortels in die waarneembare verband tussen seksuele afwyking en kriminaliteit. Hierdie verwantskap is al breedvoerig gedokumenteer en geopper in die sfeer van die psigiatrie, wat opsigself wetgewing beïnvloed wat seksuele gedrag reguleer. Terme soos “seksuele afwyking” en “seksuele perversie” is in wetgewing gebruik, terwyl argaïese morele terme, soos “onnatuurlike dade” en “onuitspreeklike misdade teen die natuur”, die ontwikkelende aard van maatskaplike houdings teenoor parafilieë beklemtoon en dit veral as taboe en onwaardig vir wetlike oorweging klassifiseer. Parafilie verwys na intense, volgehoue seksuele belangstellings wat afwyk van die tipiese opwekkingspatrone, met die potensiaal om skadelik te wees vir die persoon self óf om skade en/of nadeel vir iemand anders te veroorsaak. Voorbeelde sluit onder andere in: ekshibisionisme, voyeurisme, pedofilie en seksuele sadisme. Die Diagnostiese en Statistiese Handleiding van Geestesversteurings, (vyfde uitgawe – DSM-V) onderskei tussen parafilieë en parafiliese afwykings en beklemtoon dat nie alle parafilieë psigiatriese behandeling benodig nie. Om parafilie te verstaan, is noodsaaklik vir die ontwikkeling van effektiewe wetgewende en terapeutiese benaderings en intervensies. In die Suid-Afrikaanse strafreg het parafilie ’n belangrike rol gespeel in verskeie sake. Howe moet gereeld die rol van parafilie oorweeg in die bepaling van strafregtelike aanspreeklikheid en vonnisoplegging. Die kompleksiteit van parafilie bied uitdagings vir die regstelsel, wat ’n genuanseerde begrip van die wisselwerking tussen geestesgesondheid en kriminele gedrag vereis. Deur die kruispunt van parafilieë en die reg te verken, kan ons die kompleksiteit van die bestuur van hierdie afwykings en die bevordering van openbare veiligheid beter verstaan. ’n Omvattende benadering, wat insig vereis vanuit die oogpunt van die psigiatrie, asook van die reg en etiek is noodsaaklik om die uitdagings aan te spreek wat parafilieë bied. Hierdie bydrae ondersoek die verskynsel van parafilie met spesifieke verwysing na die definisie, diagnostiese klassifikasie en eienskappe daarvan, sowel as ’n paar gevalle van parafilie in Suid-Afrikaanse strafreg. ’n Kort assessering word gemaak van hoe Suid-Afrikaanse strafhowe parafilie hanteer het in die verlede. In hierdie verband word ’n analise gemaak van die strafregtelike aanspreeklikheid van die parafilienaar. Die moontlike rol van neurowetenskap in die verklaring van parafiliese neigings en gedrag sal beoordeel word teen die agtergrond van vooruitgang in neurowetenskap in terme van die verklaring van kriminele gedrag. Die koppelvlak tussen die strafreg en mediese etiek binne die konteks van hierdie tema word ondersoek. Ten slotte word aanbevelings vir moontlike hervorming bespreek.
From weapons to watchdogs: reimagining AI-enabled drones as tools for peace and civilian protection in UN peacekeeping operations
Sarkin, Jeremy Julian; Sturaro, Michela (Brill Academic Publishers, 2026-06-19)
This article examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled drones can be legally and operationally used in UN peacekeeping operations. It challenges the dominant, risk-focused narrative surrounding military AI, which casts drones primarily as weapons. It proposes an alternative framing: reimagining non-lethal, AI-enabled drones as ‘protective infrastructure’ for civilian protection. The core argument is that the lawful and legitimate use of this technology is not inherent but is contingent upon a comprehensive framework of verifiable safeguards. Through an analysis of international law, the article examines the notion of peace as a human right, and for that reason how drones can be used to promote peace. The article however demonstrates that the primary obstacle to the use of drones for such purposes is often the host state’s assertion of ‘informational sovereignty.’ To overcome this, the article develops an integrated framework of seven legal-operational conditions for lawful deployment, covering the mandate, host-state consent, human rights compliance, verifiable human control, and community acceptance. The article concludes that the legitimacy of using these technologies must be earned through a robust, institutionalised system of governance, providing a practical roadmap for harnessing technology for peace.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States: climate justice needs a clear right to a clean and healthy environment
Olowa, Abimbola (Unisa Press, 2026-04-14)
On 23 July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its long-awaited Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change. The United Nations General Assembly submitted the request for the Opinion following a request from multiple member states seeking guidance on states’ obligations to address climate change. This article reflects on the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion, focusing on its treatment of the right to a clean and healthy environment. While the Opinion affirms the connection between environmental protection and the enjoyment of human rights, it refrains from explicitly recognising the right to a clean and healthy environment as a distinct norm of customary international law. This article argues that the omission weakens the Opinion’s potential to advance climate justice and accountability. It highlights the Court’s reliance on derivative framing, examining the political and doctrinal reasons for its caution, and underscores the significance of separate judicial opinions that affirm the right’s existence, substance and customary status. In doing so, it contends that the Advisory Opinion leaves the task of consolidation to states, domestic and regional courts, and future international jurisprudence.
Gestremdheidsreg : die Suid-Afrikaanse posisie en die historiese verloop van die inkorporering van die konvensie oor die regte van persone met gestremdhede
Grobbelaar-Du Plessis, IIze (Litnet, 2025-01-23)
AFRIKAANS : Die artikel gee ’n oorsig van die afgelope 30 jaar sedert die totstandkoming van Suid-Afrika se demokratiese bestel en bespreek die historiese ontwikkeling binne die regering om in die regte van persone met gestremdhede te voorsien. Nieteenstaande die grondwetlike hervormings sedert 1994, en die feit dat Suid-Afrika die Konvensie oor die Regte van Persone met Gestremdhede byna sewentien jaar gelede bekragtig het, is die verdragsverpligtinge van die Konvensie steeds nie in nasionale wetgewing opgeneem nie. Dit beteken dat die Konvensie oor die Regte van Persone met Gestremdhede kragtens artikel 231 van die Grondwet van die Republiek van Suid-Afrika, 1996 nog nie regskrag in die Republiek verkry het nie. Nadat die Departement van Justisie en Grondwetlike Ontwikkeling die Suid-Afrikaanse Regshervormingskommissie opdrag gegee het om die inkorporering van die Konvensie in Suid-Afrikaanse reg te ondersoek, het die Regshervormingskommissie in sy Besprekingsdokument (“Discussion Paper”) van 1 Oktober 2024 ’n nuwe Konsepwetsontwerp voorgestel. Om die regshervormingsproses te bespoedig, het die Kommissie die Konsepwetsontwerp getiteld die “Bevordering van Gelykheid en Beskerming teen Diskriminasie van Persone met Gestremdhede” vir openbare beraadslaging en kommentaar voorgelê. Hierdie Konsepwetsontwerp is as ’n bylae tot die Besprekingsdokument aangeheg vir publieke insette en oorweging. Die voorgestelde konsepwetsontwerp deur die Kommissie verteenwoordig ’n beduidende stap om te verseker dat Suid-Afrika se regstelsel strook met internasionale standaarde en verdragsverpligtinge soos uiteengesit in die Konvensie, en dat die regte van persone met gestremdhede ten volle beskerm en verwesenlik word. Dit verteenwoordig ’n belangrike stap in die proses om die Konvensie regskrag in die Republiek te gee en dit kragtens artikel 231 van die Grondwet in nasionale wetgewing te inkorporeer.
Potential of using cultural artefacts to enhance the critical study of international law in Africa
Fagbayibo, Babatunde Olaitan (Brill Academic, 2026-04-10)
This article examines the role cultural artefacts can play in counteracting the systemic erasure of non-European ideational iterations in international law. Cultural artefacts, in both physical and digital/pictorial forms, are valuable tools for enhancing learners’ cognitive abilities. In the context of international law, cultural artefacts can elicit the critique of hegemonic discourses, emphasising the imperative of engaging other disciplines in addressing critical issues, and encouraging the development of new terminologies for expanding the ideational parameters of the discipline. In order to achieve these lofty goals, international law teachers must be intentional about identifying the relevant artefacts and incorporating them into learning activities that equip learners with critical intellectual capacities. Such engagement not only centres learners’ cultural worldview in the learning environment but also makes them active thought leaders and change agents.
Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì's 'cross-examination' of the international system
Fagbayibo, Babatunde Olaitan (Cambridge University Press, 2026-03)
No abstract available.
Afrikaans het wesenlik as amptelike taal verval
Malan, Jacobus J. (Koos) (Suid Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns, 2026-03)
AFRIKAANS : Ofskoon Afrikaans op 8 Mei 2025 honderd jaar een van Suid-Afrika se amptelike tale was, het dit, gemeet aan sy daadwerklik amptelike gebruik sedert die inwerkingtreding van die huidige grondwetlike bedeling in 1994, maar veral sedert die 1996-grondwet van krag geword het, in beduidende mate as amptelike taal verval. ’n Oorweging van die vyf belangrikste gebiede van die amptelike gebruik van ’n taal bring telkens aan die lig dat Afrikaans sy amptelike gebruik grootliks prysgegee het. Dit is naamlik die aanwending van taal vir die doel van (1) (nasionale) wetgewing; (2) die amptelike notulering van hofverrigtinge; (3) staatsadministrasie; (4) polisiëring; en (5) openbare onderwys. Die amptelike gebruik van Afrikaans en die ander amptelike tale het geswig voor die voorkeurgebruik van Engels as gevolg waarvan Engels wesenlik Suid-Afrika se enigste daadwerklik amptelike taal geword het. Die deurslaggewende rede hiervoor is die huidige regering se politiek van transformatisme, veral aangedryf deur die beginsel van verteenwoordigendheid. Hierdie toedrag van sake is juridies moontlik gemaak deur die treff end diskresionêre aard van die ampteliketaalbepalings vervat in artikel 6 van die Grondwet. Die bepalings word transformatief vertolk en het tot ’n wesenlik eentalig Engelse ampteliketaalbedeling gelei. Hierdie verskynsel strook met wat elders in Sub-Sahara-Afrika gebeur het waar die eertydse postkoloniale administrasies telkens voorkeur gegee het aan die koloniale tale – Engels, Frans en Portugees – bo die Afrikatale. ENGLISH : The year 2025 marks a centenary of Afrikaans as one of South Africa’s official languages. From 2025 to 1994, it was one of the then two official languages; since 1994, one of eleven, and following the addition of sign language in 2023, one of twelve. However, there is scant reason for any cheerful festivities for Afrikaans’s “hundredth birthday”. The mere fact that section 6(1) of the present (1996) Constitution confirms the official status of Afrikaans should, for two reasons, not necessarily inspire elation. First, official status is in itself often of no moment; and secondly, constitutional provisions may, following the way they are interpreted and applied, simply lapse and/or be replaced by another official language regime. What emerges from these scenarios is that the relevant constitutional provisions exist only in name. Yet, in concrete terms, they lapse, being replaced by a new regime. This occurs notwithstanding there being no formal constitutional amendment in pursuance of the amendment provisions of the Constitution, and notwithstanding the Constitution’s swaggering claim of its own supremacy. We may describe this as lapsed and substituting the Constitution. It is precisely this kind of scenario that has played out in relation to Afrikaans as an official language in the present constitutional dispensation (since 1994). In the five most important fi elds of official language use, it has practically ceased to be an official language. These are the fi elds of (1) language use for national legislation; (2) language of record in court proceedings; (3) state administration; (4) policing; and (5) public education. Hence, although Afrikaans has nominally, under section 6 of the Constitution, retained its official status, in practical terms it has deteriorated to such an extent that it is not genuinely official anymore. If, in spite of this, it is nevertheless maintained that Afrikaans is an official language, it must be conceded that official status means no more than a symbolic proclamation. The juridical foundation for this course of events is the discretionary nature of the official language provisions, conferring on organs of the state responsible for implementing these provisions inordinately broad leeway to interpret the provisions as they deem fi t, more specifically, to conduct the interpretation and implementation in accordance with their ideological persuasions. The ideology driving the interpretation is that of transformationism (the national democratic revolution) perused by the post-1994 governing elite. This ideology emphatically favours the inculcation of one homogeneous statist culture, which favours a single previous colonial language – English in the case of South Africa – to the detriment of the other languages. For essentially similar reasons, developments elsewhere in post-colonial Sub-Saharan Africa have been strikingly similar. Most African states, like South Africa, are artificial creations of the erstwhile European colonial powers, and their boundaries resulted largely from the policies of these powers. Hence, in Africa, nations existed only in a territorial sense and not culturally or linguistically. Within these artificially created states, mostly devoid of the essential commonalities of nationhood, African governments must devise an official language policy. In the face of menacing centrifugal forces of inter-tribal, ethnic and accompanying linguistic tensions that could endanger the existence of African states, governments eschew the African languages that could unleash inter-communal strife. Instead, African governments opt for a tribally “neutral” European link-language which, in the face of the absence of commonalities, serves as a neutral ”nation builder”. Moreover, English provided the political vocabulary for resisting colonial domination and paving the way to political independence, something that the African languages were regarded as incapable of English (or any of the other colonial languages) was a prerequisite for leadership in Africa’s national movements. The elites of these movements are also basically English-speaking. This also holds true for the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa, which is basically an English-speaking movement, or at least a movement led by an English-speaking elite. In this regard, there is a fundamental difference between national political consciousness in Africa and Europe. European national consciousness is essentially linguistic. The national consciousness of many of the communities was kindled by awareness of the national language in question, its perceived splendour and its expressive abilities, and the accompanying development of the literature of the various languages. The same holds true for Afrikaner nationalism. By contrast, African nationalism does not have a linguistic basis. They are, rather, anti-colonial. They dare not emphasise any particular African language and its development because that would place the state in danger of being split up along communal lines. Regarding language use, the foremost trend in education among black parents and pupils in South Africa has been to embrace English from the earliest possible stage. Even though educationists are unanimous that children perform best when instructed in the mother tongue, black parents are equally unanimous in rejecting that opinion. The trend elsewhere in previous British dominions in Africa is the same. If no African lingua franca is available, the only suitable course to take is a ”straight-for-English” approach, especially if parents see English as a prerequisite for their children’s socioeconomic advancement and press the school authorities to start education with English as the medium of instruction as early as possible. After 1994, when the African National Congress assumed power in South Africa, the trend in the education of African children slanted even more strongly towards English. These forces in favour of English are redoubtable, especially if the official language clause in the Constitution is discretionary, facilitating the drive towards a single-medium English dispensation.
Fossil fuels to a low-carbon future : the role of law, policy and technology in the global energy transition
Opeyemi, Adaramola Emmanuel; Makanjuola, Ojo Omotola; Imiera, Prince Pius (Institute for Oil, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development (OGEES Institute), Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, 2026)
This article examines Nigeria's transition from fossil fuels to a low-carbon economy through legal, policy, and technological lenses. This is primarily driven by the need to ensure the mitigation of climate change and further ensure security of energy; as energy vis oil and gas remains the backbone of most nations, as they thrive on the production thereof, Nigeria inclusive. However, there is the need to mention that Nigeria is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels and as such detrimental to the environment, as well as not being suitable for the sustainability policy in the long run. Consequent upon this, this paper examines the role of legal and policy frameworks as well as technological innovations to the transitions from fossil fuels to low carbon future, coupled with the viability of these legislations and policy in ensuring the drive for low carbon future. This research employed the doctrinal approach, coupled with an in-depth analysis of the existing frameworks for the energy sectors and the imbalance in ensuring the desired transition. Findings showed that despite varying legal and policy frameworks, there seems to be reluctance from regulatory authorities in ensuring this transition, which is further, compounded by the capital intensive nature of this transition, hence the lackluster. The implications for this remains an unsustainable environment, which is detrimental to mankind, hence the need for undertaking this study. This paper recommends establishing binding timelines to phase out fossil fuels while scaling up renewables, supported by decentralized systems like mini-grids. It also calls for increased public and private investments in green technology, energy storage, and grid modernization. Finally, it emphasizes the need for cross-border collaboration and public-private partnerships to share knowledge, financing models, and regulatory frameworks for an efficient transition.
The limits of legal and material implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in light of a comparative analysis of measures ensuring digital political participation
Weerts, Sophie; Valli Buttow, Clarissa; Grobbelaar-Du Plessis, IIze; De Menezes Soares, Fabiana; Silva Kaitel, Cristiane; Filizola Costa, Thabata (Oxford University Press, 2026-02-11)
From a legal perspective, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) mandates states to create inclusive political environments, recognizing that participation extends beyond voting procedures to broader engagement in democratic processes. For persons with disabilities, political participation remains a complex challenge. Emerging digital technologies, particularly AI-driven assistive tools, can assist people in their daily lives and foster political participation. However, digital technologies also raise concerns related to surveillance and disinformation, and they contribute to the digital divide. Through a comparative analysis of South Africa, Brazil, and Switzerland, this paper explores how different state actors incorporate CRPD provisions and leverage technology to promote political inclusiveness. Analysing comparatively legislative frameworks, public policies, and administrative and material measures, the paper argues that there are advancements and persistent barriers to the discussion on the use of and access to technologies for fostering political participation of persons with disabilities. PRACTIONER POINTS • The comparative analysis of data shows that the states struggle to ensure political participation for persons with disabilities. • The fulfilment of the right to political participation entails opening up opportunities for persons with disabilities to have meaningful involvement not only in the voting procedures but also in the broader political debate. • Leveraging inclusive technologies can bridge participation gaps and empower persons with disabilities to participate in both the political process and the creation of enabling tools.
Embracing living customary law : rethinking the teaching of African customary law : the case of Mgenge v Mokoena
Radebe, Martha Keneilwe (University of Fort Hare, 2025-12)
Promoting living customary law in the teaching of African customary law is crucial, as it recognises the dynamic and evolving character of the legal system. Traditional approaches to teaching have often relied on codified or “official” versions of customary law, which tend to be static, outdated, or shaped by colonial influences. In contrast, living customary law reflects the actual practices, beliefs, and norms as they develop within communities themselves. South African courts are frequently confronted with cases that demand a nuanced understanding of and sensitivity to the realities of African customary law. This underlines the need to critically assess whether current methods of teaching African customary law are adequate for preparing future legal practitioners to handle such intricate disputes. The judgment in Mgenge v Mokoena exemplifies the evolving nature of living customary law and demonstrates the progress made by South African courts in engaging with it. Notably, the court in Mgenge went beyond merely accepting documentary evidence, such as a marriage certificate, and undertook its own investigation to determine the substance of living customary law regarding the existence of a customary marriage. This reflects a commitment to ensuring that the genuine practices and requirements of customary law are understood and applied, rather than relying exclusively on formal documents. Given these advances in the judiciary, legal academia must reform its teaching methods. This case note draws on lessons from Mgenge v Mokoena and proposes a framework for teaching African customary law which places emphasis on contextual analysis when establishing the realities of living customary law.
Embedding regional human rights in adverse times : the judgments of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights as interpretive precedents for national actors
Viljoen, Frans (Pretoria University Law Press, 2025)
This article argues that the impact of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights should not be measured solely by direct compliance with its contentious judgments, which remains weak and is undermined by withdrawals of individual-access declarations. Instead, it builds on the concept of res interpretata as a theory of authority: The idea that the Court’s judgments and advisory opinions serve as interpretive precedents that generate general principles that, while not formally binding erga omnes, provide heightened persuasive guidance for all state parties facing analogous issues. Grounded in treaty obligations, good-faith commitments and the Court’s mandate to interpret and apply AU and other human rights treaties, these precedents can orient domestic courts, legislatures, policy makers and administrators towards convergent standards on matters as diverse as form of punishment, criminal procedure, election management and the protection of indigenous peoples. The article compares European and Inter-American approaches, proposing a hybrid model for Africa that is sensitive to legal pluralism and the domestic context. It calls for deliberate diffusion of the Court’s jurisprudence through constitutional incorporation of AU treaties, an explicit requirement that courts consider the Court’s case law, possibilities for advisory references, and systematic use of Court principles in law reform, policy design and parliamentary oversight. AU organs, in particular the African Court itself, the Pan-African Parliament and the AU Commission on International Law, are urged to coordinate efforts, create accessible case law tools, and develop model laws. Ultimately, embedding the Court’s jurisprudence via res interpretata, supported by informed elites, active civil society and reoriented legal education, offers a pragmatic path to constructing a nascent pan-African human rights common law even in adverse political conditions.
Specialised environmental courts as a driver of environmental protection in South Africa
Olowa, Abimbola; Feris, Loretta A. (Unisa Press, 2025-10)
The judiciary plays a vital role in advancing environmental protection. This article critically examines three key roles played by the judiciary towards the achievement of environmental protection—the development of environmental jurisprudence through the interpretation and application of the substantive environment right, the enforcement of environmental laws and the promotion of compliance with environmental laws. It evaluates the extent to which general courts in South Africa have fulfilled these key roles and argues that specialised environmental courts are more appropriately positioned to execute these roles effectively. Using the Environment and Land Court of Kenya, the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales and Hermanus Environmental Court as case studies, it explores the potential benefits of specialised environmental courts in strengthening these roles in South Africa. The analysis underscores the contributions of these specialised environmental courts to the development of environmental jurisprudence and the advancement of environmental protection.
Seventy-five years of the genocide convention : the obligations on states to prevent genocide
Klopper, Antonie Thomas (Juta and Company Ltd, 2024)
This contribution explores the historical background of genocide in international law, emphasising its role in shaping the current legal framework for preventing and punishing genocide. The discussion begins by taking a look at the origins of the term “genocide” as introduced to international law after World War II through the Genocide Convention of 1948. This contribution highlights the extensive historical context of the concept of genocide, emphasising the need to examine it from an international public-law perspective to understand the obligations placed on states for preventing genocide. The recent case law before the International Court of Justice in cases brought by Ukraine and South Africa illustrate the importance of genocide in the contemporary international legal context. South Africa requested the court to grant an order for Israel to suspend its military operations in and against Gaza. The court chose to rather follow precedent and granted the order that Israel take all reasonably available measures to prevent genocide. This was predictable as the court has an extensive history of interpreting the crime of genocide. This contribution discusses the legal status of genocide by looking at reports from the International Law Commission, relevant case law of the International Court of Justice and international instruments signed to enforce obligations toward genocide prevention. It provides a much-needed academic summary of the interpretation of genocidal acts as mentioned in the Convention, as well as of the obligations of states toward the prevention of genocide under international law. Such research is relevant as the prevention of genocide remains a priority in the international community.
The application of the doctrine of informed consent in South African medical law : reflections on significant developments in the case law
Swart, Marno; Carstens, Pieter Albert, 1960- (Juta Law Journals, 2024)
The doctrine of informed consent is the foundation of the physician–patient relationship. This doctrine remains controversial despite its importance, and issues involving consent are frequently litigated. This article examines the application of the doctrine of informed consent in South African medical law as it has developed in South African case law . This examination first sets a normative background for consent as a ground of justification against a wrongful act in either contract or delict (or both) that is significantly influenced by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Against this normative background, a selected anthology of nine significant judgments by South African courts is analysed, with specific attention paid to the critical shift prompted by the promulgation of the Constitution. Finally, the analyses of the nine judgments are consolidated and collated to draw conclusions about the triumphs and failings of the South African courts, based on the normative background. This analysis reveals which aspects of the doctrine of informed consent have crystallised in South African medical law and which remain unclear.
On the precipice of a nuclear-armed Iran and bombing in the name of survival : Whither rule of law?
Rossouw, Chrisna; Nienaber McKay, Annelize G. (Unisa Press, 2024-12)
The inherent right of individual anticipatory self-defence as a response to nuclear proliferation remains unresolved in international law. Following Israel’s attack on Osiraq in 1981, the world community of states deliberated whether the use of force to prevent a state from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability could ever be justified under the purview of the law prohibiting war (jus contra bellum). Without the concept of anticipatory self-defence being clearly defined, threatened states might invoke their inherent right of individual self-defence to ensure, as they see it, their national survival—something contrary to the principles of the UN Charter. As a non-nuclear weapon state prima facie in breach of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Islamic Republic of Iran is alleged to be in pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability. As a response thereto, threatened states are now preparing for a last resort forceful option aimed at curbing Iran’s highly advanced nuclear weapons programme. Yet, the jus contra bellum encompasses good law. As such, the anticipatory use of force against what is believed to be covert Iranian nuclear reactors is illegal. Not only does the United Nations Charter forbid such recourse, so too does the customary right of anticipatory self-defence, justifiably so.
Lyrics as law : teaching the South African constitution through socially conscious songs
Mulaudzi, Mutondi; Fagbayibo, Babatunde Olaitan (Fundacao Getulio Vargas, 2024-04)
ENGLISH : The discussion of South Africa’s political history is incomplete without the role of music and musicians in shaping the narrative of resistance to injustice and the quest for a better society. The violence of colonialism and Apartheid, the optimistic transition to a constitutional order, and the frustration with the post-Apartheid democratic government are documented in South African songs. While other disciplines in the humanities have explored the importance of music in South Africa’s societal configuration, little attention has been given to the subject in the legal academy. As such, this article advances the argument that socially conscious songs can play a meaningful role in understanding the South African Constitution. This kind of engagement makes technical ideas and concepts relatable and enhances students’ skills to see issues from a multidimensional perspective.
Regeringsvorming kragtens die grondwet sonder ’n volstrekte partypolitieke wenner
Malan, Jacobus J. (Koos); Grobbelaar-Du Plessis, IIze (LitNet, 2024-08)
AFRIKAANS : Ofskoon die Suid-Afrikaanse Grondwet deeglik voorsiening maak vir ’n veelpartydemokrasie, het sterk politieke kragte meegebring dat die land vir die afgelope 30 jaar ’n tipiese eenparty-oorheerste stelsel onder aanvoering van die regerende African National Congress (ANC) was. In die lig hiervan was verkiesingsuitslae voorspelbaar en was regeringsvorming na afloop van verkiesings telkens ’n maklike en voorspelbare oefening. Die politieke klimaat het egter nou so verander dat eenparty-oorheersing waarskynlik verby is. Dit beteken dat die vorming van ’n regering na ’n verkiesing in die toekoms (na die verkiesing van 29 Mei vanjaar inderdaad ook ten dele was) ’n baie komplekse oefening kan wees. (Dit was inderdaad ook ten dele so toe ’n veelparty-regering gevorm is nadat die ANC nie daarin kon slaag om ’n volstrekte meerderheid in die verkiesing te behaal nie.) Gevolglik het die grondwetlike en tersaaklike wetlike bepalings oor die bepaling en aankondiging van die verkiesingsuitslag asook die bepalings wat regeringsvorming daarna reguleer, besonder aktueel geraak. Die vorming van ’n regering na afloop van ’n verkiesing begin met die verkiesing van die president ten tyde van die eerste sitting van die Nasionale Vergadering na die verkiesing. Indien geen party ’n volstrekte meerderheid behaal het nie, sal meer as een party op ’n presidentskandidaat moet ooreenkom. Watter soort meerderheid word vereis vir die verkiesing van die president? Wat gebeur egter as die onderskeie partye nie oor die presidentskandidaat kan ooreenstem nie? Is dit voorts moontlik dat ’n president verkies kan word sonder die ondersteuning van die meerderheid van die lede van die Nasionale Vergadering? Indien wel, wat gebeur daarna? Sal ’n werkbare regering gevorm kan word? Hierdie vrae word bespreek aan die hand van ’n ontledende oorsig van grondwetlike en tersaaklike wetlike bepalings. Dit word verduidelik met behulp van ’n aantal moontlike scenario’s wat ten tyde van die verkiesing van die president sou kon geld.
A case for the right to education for stateless and undocumented children : a South African analysis in the light of international law
Mahleza, Yeukai; Maake-Malatji, Mahlatse (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2024-11-25)
This paper is grounded in the right to education, guaranteed to every child, whether stateless or undocumented. Being stateless means that the child is not considered to be a national by any State under the operation of its law and when a child is undocumented it means that they have no government-issued proof of identity. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 provides the right to education for all children, regardless of their nationality. However, whether stateless or undocumented, they encounter impediments when they attempt to exercise their right to education. The study questions whether the South African Government is complying with its constitutional and international legal obligations to provide the right to education to all children. The paper contends that it is not sufficient to state that every child has the right to education, and that there is a need to formulate guidelines and procedures to be followed in cases where children are undocumented or stateless. In addition, the paper analyses the relevant education laws and policies together with the immigration laws and the effects they have on one another. It further addresses how the provisions of immigration law related to education impede undocumented and stateless children from accessing the right to education. Accordingly, the study identifies the gaps in the laws regulating the right to education and their implications when stateless and undocumented children seek to exercise the right to education. This paper recommends that the South African Government adapts its education laws and procedures in ways that consider the circumstances of stateless and undocumented children.

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