The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Faculty of Law had the honour of hosting one of its distinguished visiting professors, Judge Dire Tladi, for a week-long visit from 12 to 16 May 2025. Judge Tladi, a leading scholar in international law and South Africa’s first permanent judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), engaged extensively with staff and students across the faculty during his time on campus.

Throughout the week, Judge Tladi visited various departments within the faculty, participating in discussions and offering insights drawn from his wealth of experience in international law. A particular highlight of the visit was his guest lecture to the International Law class on 14 May, titled ‘Interrogating Solidarity-Based International Law.’ The session provided students with a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the foremost legal minds in the field.

Judge Tladi also featured on The Verdict, UJ Law’s bi-weekly podcast, in an episode that offered a deeper exploration of his perspectives on global legal issues. Interviewed by two of UJ’s Moot Court champions—Charl Smit (Toni Dammert First-Year Intervarsity Moot Court) and Muphulusi Rakhuhu (Public Interest Law Moot Court)—the Judge shared personal reflections on his professional journey and current role at the ICJ.

Reflecting on the moment he was elected to the ICJ, Judge Tladi shared: “My first reaction was excitement! My neighbours thought someone had died because I screamed so loudly. I was campaigning against three other African candidates, and in elections anything is possible. The elections were carried live on UN Web TV, and there were moments when I thought I wouldn’t emerge. But it was truly exciting,” he said.

He also emphasised the significance of South Africa having representation on the ICJ bench, though he noted the limitations of his role in discussing current cases: “One thing we have seen South Africa do over the last year and a half is take a high-profile case to the ICJ. I am not allowed to speak about this case publicly, certainly, but it’s a major thing. As a country South Africa has been at the forefront of lots of developments [in international law] in the post post-Apartheid era. Whether you are talking about the adoption of The Rome Statute or the amendment to the Rome Statute, various things within the UN Security council over the three terms that the South African government has been in it, it really has been in the forefront,” he said.

Judge Tladi also shared thoughts on adjusting to life in the Netherlands, among other personal reflections.

The full episode of The Verdict featuring Judge Dire Tladi is available to stream below: