Israel-Palestine Conflict: Four SA lawyers to take on Israel
Four more days until South Africa gets to present its genocide case against Israel at the Hague which will be heard on Thursday and Friday
The International Court of Justice will this week hear South Africa’s case against Israel for its alleged genocide against Palestinians. Government has also asserted its legal prowess by appointing four of the country’s best lawyers, some with international acclaim.
The four senior counsel’s will be joined by three juniors -Sarah Pudifin-Jones, Lerato Zikalala and Tshidiso Ramogale. As well as external counsels from the UK, advocates Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC and Vaughan Lowe KC.
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SOUTH AFRICA’S A-TEAM LAWYERS TO TAKE ON ISRAEL
TEMBEKA NGCUKAITOBI SC
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Ngcukaitobi gained popularity in 2016 during legal proceedings representing the Economic Freedom Fighters, arguing for the release of the state capture report.
A member of the Johannesburg Bar, Ngcukaitobi specialises in competition, labour, constitutional and commercial law.
He gained silk status in 2020.
JOHN DUGARD SC
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An internationally renown professor and lawyer of international law and human rights.
According to his United Nations biography, Dugard has since 1997, been a member of the UN International Law Commission and the Special Rapporteur on Diplomatic Protection to the Commission since 2000.
He is a Judge ad hoc in the International Court of Justice. Since 2001 he has served as Special Rapporteur to the UN Commission on Human Rights on violation of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. His present principal interests are international criminal law and diplomatic protection.
MAX DU PLESSIS SC
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Du Plessis is a Durban based lawyer, affiliated with Ubunye Chambers. As an international lawyer, he advises governments, international organizations and NGOs.
He has appeared or advised on cases inter alia before the International Criminal Court, the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, the SADC Tribunal, and the East African Court of Justice.
Du Plessis practises in public law, human rights, international law, and competition law.
ADILA HASSIM SC
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Hassim is largely involved in socio-economic rights issues and was the lead counsel in the Life Esidimeni arbitration.
She is also the co-founder and Head of Litigation at Section27 and also the co-founder of Corruption Watch.