Chief Justice Tiara Joseph

Tiara Joseph (she/her) is the incumbent Chief Justice of the Constitutional Tribunal (Student Court). She is a penultimate year LLB student, and a tutor with the Department of Jurisprudence. 

She holds immense affinity towards international public and private law, the urgency of human rights, interdisciplinary legal topics, and the role of law in society.

Notable achievements include: invitation and consequent participation in programmes hosted by the National University of Singapore, and New York University;  ranking 1st in the first-year LLB cohort in the Faculty of Law (Carpe Diem Faculty Prize);  ranking 1st with the overall highest GPA whilst at House Azalea (Tuksres); the DH van Zyl Faculty Prize, the Norton Rose Fulbright Faculty Prize; membership to Golden Key; and Dean’s List recognition. 

Tiara enjoys debating and is an avid mooter – after winning the UP Moot Junior League with her co-counsel, she now participates in the 29th Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. 

Prior to her position as Chief Justice, Tiara clerked with the Tribunal and assisted in the Marketing and Law Reform internal committees. She additionally has worked as a copy-editor for the PDBY (Campus newspaper), served on the Moot society subcommittee, the Student Wellness Executive Committee, the academic and social subcommittees of Law House, and has been a STARS mentor. 

You can find Tiara where the midnight oil is burning, or telling dad jokes. 

Outside of law, Tiara enjoys spending time with family and friends, board games, and listening to music (she will most likely send you a playlist even if you don't ask). 

She also loves the arts – with dedicated interests in cinematography, screenwriting, literature, language, and media. 

"There's really no such thing as the 'voiceless'. There are only the deliberately silenced, or the preferably unheard."
– Arundhati Roy

Deputy Chief Justice Waldo Krige

Waldo is the Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Tribunal.

He is in the final year of his LLB studies after completing his BCom(Law) degree, majoring in micro-and macroeconomics, in 2020.  During his time at UP, he has served on the Law House Transformation and Culture Subcommittee, as well as the executive committee of the United Nations Youth Association.  He is also the former Chairperson of the Juventus Student Organization, an off-campus youth group.

Waldo has a passion for debating and had the privilege of representing the University of Pretoria as an adjudicator at the 2019 World University Debating Championship.  He also enjoys mooting and recently took part in the Group 621 Commercial Moot Court Competition in 2019, where he and his partner finished second place in the tournament.

As far as academic interests go, he enjoys reading international law with a specific focus on the workings of international judicial institutions and the implementation of the rules of war in contemporary warfare.

Waldo loves being in nature and has never said no to a weekend of camping or going for a hike somewhere up some mountain. When he is not outdoors, Waldo can easily be found binge-watching Golden Girls while sipping on a cup of hot chocolate heaped with as many marshmallows as he can find.

"To me, fearless is not the absence of fear. It's not being completely unafraid. To me, fearless is having fears. Fearless is having doubts. Lots of them. To me, fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death."

– Taylor Swift

Justice Sunusha Moodley (Registrar)

Sunusha is a final year BA Law student majoring in politics and a golden key scholar. 

She coaches debating to high school kids, which has been the most fulfilling experience. She debated throughout high school and attended Nationals twice, representing KZN. In her spare time, she can be found with her head buried in a book, playing squash or chilling with her 2 dogs, Bella and Kylo (she is definitely a Star Wars fan). Last year she caught the mooting bug after participating in UP's junior league where she made it to the elimination rounds. 

She is currently participating in Nuremberg Moot Court, an international competition. Sunusha is thoroughly enjoying her time on the bench and is very excited to see the bench's vision come to life. 

“We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society.”

– Angela Davis   

 Senior Judge Zakariya Adam

Zakariya Adam is a penultimate year LLB student at the University of Pretoria. Having attained his BCom Law degree cum laude, he exhibits a strong enthusiasm for the world of finance, economics, business, and the law. 

Zakariya is currently a Senior Judge of the University of Pretoria Constitutional Tribunal (Student Court), an editor for the Pretoria Student Law Review and a writer for Legal Standpoint (legal-tech start-up). He is also a two-time published author in the Pretoria Student Law Review and has had the honour of partaking in vacation work at a number of firms specialising in different fields of the law. 

Zakariya has specific interests in corporate and commercial law, Islamic finance and law, international law, banking law and education law. He strives to be an expert practitioner one day and is willing to build the foundation needed to achieve that.

 

"If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything."

– Malcolm X 

Senior Judge Odwa Mashwabane

Odwa is currently a sitting Senior Judge of the Constitutional Tribunal (Student Court) of the University of Pretoria. This year is his second year serving on the Tribunal.

Odwa is no stranger to service, having attained the highest award for service at his alma mater. He has been in leadership roles since his high school period, ranging from sports captain to prefect positions. In 2020, Odwa served as the Chairperson of Students for Law and Social Justice and as Treasurer for the United Nations Youth Association. Both organisations pride themselves in helping and serving the less fortunate such as to attain the goal of true equity. These characteristics ring true for Odwa, as he is an avid pursuer of justice. Odwa sustains an ‘open-door’ policy with every student and gives every student his undivided attention. Odwa has always done his level best when fulfilling the duties of his office.

Odwa is overtly interested in Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence and may be found debunking the process of constituting South Africa. As a keen decolonial scholar, he maintains a controversial stance on the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Outside of this interest, Odwa enjoys an interest in International Law having interacted with this field of law in a previous paper. 

Outside of his official capacity, Odwa can always be found having interesting conversations with all law students, ranging from his friends to strangers. He can also be found listening to ‘Gqom’ music and attempting to dance with his two left feet.

"Ityala aliboli (Injustice remains until it is rectified).”

– An African Custom

Judge Chibugom Abanno

Chibugom is a sitting judge on the Constitutional Tribunal and is in the penultimate year of her LLB degree. In her academic journey, she secured a position on the Law faculty Dean’s Merit list and the Golden Key International Honors Society, in addition to being a Duke of Edinburgh Award recipient. She has also served as a STARS mentor and in various student governance roles, most recent being the Vice-Chairperson in charge of Wellbeing, Traditions and Benefactors in House Khutso. 

Chibu’s passion lies in international public security and anti-terrorism law. Her interest in law can be traced back to her early years and the numerous nights spent binge watching ‘Legally Blonde’. Although it began as a flicker of interest, her passion intensified following research and discourse with various players in the legal sphere. Her desire to promote justice and lend a voice to the marginalized empowered her to act as a keynote speaker against the 2019 xenophobic attacks and for the cultivation of a Pan-African mindset, in a youth diversity initiative.

Coming from a political family, she understands that the law is a valuable tool, with the power to build or destroy. Consequently, she has taken extra courses on Comparative equality and anti-discrimination laws to enhance her knowledge on how the law can be transformed to serve as an equalizer. 

When she is not binge-watching true crime documentaries, Chibugom can be found wherever the music is loudest. As a true Nigerian, she goes hard for afrobeats but she also knows a thing or two about amapiano. 

 

"The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism."

— Wole Soyinka

Judge Gauke Buyl

Gauke Buyl is a Third-year BCom Law student majoring in Macroeconomics and Statistics. She is a sitting judge on the Constitutional Tribunal (Student Court) and a member of the Women In Law Society at the University of Pretoria. She became besotted with law due to having a deeply rooted passion for mathematics - as they share principles of objectivity and logical manner of thinking. Coming from a European background and thereafter growing up in South Africa has molded her to become a strong independent woman who believes in unbiased behaviour and equality. In her spare time, Gauke volunteers for multiple organisations such as SPCA and inclusively tutors students with ADHD and Dyslexia.

Gauke enjoys the outdoors however on occasion would not mind a rainy day - taking delight in a hot cup of coffee alongside an enriching novel. She adores discussing any topics from Formula 1 to the latest JSC interviews. 

“And through the heat of conflict keeps the law In calmness made, and sees what he foresaw.”

–William Wordsworth

Judge Daniella de Figueiredo

Daniella, a former clerk and newly appointed Judge of the Constitutional Tribunal, is a high-spirited BA Law graduate known for her friendly smile and dedicated attitude. 

Daniella’s profound interest in criminal law compelled her to begin her law journey with a BA Law degree, majoring in criminology. This decision propelled her interest in the law and she has further grown to become passionate about international public and private law, international criminal law, social media law and commercial law. 

Her love for people is at the heart of everything that she does. She believes that “education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world” and strives to impart this wisdom to the high school students that she tutors. 

Her hardworking character led her to become a finalist in the UP Moot Junior League, a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and a member of the Association of Young International Criminal Lawyers. Ultimately, Daniella intends on making her mark in the legal world and in the alternative, she hopes to be a Disney princess. 

When her nose is not buried inside a law textbook, Daniella can be found keeping up with anything film and series related, playing a friendly game of hockey or enjoying coffee ice cream with her friends while engaging in a fervent debate about why bananas are the most superior fruit.

“Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.”

– Micah 6:8

Judge Hanán Jeppie

Hanán (she/her) is a newly appointed Judge whose love for the law was born from the likes of Legally Blonde and How To Get Away With Murder. She has a deep passion for justice and human rights, and is particularly ardent on the issues faced by womxn. 

Hanán recently graduated with a BA Law in International Relations and is thus in the penultimate year of her studies. She is a Golden Key recipient and has served in several student structures such as the Palestinian Solidarity Committee at UP, Women in Law, Black Lawyers Association, Progressive Youth Alliance, Muslim Student Association and Law House. One of Hanán's biggest dreams is to take her legal skills to a global forum whereby she may fight for the rights of people all over the world. 

In her spare time, Hanán can be found cafe-hopping or rewatching her favourite RomComs. She loves spending time with her friends and also enjoys baking (even though her creations are sometimes questionable).

“If you tremble with indignation at every injustice then you are a comrade of mine.”

— Ernesto Che Guevara

Judge Cobus Loots

Cobus is a newly appointed Judge on the Constitutional Tribunal and is a third year LLB student. Prior to his appointment to the Tribunal Cobus served as the Secretary for Amnesty International UP.

Cobus is an active participant in student life and is a member of UP&OUT, UNASA UP and the PSC UP. He is passionate about social justice and activism. Prior to his law studies Cobus pursued a BSocSci PPE degree and has a keen academic interest in Philosophy and History. The combination of these factors has developed Cobus’ interest in Customary Law and Constitutional Law. He also enjoys the study of post-modernism and decolonisation.

In his private life Cobus works part time at a law firm, and spends his free time reading, listening to music, and loving his cat. He’s specifically interested in books or documentaries regarding philosophy, poetry, opera, and history. He is an open-minded person who enjoys debate and open discussions on all topics.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” 

— Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Judge Ziphozethu Metu

Ziphozethu Metu (she/her) is a final year LLB student at the University of Pretoria. Her passion for the advancement of social justice, the protection and realisation of human rights led her to serve in the Legal Shebeen for two years as the General Secretary in 2020 and the Chairperson in 2021. 

During the course of her academic career she had the honour of being a member of the Golden Key Society in 2020 and appeared on the Deans Merit List in the years 2019 and 2020. Ziphozethu developed an interest for the law as a high school learner while participating and winning public speaking, oral history and high school moot competitions. She enjoys engaging in robust and mentally stimulating conversations centred on controversial topics. She is a firm believer in the law being easily and equally accessible for the benefit of all. After completing her LLB degree she aspires to be an agent for change by utilising the law to help those who the law is meant to serve and aid in the process of breaking down all barriers that hinder the equal accessibility of the law.  

If not found occupied with her academic commitments, in her leisure time, Ziphozethu can be found reading, catching up on her favourite series or spending time with her family and friends.  

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

— Albert Einstein

Judge Rorisang Moyo

Rorisang Moyo is a Judge of the Constitutional Tribunal. She enters the tribunal with the readiness to engage with student issues at an impactful level.

She is a regular contributor to blogs across different subjects. This makes her a great conversationalist and fuels her love for some intellectual discourse. 

Rorisang values the achievement of transparent and just student governance.

“If you cannot see that something is beneath me. You are the beneath.”

— Thembi Zulu 

Judge Lesedi Ngubeni

Lesedi Ngubeni is currently a sitting Judge of the Constitutional Tribunal (Student Court) who also serves as Chairperson of the Clerks Committee and as a member of the Admin and Treasury Committee. He is a BA Law Graduate and a Penultimate year LLB Student. Within the University of Pretoria, he has previously served as the Secretary General of the African Union Student Commission, a subcommittee member in House Humanities as well as a Clerk for the Constitutional Tribunal (Student Court).

Lesedi went with the Bachelor of Arts route because he was unsure if he would enjoy law. However, by the end of his first ever semester in his first year, he had found a passion for law… especially Jurisprudence. This new founded passion earned him a Golden Key at the end of 2019 and a UP Undergraduate award in 2021.He Hopes to one day serve as a Constitutional Court Justice but knows that he has a long and difficult journey ahead of him.

If Lesedi is not busy with academics, or out with his friends he is most probably at the iStore. He started working there in 2019 and has worked in various salesperson and administrator roles. Outside of all things serious, Lesedi is an avid sports fanatic. His favorite sports to watch include Football “Allez Allez Alez”, Formula One racing, Athletics and Cricket.

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”

— Muhammad Ali

Judge Ndinae Ramavhoya 

Ndinae Ramavhoya is a BA Law graduate and fourth year LLB student. She flirted with a few career choices before she settled on Law in her late high school days. What solidified the deal for her was seeing how having ineffective measures in place led to loss and damage during her term as a member of the executive committee in high school. 

Student culture and the various societies play a vital role in her university experience. She has participated as a Stars mentor, Pdby copy-editor and UNASA UP Vice-chairperson. 

She is a fierce advocate for contributing and seeing more implementation of African jurisprudence in legal structures and judgments, and believes that this is what will set the South African society apart. She is also very passionate about seeing a conscious driven-approach to corporate law so that the organisations that are an integral part of our society actually contribute to the betterment of these societies. 

She is a member of the Golden Key Honor Society and was recently awarded for receiving the third highest average in English 210. 

When she is not studying, she is probably catching up on an episode of Grey's Anatomy or searching for contemporary African literature titles to add to her embarrassingly long "to be read" list.

“If you're going to grow, be intentional.”

— Curt Kampmeier