02/06/2026
The Environmental Law Hub, a collaborative initiative between the University of Pretoria Faculty of Law and the Pretoria Society of Advocates, recently hosted a timely and robust seminar on climate litigation and governance in South Africa.
The panel featured Ms Ronaldah Lerato Karabo Ozah, whose presentation focused on the significant role that courts continue to play in advancing climate litigation in South Africa. She further highlighted some of the persistent gaps and challenges that courts still face in responding to complex climate governance issues.
Dr Yasmine Luhandjula also joined the panel, where her presentation unpacked the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ, exploring both the scope and implications of the Opinion, as well as the missed opportunities for the ICJ to pronounce itself on key climate-related matters.
Adv Jolandie Rust SC shared valuable practical insights drawn from her involvement in some of the most referenced climate litigation cases in South Africa. She reflected on the existing gaps within South Africa’s current climate change regulatory framework and the broader implications for climate justice, governance, and accountability.
We extend our sincere gratitude to PAS members, UP staff and students, and everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. Conversations such as these remain critical as we continue to shape and strengthen climate litigation discourse together.