08 Oct 2019

 Judge Sanji Mmasenono Monageng has been sworn-in as the Judge of Southern African Development Community Administrative Tribunal (SADCAT).

Administering the Oath of office during an extra-ordinary session of the Tribunal, on October 7, SADCAT president Judge Francis Bere said he had no doubt that Judge Monageng’s wealth of judicial experience would benefit the institution.

Taking the judicial oath, Judge Monageng, whose appointment effected from August 15, 2019 swore to be faithful to the office of SADCAT and to truly and honestly uphold and protect the values of SADCAT Secretariat.

“I will administer justice to all persons, alike, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. I solemnly swear that I shall perform my duties and exercise my powers, as a member of SADCAT, faithfully, impartially, independently and concisely. So, help me God,” she swore.

Judge Monageng has Bachelor of Law obtained from University of Botswana in 1987, a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration, as well as Certificates in Mediation and Court’s Administration. 

From 1987 to 1997, she joined the Magistracy and was subsequently promoted to the position of Principal Magistrate. 

In 2003, she was elected and subsequently appointed as Commissioner of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights and elected chairperson of that institution from 2007 to 2009. 

Between February 2006 and January 2008, Judge Monageng was also appointed an expert Judge of the High Court of Gambia and employed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, London.

In 2008, she was appointed an expert Judge of the High Court of Swaziland and employed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, London. 

Furthermore, from March 2009 until 2012, she was appointed as Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) pre-trail division. 

Still in 2012, Judge Monageng was elevated to the position of Appeal Judge at ICC until June 2018. From 2012 to 2015, she became the first ICC vice president and during her tenure, she also acted as ICC president. 

Following her retirement from ICC, Judge Monageng has worked as an Arbitrator and also a Mediator in International Commercial Arbitration and Domestic Arbitration based in Gaborone. 

The extra-ordinary session, provided for under Rule 49 (1) of the SADCAT Rules of Procedure was also convened for the retirement of the outgoing sister judge, Judge Kato van Niekerk from the SADCAT bench. Judge van Niekerk, from Namibia, joined the bench of SADCAT in 2017.

In his remarks, Judge Bere also acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the ability and determination with which Judge van Niekerk had handled the affairs of SADCAT. 

“Her contribution will be fondly missed by all of us and we wish her an enriching retirement,” he said.

 

Southern African Development Community Administrative Tribunal was established on August 18, 2015 to resolve labour disputes between SADC Secretariat or any of its institutions, as an employer, and the employee. The Tribunal operates with a pool of seven judges from different SADC countries. ENDS