Wayamo events on the domestic application of international criminal law in South Africa

kotarski Judicial Capacity Building, News and Events AGJA

Between 12 and 15 May 2025, the Wayamo Foundation organised a series of events in Pretoria, bringing together civil society actors, academics, prosecutors, investigators and judges for discussions on the domestic application of international criminal law in South Africa. 

Moray Hathorn, Attorney, Legal Resources Centre.

On 12 May, Wayamo convened a strategic meeting with a diverse group of South African civil society actors to discuss recent developments in international criminal law within South Africa’s courts. The engagement centered on the implications of the recent landmark jurisprudence recognising apartheid as a crime against humanity, and explored both the opportunities this presents and challenges that remain for future advocacy and litigation efforts. Discussions were held on emerging tools and avenues which can be used to disrupt the perpetration of international crimes and the criminal networks responsible for atrocities. Participants also examined practical ways to deepen collaboration with like-minded regional actors with the aim of galvanizing effective action towards accountability for international crimes committed in Sudan or any other neighbouring country where international crimes are being committed.

Dr. Atilla Kisla, International Justice Cluster Lead, SALC.

This event was followed by a three-day International Justice Workshop from 13 to 15 May co-hosted by the Wayamo Foundation and the South African National Prosecuting Authority entitled “Domestic and international accountability mechanisms for international crimes: new developments and opportunities”. 31 prosecutors and investigators from all South African provinces attended the workshop. 

Adv Anton Du Plessis, Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions, South Africa.

The workshop was formally opened by Adv Anton Du Plessis, South Africa’s Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions, Strategy, Operations and Compliance, who was representing Adv. Shamila Batohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions. Du Plessis delivered an impassioned speech on South Africa’s role within the international legal community, emphasising the critical role that national actors—such as the participants present— play in bringing international criminal law to life within domestic legal systems. 

Wayamo Director Bettina Ambach provided an overview of the organisation’s ongoing activities, stressing that Wayamo’s raison d’être is strengthening domestic justice mechanisms as a foundation for accountability for international crimes and long-term rule of law. She explained that the Pretoria events could be seen in the context of Wayamo´s ongoing project on justice and accountability for crimes committed in Sudan, and invited the participants to “think creatively on how to disrupt international criminal activity” and to consider the idea of initiating universal jurisdiction cases for international crimes committed in the region. 

Bettina Ambach and Claas-Dietrich König.

Claas-Dietrich König, First Counsellor and Head of the Political Department at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany spoke on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office, highlighting Germany’s longstanding commitment to international criminal justice, including its historical engagement with accountability processes, and its current leadership role in conducting universal jurisdiction cases. He elaborated on the reasons why Germany is funding such a project, emphasising on the importance of capacity building, and international cooperation to combat impunity effectively.

Several key topics were addressed during the workshop, including the core international crimes—such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide—as well as an introduction to international humanitarian law. Participants explored the types and forms of evidence required to build international criminal cases, and the investigation and prosecution of gender-based crimes. The workshop also examined the use of modern forms of evidence, such as digital open-source information, in both domestic and international trials. Finally, there was an in-depth discussion on universal jurisdiction, including recent developments and emerging trends in its application. 

Stefano Trevisan, Legal Advisor, Legal Action Worldwide.

Speakers at the workshop included: 

  • Ben Gumpert, KC, Crown Court Judge and former barrister, former Senior Trial Lawyer at the International Criminal Court
  • Kim Thuy Seelinger, Professor of Practice in Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis; former Senior Coordinator on Gender-based Crimes and Crimes Against Children at the ICC Office of the Prosecutor and Special Adviser on Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict to the ICC Prosecutor
  • Akingbolahan Adeniran, former Attorney General of Ogun State (Nigeria), former investigator and trial lawyer at the International Criminal Court
  • Stefano Trevisan, Legal Adviser at Legal Action Worldwide
  • Rosalind Sipos Legal Officer at the UN International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria (IIIM)
  • Chris Gevers, Director, Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), Wits School of Law, Johannesburg.

Rosalind Sipos, Legal Officer at the UN International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria.

They were joined by Wayamo colleagues:

  • Mark Kersten, Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University Fraser Valley, Canada and Senior Consultant, Wayamo Foundation
  • Linda Bore, International Criminal Lawyer & Project Coordinator, Wayamo Foundation
  • Mikel Delagrange, Senior International Legal Advisor, Wayamo Foundation.

Kim Thuy Seelinger, Professor of Practice in Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis.



The workshop aimed to provide a practical and accessible exploration of the topics outlined in the programme.

“I came to this workshop with very little knowledge of international criminal law,” said one participant. “The presentations were extremely insightful and equipped me with a better understanding of the legal framework, how to build international crime cases, and ultimately how to prosecute them.”

Another participant noted that, “the practical tools shared during the sessions will be valuable in my everyday work.”

“I learned that I have ammunition to represent victims of crime globally,” said another. 

The use of open-source information in domestic contexts emerged as a particularly popular topic during the workshop. 

“I have been using open-source information in my work, but this workshop presented the topic in a way that will significantly enhance how I approach and conduct open-source investigations,” shared one of the participants.

Dr. Christopher Gevers, Director, Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), Wits School of Law.

The workshop took place just a few weeks after a landmark decision by a South African court, which held that apartheid can be prosecuted as a crime against humanity under South African law. Participants therefore particularly welcomed the session led by Chris Gevers, Director, Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), who provided an overview of recent developments in international criminal jurisprudence in South Africa. The session resonated deeply with many attendees:

“This session has touched a nerve,” remarked one participant. “I hope to see more prosecutions of Apartheid-era crimes, along with meaningful restitution. I also feel better equipped and more motivated to contribute to building strong international crimes prosecutions.”

Judge M.S. Makamu, Judge Cassim Moosa, Judge Rean Strydom and Judge Dario Dosio.

Finally, on 15 May 2025 Wayamo organised a Judges Symposium, with seven South African judges attending a half-day session. The discussions focused on the domestic application of international criminal law, the use and relevance of open-source information as evidence in domestic trials, the application of universal jurisdiction in South Africa as well as the role of the judiciary in upholding accountability for atrocity crimes.

Ben Gumpert, KC, Crown Court Judge and former barrister, former Senior Trial Lawyer at the International Criminal Court.

The sessions fostered frank and open dialogue about the challenges and opportunities in implementing international criminal law in South Africa’s courts. Participants lauded the event as “inspiring and extremely beneficial” and initiated a debate with Wayamo experts on how to continue these engagements potentially with some online discussions to be able to include more judges.

All activities are being organised within the framework of the “Strengthening justice and accountability for international crimes in Sudan” project, where the Wayamo Foundation provides training in international criminal law, international humanitarian law and human rights to civil society and legal actors both in Sudan and the East African region, aimed at building a coalition committed to addressing impunity through domestic, regional and international accountability mechanisms.

The events were funded through the generous support of the German Federal Foreign Office.