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Prof Thuli Madonsela joins prominent global sporting body
Author: Corporate Communications and Marketing
Published: 26/11/2024



The International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS), the governing body of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), has welcomed the Director of the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University (SU), Prof Thuli Madonsela, to its membership.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected Madonsela to serve the remainder of the 2023-2026 term as a member of the ICAS. Established in 1994, the ICAS comprises 22 members with legal expertise and oversees the administration and finances of the CAS. The CAS is a globally recognised institution responsible for resolving disputes in the sports sector through arbitration.

SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers extended his heartfelt congratulations to Madonsela. “This is a well-deserved recognition of her unwavering commitment to justice, fairness and integrity, values that she embodies with distinction both locally and globally," De Villiers said. “Prof Madonsela's appointment is a proud moment not only for our University but for South Africa, as she continues to champion the principles of equality and social justice on the world stage. We are confident that her wisdom and dedication will greatly enrich the ICAS and its mission. Stellenbosch University celebrates this milestone with her," De Villiers concluded.

Madonsela said she feels supremely honoured by the appointment to the ICAS. “I embrace with gratitude and humility the opportunity to extend my commitment to and perspective on justice and fairness to the global arena focussing on governance of resolution of sports disputes under the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“I was particularly humbled by ICAS President John Coates' introduction during my inaugural meeting in Lausanne recently, in which he highlighted and lauded my reputation for commitment to fairness and integrity. My joy is only diminished by the fact that the opportunity arose due to the untimely passing of a great South African jurist and treasured friend, retired Constitution Court Justice Yvonne Mokgoro. I look forward to the privilege of serving for global justice in sport," Madonsela said.

Renowned for her contributions to law and social justice in South Africa, Madonsela served as the country's Public Protector from 2009 to 2016, during which she investigated and addressed issues of maladministration and corruption. Since January 2018 she has held the Law Trust Chair in Social Justice at SU, focusing on advancing social justice and human rights.

Madonsela has been named one of TIME100's most influential people in the world in 2014 and as the Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2016. She is also a member of the African Academy of Sciences and the Scottish Writers to the Signet (WS) Society and was recently appointed to the United Nations (UN) Scientific Advisory Board. Madonsela also chairs the UN supported Cities Alliance and is a member of the International Anticorruption Conference Council.

The CAS is an independent institution based in Lausanne which was created to resolve sports-related disputes through arbitration or mediation. The jurisdiction of the CAS is recognised by all Olympic sports federations and many non-Olympic federations. The organisation registers around 900 cases each year.​