Judicial Institute for Africa

Applications are open for JIFA’s Judgment Writing course.
This intensive programme helps judicial officers strengthen one of the most important skills on the bench: writing clear, well-reasoned judgments.
Through expert guidance and practical drafting exercises, participants will build confidence in:
• Judgment structure and reasoning
• Evidence assessment
• Plain language drafting
• Efficient judgment delivery
Course Date: 14 – 17 September 2026
Location: In person (UCT Law)
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Cost: R7 500
Apply now. Don’t miss this opportunity.
https://learningstore.uct.ac.za/product?catalog=Judgment-Writing

Applications are now open for JIFA’s Judicial Leadership Course.
This advanced programme is designed for senior judges, heads of court, and judicial leaders seeking to strengthen leadership capacity and drive meaningful institutional change.
Through deep reflection and practical application, participants will build confidence in:
• Leadership integrity and self-awareness
• Strategic communication and stakeholder engagement
• Managing complex teams and institutional dynamics
• Designing and implementing lasting judicial reform
• Building resilient, high-performing courts
Course Dates: 12 – 16 October 2026
Location: In person
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Application Deadline: 25 September 2026
Cost: R40 000 | $2 500
Convened by Dr Mathilda Twomey and Dr Hélène Smith, with contributions from senior members of the African judiciary, academics, and global experts.
If you are a senior judicial leader ready to shape the future of your institution, this course provides the tools to lead with clarity, resilience, and impact.
Apply now. Don’t miss this opportunity.
https://learningstore.uct.ac.za/product?catalog=Judicial-Leadership

Sign up now for JIFA's Introduction to Refugee Law for Judicial Officers

Justice does not stop at borders. Neither should judicial learning.
As courts across Africa increasingly engage with refugee law, judicial officers need the knowledge and confidence to navigate this evolving area of law.
JIFA's Introduction to International Refugee Law for Judicial Officers provides practical, flexible training through self-paced online learning and live expert-led webinars. Successful participants receive a University of Cape Town certificate and join a growing network of judicial officers strengthening justice across Africa.
Registrations close: 7 August 2026
Course: 17 August - 8 November 2026
Online | Self-paced with live webinars
Register now:

Registration: Introduction to Refugee Law for Judicial Officers (online August 2026) The Introduction to Refugee Law for Judicial Officers Course is running for a second time in 2026 from August to November. To register for the Course please complete the information below. Shortly after you have completed your registration, you will be provided with log-in details for the online lea...

Applications closing soon
JIFA’s Judgment Writing course equips judicial officers with the tools to draft clear, well-reasoned, and accessible judgments.
Through expert lectures, practical exercises, and mock trial drafting, participants will strengthen their ability to:
• Structure and draft effective judgments
• Identify key issues and evidence
• Apply plain language and concise reasoning
• Deliver clear judicial decisions
Course Dates: 14 – 17 September 2026
Location: Online
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Cost: R7 500
Convened by Dr Mathilda Twomey, with contributions from senior members of the African judiciary and leading academics.
Apply now:

Judgment Writing Unleash your potential by completing one – or more – of UCT’s short courses and lifelong learning opportunities. Browse our catalogue covering business, technology, health sciences, law, engineering, humanities and more.

JIFA’s Judicial Leadership Course equips senior judicial leaders with the tools to lead modern, resilient courts.

Through expert-led workshops, coaching, and practical exercises, participants will strengthen their approach to:
• Leadership integrity and decision-making
• Strategic communication and public engagement
• Conflict resolution and change management
• Designing long-term institutional reform
Course Dates: 12 – 16 October 2026
Location: In person
Application Deadline: 25 September 2026
Cost: R40 000 | $2 500
Convened by Dr Mathilda Twomey and Dr Hélène Smith, with contributions from senior judicial leaders and international experts.
Apply now:

Judicial Leadership Course for Southern and Eastern Africa Unleash your potential by completing one – or more – of UCT’s short courses and lifelong learning opportunities. Browse our catalogue covering business, technology, health sciences, law, engineering, humanities and more.

Strengthen your judgment writing
Every judgment shapes the credibility of the courts.
JIFA’s Judgment Writing course provides practical, case-based training to help judicial officers write clearer, stronger, and more effective judgments.
Over four intensive days, participants will:
• Improve judgment structure and reasoning
• Analyse evidence and credibility more effectively
• Recognise and mitigate unconscious bias
• Draft judgments with clarity, precision, and impact
Course Dates: 14 – 17 September 2026 (4 days)
Location: In person (UCT Law)
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Cost: R7 500 / $470
Participants receive a Certificate of Completion from the Judicial Institute for Africa (JIFA), Faculty of Law, University of Cape Town.
Apply now: https://learningstore.uct.ac.za/product?catalog=Judgment-Writing

JIFA’s Judgment Writing course equips judicial officers with the tools to draft clear, well-reasoned, and accessible judgments.

Participants will strengthen their ability to:
• Structure clear, well-reasoned judgments
• Apply plain language principles
• Assess evidence and credibility
• Manage complex legal reasoning
• Deliver concise extempore judgments
Course Dates: 14 – 17 September 2026 (4 days)
Location: In person (UCT Law)
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Cost: R7 500 / $470
Convened by Dr Mathilda Twomey, Academic Director of JIFA, with contributions from senior members of the African judiciary and leading academics.
Register now.
https://learningstore.uct.ac.za/product?catalog=Judicial-Leadership

Senior judicial leaders face increasing demands - from managing complex institutions to navigating public scrutiny.

JIFA’s Judicial Leadership Course provides advanced, practical training to strengthen leadership capacity and institutional impact.

Over five intensive days, participants will learn to:
• Lead with integrity, self-awareness, and moral clarity
• Manage teams and build high-performing judicial institutions
• Navigate media engagement and public accountability
• Develop strategies for sustainable judicial reform and change
Course Dates: 12 – 16 October 2026
Location: In person
Application Deadline: 25 September 2026
Cost: R40 000 | $2 500
Participants receive a Certificate of Completion from the Judicial Institute for Africa (JIFA), Faculty of Law, University of Cape Town.
Join a network of senior judicial leaders committed to strengthening justice systems across Africa.
Apply now: https://learningstore.uct.ac.za/product?catalog=Judicial-Leadership

Write judgments with clarity and authority
JIFA’s Judgment Writing course equips judicial officers with the tools to draft clear, well-reasoned, and accessible judgments.

Participants will strengthen their ability to:
• Structure clear, well-reasoned judgments
• Apply plain language principles
• Assess evidence and credibility
• Manage complex legal reasoning
• Deliver concise extempore judgments
Course Dates: 14 – 17 September 2026 (4 days)
Location: In person (UCT Law)
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Cost: R7 500 / $470
Convened by Dr Mathilda Twomey, Academic Director of JIFA, with contributions from senior members of the African judiciary and leading academics.
Register now.

https://learningstore.uct.ac.za/product?catalog=Judgment-Writing

Judicial leadership requires more than legal expertise. It demands clarity, resilience, and the ability to lead institutions through complexity and change.
The Judicial Leadership Course is an advanced programme designed to equip senior judicial leaders with the tools to build resilient, high-performing courts and drive lasting institutional change.
Participants will strengthen their skills in:
• Leadership integrity and self-awareness
• Strategic communication and media engagement
• Managing high-performing teams
• Designing and implementing judicial reform
• Building institutional resilience
Course Dates: 12 – 16 October 2026
Location: In person
Time: 09h00 – 17h00
Application Deadline: 25 September 2026
Cost: R40 000 | $2 500
Convened by Dr Mathilda Twomey, Academic Director of JIFA, and Dr Hélène Smith, with contributions from senior members of the African judiciary, global experts, and invited leaders.
If you are leading a judiciary or preparing for senior leadership, this programme provides the tools to lead with purpose and impact.
Register now: https://learningstore.uct.ac.za/product?catalog=Judicial-Leadership