LSSA CONGRATULATES JUDGE NAVANETHEM (NAVI) PILLAY ON THE 2026 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
29 October 2026
A global legal leader honoured for strengthening international law and advancing accountability for the gravest crimes: a powerful affirmation of the rule of law as the foundation of peace.
Pretoria – The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) congratulates Judge Navanethem (Navi) Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on 9 October 2026, recognising her work to strengthen international law and to ensure accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The Committee described her as ‘a person who, with exceptional courage and integrity, has led the way towards a more comprehensive legal order.’
LSSA President Machini Motloung said:
‘Judge Pillay’s career, from defending the rights of the oppressed as an attorney in Durban to the bench of international courts, shows what a life in the law can achieve when it is built on integrity, courage and service. Her recognition is a proud moment for South Africa’s attorneys, and we congratulate her warmly.’
The recognition comes as South Africa prepares to mark 30 years of its Constitution. The Prize is formally presented in Oslo on 10 December, the date on which the Constitution was signed into law in 1996. ‘Her work is a reminder that the rule of law is upheld, case by case, by lawyers and judges prepared to act with courage,’ the President added.
The LSSA wishes Judge Pillay well as she continues her work for justice and human dignity.
Issued on behalf of the President of the Law Society of South Africa, Machini Motloung
For media enquiries: Nkgadimeng Ramela, Senior Manager: Stakeholder, Marketing and Communications, Law Society of South Africa
Tel: (012) 366 8800 | E-mail: nkgadi@lssa.org.za
About the LSSA
The Law Society of South Africa is the national representative body of the attorneys’ profession. Through its Legal Education and Development division (LEAD), it trains legal practitioners and candidate legal practitioners, and through De Rebus it informs the profession on developments in law and practice.
