CDH Conversations

Since 2011, CDH's Pro Bono & Human Rights practice (Pro Bono practice) has been at the heart of our firm's commitment to making a real difference. Over the past decade, our Pro Bono practice has passionately championed the cause of public interest, providing pro bono legal support to clients in need.The decision to establish a dedicated practice was motivated by our belief in giving back to the communities in which we operate and in the power of the legal profession to spark positive change.But our contribution to access to justice doesn’t end with our Pro Bono practice. Across our entire firm, fee-earners have eagerly and generously volunteered their expertise to provide pro bono assistance. This collective effort demonstrates our firm's commitment to social justice and our belief that access to quality legal representation should never be a privilege, but a right.In Episode 3 of our series, Justice and Public Interest on the Mic, Elgene Roos, Senior Associate in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, explores vital pathways to citizenship under the South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995. This episode delves into sections 2(2), 2(3), and 4(3), highlighting the significance of citizenship rights and the laws that protect them. Elgene is joined by esteemed guests, Jacquie Cassette, Director, and Practice Head of the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice and Palesa Maloisane, an Attorney from Lawyers for Human Rights. Together, they shed light on the importance of citizenship as both a legal status and a cornerstone of belonging within the community. Tune in to gain insights into how CDH's pro bono work promotes justice and access to citizenship for all South Africans.

Since 2011, CDH's Pro Bono & Human Rights practice (Pro Bono practice) has been at the heart of our firm's commitment to making a real difference. Over the past decade, our Pro Bono practice has passionately championed the cause of public interest, providing pro bono legal support to clients in need. The decision to establish a dedicated practice was motivated by our belief in giving back to the communities in which we operate and in the power of the legal profession to spark positive change.But our contribution to access to justice doesn’t end with our Pro Bono practice. Across our entire firm, fee-earners have eagerly and generously volunteered their expertise to provide pro bono assistance. This collective effort demonstrates our firm's commitment to social justice and our belief that access to quality legal representation should never be a privilege, but a right.In the second episode of Justice and Public Interest on the Mic podcast series, Mbonisi Ndlovu, Associate in the Trusts & Estates practice joins Thobeka Dhlamini, Candidate Attorney in the Pro Bono & Humans Rights practice. Together, they delve into the intricate world of trusts and estates, shedding light on their significant role in pro bono matters.Tune in as they unravel the complexities of trusts and estates law, exploring the nuances of creating and managing trusts. And discover how our Trusts & Estates team at CDH is committed to giving back to the community through volunteer work at the Master of the High Court's Helpdesk.  

Since 2013, CDH's Pro Bono & Human Rights practice (Pro Bono practice) has been at the heart of our firm's commitment to making a real difference. Over the past decade, our Pro Bono practice has passionately championed the cause of public interest, providing pro bono legal support to clients in need. The decision to establish a dedicated practice was motivated by our belief ingiving back to the communities in which we operate and in the power of the legal profession to spark positive change. Access to justice is a fundamental right, and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) is committed to making that right a reality through its Pro Bono services. In this episode, ThobekaNomazizi Dhlamini, Candidate Attorney is joined by our Nairobi team, Brian Muchiri, Senior Associate and Lauriene Maingi, Associate, to discuss the critical legal issues addressed through their Pro Bono work in Kenya. They willexplore the diverse range of cases handled by the Nairobi office, providing insights into the challenges faced by vulnerable groups and the ways in which Pro Bono legal assistance has provided crucial support. Join us for adiscussion on the importance of Pro Bono services and hear insightful matters of impact in our Nairobi office.

Since 2011, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr's (CDH) Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice (Pro Bono Practice) has been at the heart of our firm's commitment to making a real difference.Over the past decade, our Pro Bono Practice has passionately championed the cause of public interest, providing pro bono legal support to clients in need. The decision to establish a dedicated practice was motivated by our belief  in giving back to the communities in which we operate and in the power of the legal profession to spark positive change. But our contribution to access to justice doesn’t end with our Pro Bono Practice.  Across our entire firm, fee-earners have eagerly and generously volunteered their expertise to provide pro bono assistance. This collective effort demonstrates our firm's commitment to social justice and our belief that access to quality legal representation should never be a privilege, but a right.  In the launch of our exciting new podcast series, "Justice and Public Interest on the Mic", we're thrilled to introduce you to Jacquie Cassette, the Head of our Pro Bono Practice and Director in our Johannesburg office; Brigitta Mangale, Director in our Cape Town office; and Thobeka Dhlamini, a Candidate Attorney in our Johannesburg office. Together, they discuss the heart of our Practice's mission, sharing the work we do and the challenges and successes that shape our work. Join them, as they reveal what's in store for this series, highlighting the true impact of our efforts and the lives we've touched. 

Join the CDH Conversations as we commemorate 100 years of women in law. This series of three episodes, hosted in collaboration with WOZA Women in Law explores the history and vision of women in the legal profession. Join CDH Conversations as we commemorate 100 years of women in law. This series of three episodes, hosted in collaboration with WOZA Women in Law explores the history and vision of women in the legal profession. In the first episode, we are joined by panellists Judge Margaret Victor, Rehana Khan Parker (Director of WOZA Women in Law & Leadership Academy), Subashnee Moodley (Director of WOZA Leadership Academy) and Laura Dlepu (Co-director WOZA Leadership NPC) hosted by Director and Head of Oil & Gas, Megan Rodgers. Together they discuss the centennial celebrations of women in law and the role WOZA has played towards ensuring an inclusive future in the legal services profession for women. The panelists also highlight the WOZA Awards which celebrates and recognises the achievements of women in law. Over the last 100 years, we witnessed the emergence of powerful female lawyers. 

On this month's podcast, Njeri had a powerful fireside chat with Thibault Flichy, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Kenya and President of the French Chamber of Commerce in Kenya. The conversation explored Thibault’s leadership journey, his vision for the Chamber, and the future of sustainable, innovative business partnerships between Kenya and France.

Ever sealed a deal on a call or over coffee and wondered if it would stand up if things went south? In this episode of CDH Conversations, Roxanne Bain in the Corporate & Commercial practice, and Belinda Scriba, in the Dispute Resolution practice, unpack when a verbal agreement is legally enforceable in South Africa, where the real risks lie, and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself. They break down the “no‑go” categories that must be in writing, the grey areas where verbal deals are common, and why evidence can make or break your case.  If you move at speed and do business in the real world, this is a practical, jargon‑free guide to doing it safely. You will walk away knowing how to turn a handshake into something you can rely on, what clauses in your existing contracts can trip you up, and how to document just enough, just in time, to avoid costly disputes later.

As women in law, the career journey is shaped not only by matters argued or contracts drafted, but rather by the moments that put you to the test, the mentors that lift you up, and the values that keep you grounded.In this candid Q&A, CDH’s Nastascha Harduth - Director in the Dispute Resolution practice and Head of the Corporate Debt, Turnaround & Restructuring sector - zooms in on the next generation. Tebello Mosoeu, Senior Associate in the same team, reflects on how their generational differences shape their experiences in the legal profession. One a Xennial, the other a Zennial. Both navigating legacy, leadership and what it means to grow while staying grounded.

In this episode of our CDH Women Empowerment Series, Safee-Naaz Siddiqi, Senior Associate in the Knowledge Management practice speaks with Nelisiwe Khumalo, Senior Associate in the Competition Law practice.Fresh from obtaining competition approval for the multibillion-rand telecommunications mega-merger between Vodacom and Maziv, Nelisiwe shares her journey from a humble town in Mpumalanga to becoming a Competition Lawyer in a leading law firm, her reflections on working in a still male-dominated field, and the importance of mentorship and support for young women in law. She explains how competition law impacts everyday life, from protecting consumers against unfair practices to shaping key industries such as telecommunications and agriculture.Nelisiwe also offers candid insights into balancing motherhood and a legal career, the value of resilience, and how AI is transforming the practice of law. Her story is one of courage, conviction, and inspiration for young professionals considering a future in law.

Those who have worked with the NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract know that compensation events are at the very heart of how change is managed and those who have heard of the standard form may have heard of the word "compensation event".Those who have worked with the NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract know that compensation events are at the very heart of how change is managed and those who have heard of the standard form may have heard of the word "compensation event". But what exactly are they, and what is expected of the contractor and project manager when a compensation event occurs?Join Associate, Zodwa Malinga and Associate Designate, Lakeen Kowlas from our Dispute Resolution practice and part of the Construction & Engineering sector, as they discuss compensation events under the NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract.

CDH is pleased to announce the launch of its new podcast series, Clause & Effect, which provides listeners with an informed and engaging view into the intersection of business and law.Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) is pleased to announce the launch of its new podcast series, Clause & Effect, which provides listeners with an informed and engaging view into the intersection of business and law. Each episode will feature conversations with CDH’s leading practitioners and industry specialists, offering practical insights on key developments shaping the South African and regional business landscape.The inaugural episode, hosted by Phetha Mchunu, features Allan Hannie, in the Corporate & Commercial practice, in a discussion focused on the evolving role of broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) and public interest considerations within merger control policies under South Africa’s competition framework.Recorded on the same day as the Inaugural Company Law Developments Conference, this episode draws on real-world examples and current regulatory trends to examine:The interplay and current misalignment between B-BBEE legislation and the Competition Act;Practical challenges arising from merger conditions relating to ownership and employee share ownership plans (ESOPs); andHow companies can proactively integrate transformation into their commercial strategy to achieve both compliance and long-term business value.Mr Hannie emphasises the importance of approaching B-BBEE not as a compliance hurdle, but as a strategic tool capable of driving competitiveness, inclusivity, and organisational cohesion.The discussion underscores CDH’s commitment to providing thought leadership on issues at the forefront of corporate governance, transformation, and regulatory reform.Click here to watch - https://youtu.be/nQjEHAEaAtY“Transformation, when approached with purpose, strengthens business performance and creates shared value across stakeholders,” notes Allan.

On this month's episode, Njeri had the pleasure of co-hosting with Ed Burbidge, Head of Emerging Markets at ICON, as they sat down with Biju Mohandas, Partner and Head of Healthcare at LeapFrog Investments.   The participants unpacked LeapFrog’s strategic exit from GoodLife Pharmacies, a conversation packed with insights on private equity, healthcare innovation, and health tech trends shaping Africa’s future.

In the third episode of our Immigration Law Podcast Series, Lee Masuku and Taryn York, in the Employment Law practice and Immigration Law service offering, discuss South Africa's various permanent residence permits categories, highlighting the legal requirements and the relevant distinctions between temporary and permanent residence statuses for some categories.

Statelessness is an invisible crisis that affects millions around the world.In this episode of CDH Conversations, Elgene Roos, Senior Associate in CDH's Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, sits down with Palesa Maloisane, an attorney at Lawyers for Human Rights, to unpack what it means to live without citizenship and the real-world consequences of being undocumented.Together, they explore how statelessness intersects with gender and children’s rights. Through personal stories and legal insight, the conversation sheds light on the barriers that keep people “invisible” and the constitutional promise that everyone has the right to a name, a nationality, and a place to belong.

In episode 3 of our Beyond 16 Days Podcast Series, Director Brigitta Mangale, Senior Associate Elgene Roos, and Candidate Attorney Sibonokuhle Baart in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice discuss the legal landscape of LGBTQIA+ rights in South Africa and the role of stakeholders in bridging the gap between the law on paper and lived experiences.

New Halloween-themed CDH Conversations Podcast Episode! New Halloween-themed CDH Conversations Podcast Episode! Ever feel like some companies are just lurking in the shadows with businesses that aren’t dead, but not quite alive either? Join Nastascha Harduth in the Corporate Debt, Turnaround & Restructuring sector and David Pinnock in the Corporate & Commercial practice to talk about the rise of “zombie companies”, why they’re haunting the market, and what it really takes to revive them…or bury them.Tune in for real talk, practical tips, and a few Halloween chills!

In this episode of CDH Conversations, Senior Associates Taryn York, Lee Masuku and Associate Sashin Naidoo in the Employment Law practice, discussed substance abuse as an incapacity issue in the workplace, emphasising the importance of distinguishing between misconduct and incapacity due to addiction.This distinction was illustrated by the Labour Court's decision in PSA obo Van Wyk v Department of Social Development: Western Cape Provincial Government and Others, where an employee's dismissal was found to be unfair because the employer failed to treat his absenteeism due to alcoholism as misconduct as opposed to a medical condition requiring reasonable accommodation.

In this episode CDH Conversations, Director, Fiona Leppan and Senior Associate, Kgodisho Phashe in the Employment Law practice, unpack the Labour Court’s recent judgment in Mathebe v Cullinan Diamond Mine (Pty) Ltd [2025] ZALCHJHB 330.In this episode of CDH Conversations, Director, Fiona Leppan and Senior Associate Kgodisho Phashe in the Employment Law practice unpack the Labour Court’s recent judgment in Mathebe v Cullinan Diamond Mine (Pty) Ltd [2025] ZALCHJHB 330. The case highlights the importance of bringing workplace health and safety disputes before the correct forum and within statutory time limits.Mr Mathebe, a former miner, alleged occupational asthma and sought damages and loss of earnings. However, the Court dismissed the claim on the grounds that it lacked jurisdiction and that any civil claim brought in a correct forum had prescribed. They discuss the implications for employees, the limits of the Labour Court’s powers, and key lessons for navigating occupational health and safety disputes.

In this episode of our Immigration Law Podcast Series, Lee Masuku and Taryn York unpack the different temporary residence visas that allow foreign nationals to work in South Africa, including key updates on recent regulatory changes.In the second episode of our Immigration Law Podcast Series, Senior Associates Lee Masuku and Taryn York in the Employment Law practice and Immigration Law service offering, provide an overview of the various temporary residence visas available in South Africa, with a focus on the visas which authorise foreign nationals to work in the country. These visas include General Work Visas, Critical Skills Visas, Intra-Company Transfer Visas, and Short to Long Term Visitors Visas.In addition, they discuss the purpose, duration, and conditions of the temporary visas outlined, as well as recent regulatory changes for certain visa categories.

Immigration compliance for employers in SouthAfrica involves understanding the legal framework regulating the employment of foreign nationals, including the duties imposed on employers by the ImmigrationAct 13 of 2002 and the Regulations to the Immigration Act. This four-part podcast series will act as a guideline to immigration compliance for employers. In this introductory episode, Lee Masuku and Taryn York in Employment Law practice and Immigration Law service offering, unpack key aspects of the Immigration Act, including an employer's obligations on the employment of foreign nationals and the duties imposed on foreignnationals.