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:
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.
Can hydrogen truly decarbonize heavy industries without the CO₂ baggage?
In Episode 2 of the H₂ Dialogue: Fuelling the Future Podcast Series, Jackwell Feris, Director and the Sector Head: Industrials, Manufacturing & Trade, sits down with Dr Johan Brand, CEO and Technical Director of BurnStar Technologies, to unpack their breakthrough molten‑metal reforming process branded “Guilt‑Free Hydrogen™”.
Fresh from attending BurnStar’s launch event at the end of August 2025, this technology is more than a concept. It promises hydrogen production with zero process CO₂, modular deployment, and energy use claims up to 8× lower than electrolysis, a potential game changer for green steel, refining, and other hard‑to‑abate sectors.
The topics addressed in this podcast include:
National Wills Week takes place on 15 – 19 September 2025. Many people underestimate the importance of a properly drafted will until it’s too late. Without one, your estate will be distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act, which may not reflect your wishes and could create unnecessary complications for your loved ones.Gretchen Barkhuizen-Barbosa, Practice Head and Director, and Emily West, Director in the Trusts & Estates Law practice, highlight why having a will is crucial for effective estate planning. They highlight the following:
Control and clarity: Nominate an executor you trust, outline their powers, and protect minor children through testamentary trusts.
Asset and business management: Ensure smooth administration of complex assets, businesses, and foreign investments.
Tax and liquidity planning: Reduce unnecessary taxes and ensure your estate can meet its obligations.
Legally binding guidance: A will enforces your intentions, unlike a non-binding letter of wishes.
National Wills Week is a reminder to take a proactive approach to estate planning and secure peace of mind for your loved ones.
Join us for another episode of the CDH Women Empowerment Podcast Series.
As we continue to recognise and celebrate women throughout the year, and not only during Women’s Month, this conversation explores the transformative power of mentorship and its role in shaping culture, driving inclusion, and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Hosted by Katekani Mashamba, this episode features an inspiring discussion with Phetheni Nkuna and Yvonne Mkefa, two trailblazing leaders and champions of transformation in the legal profession.
Together, they unpack:
This honest and thought-provoking conversation is a must-listen for mentors, mentees, and anyone passionate about building workplaces where women can thrive.
Namibia has just been crowned Africa's number one and the world's number two destination for greenfield foreign directinvestment. In this essential episode, we unpack the policies, strategies, and on-the-ground realities driving this unprecedented economic momentum.
Join Jackwell Feris, Director and the Sector Head: Industrials, Manufacturing & Trade, as he hosts Margareth Gustavo, Executive Director at the NIPDB, for the high-level strategic vision behind the N$114.9 billion FDI surge since 2021.
We are also joined by Patrick Kauta, Managing Partner of CDH Namibia, who provides the crucial legal and commercialinsights for investors.
Tune in to discover the drivers of Namibia's success, how to navigate opportunities in key sectors like energy, andrenewables, and what the future holds for one of the world's most exciting investment hotspots.
As we commemorate Women’s Month, we reflect not only on the historic march of 1956 but also on the ongoing journey toward equality in our workplaces and communities.
In our latest podcast, we explore how men can play an effective role in the fight for women's empowerment, Nadeem Mahomed, in the Employment Law practice is joined by Chris Charter in our Competition Law practice, and Gift Xaba from the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, for an insightful conversation on what true allyship between men and women could looks like.
They explore:
This thought-provoking discussion encourages all of us to reflect on our roles in fostering environments where respect, equity, and inclusion thrive.
In the latest episode of our CDH Women Empowerment series we are joined by Lebohang Mabidikane in the Competition Law practice and Kuda Chimedza in the Banking, Finance & Projects practice.
In a raw and inspiring conversation, Lebohang shares a story that breaks the mould of the traditional legal journey. From becoming a mother straight after matric, working at a bank, and returning to university at 24, to navigating the intensity of articles at a top-tier firm and rediscovering her purpose at the Competition Commission, Lebohang’s path to partnership was anything but linear.
This is a story of resilience, rediscovery, and rewriting the script. One that encourages future legal professionals, especially women, to define success on their own terms.
Click here to watch the full story and be reminded that the law has many paths, and the most powerful one is the one that works for you.
In this powerful episode of the CDH Women’s Empowerment Series, Brigitta Mangale, Director in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, speaks with Leanora Tima, Managing Director of Gender Rights in Tech (GRIT), about how technology is being used to support survivors of gender-based violence and drive meaningful change.
From WhatsApp support lines and AI chatbots to community co-creation, Leanora shares how GRIT is breaking barriers, challenging harmful gender norms, and calling for collaboration across government, business, and communities to address the root causes of GBV. We also hear what true empowerment means to Leonora and Brigitta as we continue to celebrate Women's Month.