In this insightful conversation, these accomplished women who serve as exemplary figures in the legal profession, discuss how they successfully navigate the telecoms industry in Kenya.  Wangechi and Linda share compelling narratives about their professional journeys, shedding light on their roles at Safaricom and its profound influence and extensive presence across the African continent. The discussion encompasses various facets such as regulatory frameworks, the integration of artificial intelligence, and the technological landscape post-COVID-19. Their stories not only inspire but also provide practical wisdom for those aspiring to thrive in the dynamic realm of the legal industry while maintaining a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. *The bank litigation referred to and cited in the Standard Newspaper was on 10 August 2008.

Kylene Weyers, Director in our Business Rescue, Restructuring & Insolvency sector, together with Gideon Slabbert, Juliette de Hutton, and Prof Andre Boraine joined CDH Conversations to discuss the controversial recent judgment of Wescoal Mining (Pty) Ltd & Another v Mkhombo NO & Others (2023-079991) [2023] ZAGPJHC 1097 (2 October 2023), as well as various other ancillary aspects stemming from the judgment. The judgment concluded that post-commencement creditors in a business rescue (which includes post-commencement financiers) are not “creditors” as defined in Chapter 6 of the Companies Act 71 of 2008, and therefore cannot vote on a business rescue plan. Kylene discusses that the judgment failed to take into account the commercial realities of business rescue and she concludes that the judgment negatively impacts the prospects of future successful business rescues in our country. The speakers also consider the current legal position pursuant to the judgment, and further take a look at a comparative approach in international jurisdictions.

In this episode of the CDH Women Empowerment podcast series, we speak to Nomlayo Mabhena-Mlilo, in our Dispute Resolution practice. Nomlayo shares her inspiring journey of becoming a lawyer, emphasising her significant achievement of becoming the youngest black female attorney to be admitted as a conveyancer at just 23 years old. She delves into her motivation behind this achievement, highlighting her determination to address the lack of transformation in the property industry. Nomlayo discusses her active role in inspiring young people, particularly young women, to overcome challenges in pursuing legal careers. She reflects on her involvement in empowering initiatives, shedding light on the impactful experiences and lessons gained. Nomlayo advocates for mentorship programs, specifically mentioning the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges, and their vital role in transforming the legal profession. She also shares her admiration for influential women in her field and discusses her hopes for the future of the legal profession and access to justice in South Africa. On a lighter note, she discusses the books she is reading and her favourite shows to stream. Tune in to gain insights from this remarkable legal professional and advocate for change.

Tendai Jangara, Director in our Dispute Resolution practice and Head of our Corporate & White-Collar Investigations sector, joined CDH Conversations for another episode of the CDH Women Empowerment podcast series. In this conversation, we delve into her journey as a lawyer, the significance of corporate and white-collar investigations in South Africa, evolving trends in corporate crime, and the unique challenges faced in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Tendai shares her insights on advancing women's careers in the legal world, her sources of inspiration, and offers invaluable advice for individuals and businesses seeking protection against corporate and white-collar crimes. Plus, get to know Tendai on a personal level as she discusses her hobbies, current reading list, and favourite shows to stream

Director and Head of the Trusts & Estates Practice Gretchen Barkhuizen-Barbosa, together with Senior Associate Emily West, joined CDH Conversations where they unpack the range of services the Trusts & Estates practice offers. They speak about unique challenges and triumphs faced by women in the legal profession. They also delve into the personal and professional values that helped shape their careers.   

Megan Rodgers and CEO of Kinetiko Energy, Nick de Blocq, unpack Kinetiko's gas development concept which has the potential to achieve a cleaner energy transition solution for South Africa. Kinetiko Energy is listed on the Australian stock exchange and focuses on onshore gas exploration in South Africa. Kinetiko have been exploring for the resource in South Africa over a number of years and they recently announced that a reassessment of their multi-block resources, revealed a midpoint or 2C contingent resource of around 6 tcf of gas. Listen as Nick describes this most significant and exciting moment in Kinetiko’s corporate journey in South Africa to date, as he shares details on what could potentially become South Africa’s largest onshore LNG project and a development concept which has the potential to achieve a cleaner energy transition solution for South Africa.

Puleng Mothabeng, Associate in the Tax & Exchange Control practice and JJ van der Walt, senior Associate in the Employment Law practice discuss a proposed tax amendment which may affect foreign companies that contract the services of persons working in South Africa and, set out some of the possible implications of this proposed amendments for relevant employers and employees

Every month CDH Kenya Partner, Njeri Wagacha publishes a podcast 'Njeri Talks Law'. This month Njeri speaks to Mary Wamae, Group Executive Director at Equity Group Holdings PLC. They discuss Mary's autobiography titled "The Village Girl," in which she explores her early life, legal career, and her journey to becoming a prominent figure at Equity Group Holdings. Mary is an active participant in the Women Corporate Directors Kenya Chapter Association, an organisation comprising highly influential businesswomen from across the globe. This association focuses on empowering women with the necessary skills to emerge as forward-thinking leaders. In addition to this, Mary holds positions on several other corporate boards.

Join CDH Conversations for the third episode of the CDH and WOZA Women in Law podcast series. In this installment, hosted by Senior Associate Muwanwa Ramanyimi, Directors Simone Franks and Mbali Khumalo form a panel of accomplished women who are actively reshaping the landscape of women in law. The podcast delves into various topics, including initiatives aimed at promoting women in the legal field, factors contributing to gender disparity, and strategies to overcome challenges faced by aspiring women lawyers. The panel addresses the concerning underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, engaging in discussions about the nuanced approach required to promote women without bias or discrimination. Each panelist shares valuable insights into mentorship programs and initiatives dedicated to rectifying the gender imbalance within the legal profession. The episode concludes with the panelists offering advice and encouragement to aspiring women lawyers navigating challenges within the field.

In today's podcast JJ van der Walt and Taryn York discuss the fact that in South African labour law there is no place for formal disciplinary procedures that incorporate all the accoutrements of a criminal trial, including the leading of witnesses, technical and complex 'charge-sheets', requests for particulars, the application of the rules of evidence and legal arguments. Procedural fairness recognises that expeditious resolution of disputes enjoins an acknowledgment that elaborate procedural requirements are inefficient and inappropriate. They discuss the less formal way to conduct enquiries, with specific focus on written representations.