Webber Wentzel > Cape Town, South Africa > Firm Profile
Webber Wentzel Offices
15TH FLOOR, CONVENTION TOWER
HEERENGRACHT, FORESHORE
CAPE TOWN 8001
South Africa
Webber Wentzel > The Legal 500 Rankings
South Africa > Banking and finance Tier 1
Webber Wentzel‘s banking and finance practice is home to ‘a team of seasoned lawyers with a great amount of experience‘. The ‘incredibly dedicated‘ Khurshid Fazel is very experienced in advising on sustainability-linked loans and preference share funding transactions; she co-heads the banking and finance team with Lindi Marais, who regularly advises on debt work. Dawid de Villiers has ‘excellent knowledge of banking and financial services regulation‘, and Karen Couzyn is a highly regarded practitioner in the debt capital markets space. Kathy Shepherd acts for borrowers and lenders in syndicated lending matters and acquisition financings. Rashaad Carrim, Natasha Pather, and Faatimah Jaffer also play important roles in the department.Practice head(s):
Khurshid Fazel; Lindi Marais; Dawid de Villiers; Karen Couzyn
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The reason we use this team is the depth of knowledge and the service delivery. You know your deal is in good hands with this team.’
‘Rashaad Carrim is a brilliant lawyer who is commercially minded. His availability and attention to clients’ needs is what makes him a good fit for us. He will also go above and beyond to help get you deal across the line.’
‘Karen Couzyn is the best in the market in her field and her knowledge and understanding of the law is beyond compare.’
‘Khurshid and her team are in a league of their own.’
‘Khurshid is always available and just exceptional in every way. There is never a challenge she can’t solve.’
‘Wide range of financial regulatory coverage.’
‘Dawid de Villiers has a pragmatic and commercial approach.’
Key clients
Absa Bank
Rand Merchant Bank
Standard Bank
Investec Bank
Nedbank Limited
African Bank Limited
Bank of America Merrill Lynch, London
Bank of China South Africa
UK Climate Investments (UKCI) and Norfund
Premier Group Limited
China Development Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
Community Investment Ventures Holdings (Pty) Ltd (CIVH)
South Africa > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Safiyya Patel heads up Webber Wentzel's corporate practice, which continues to handle a high volume of prominent M&A transactions for clients in the technology, media, mining, financial services and healthcare sectors, to name a few areas. Gareth Driver is highly regarded for his expertise in corporate law, with a workload that takes in BEE transactions, joint ventures, corporate finance and corporate governance matters, and firm managing partner Sally Hutton is well known as a private equity specialist. Cross-border transactions form the backbone of Christo Els' practice, while Jesse Watson advises on equity capital markets and public and private M&A deals. Justin Roberts and Colin du Toit also play important roles in the group. In mid-2023 Huneiza Goolam joined the department and Ziyanda Ntshona left the firm.Practice head(s):
Safiyya Patel
Other key lawyers:
Gareth Driver; Christo Els; Sally Hutton; Justin Roberts; Huneiza Goolam; Jesse Watson; Colin Du Toit
Key clients
Fonzosys (Pty) Ltd
MultiChoice Group
Northam Platinum Holdings
Chemfin Proprietary Ltd
Tyme Bank Holdings
Mediclinic & Manta Bidco Limited
Walmart Inc
Thungela Resources Limited
Ethos Private Equity Proprietary Limited
Ringier ag and BetTech
RMB Holdings
York Timber Holdings Limited
Safari Investments RSA Limited
RCL Food Limited
Infinite Partners
Naspers and Prosus
Woolworths Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised healthcare company Mediclinic on its acquisition by investment firm Remgro, as well as on its subsequent delisting from the JSE.
- Assisted MultiChoice Group with establishing a joint venture with NBCUniversal and Sky to provide a streaming service across sub-Saharan Africa.
South Africa > Competition Tier 1
Webber Wentzel stands out for its strong offering across the full range of competition law matters. Practice head Daryl Dingley advises on exemption applications, compliance issues, merger control and cartel and other prohibited practice investigations, often for clients in the transport, telecoms, financial services, information technology and mining sectors. Robert Wilson has an excellent track record in assisting with market inquiries and merger control cases involving public interest considerations. Martin Versfeld is a key name for handling competition law matters within the medical industry, and Burton Phillips advises on the competition law aspects of transactional mandates. Shawn Van Der Meulen and Mark Garden also stand out for their contributions. Clare-Alice Vertue was promoted to partner in March 2023.Practice head(s):
Daryl Dingley
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A proactive team.’
‘The team is nimble, responsive and agile.’
Key clients
ABSA Group Ltd
African Rainbow Minerals Ltd
Anglo American
Remgro Limited
Cars.co.za
Northam Platinum Holdings Limited
GovChat and its subsidiary
Akzo Nobel N.V
Heineken N.V.
JP Morgan Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of America and Commerzbank
Maersk South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Mobile Telephone Networks (Pty) Ltd
MultiChoice Group Ltd
Naspers Ltd
Woolworths
Oceana Group Ltd
PepsiCo
Raubex Group Ltd
Sea Harvest Group Ltd
Sanlam Ltd Group
Telesure Investment Holdings
Publisher Support Services
RCL Foods Limited
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing assistance to Heineken the acquisition by Heineken International B.V., of a further interest in Namibia Breweries Limited and the combination (within a newly created entity) of Heineken’s current South African business and three businesses within Distell Group Holdings.
- Providing ongoing assistance to Naspers in respect of the Online Intermediation Platforms Market Inquiry initiated by the South African Competition Commission.
South Africa > Dispute resolution Tier 1
At Webber Wentzel, ‘the quality of the team is exceptional when it comes to dispute resolution‘. The ‘highly effective‘ group has an excellent track record in advising across a broad spectrum of litigation and arbitration, with noted strength in assisting with contentious business rescue proceedings. Practice head Priyesh Daya is well versed in handling corporate and commercial litigation, alternative dispute resolution and domestic and international arbitration. Deputy head Sarah McKenzie has significant experience in investment treaty arbitration, and regularly acts for clients in the energy, mining and the financial services sectors. Other key practitioners include Trevor Versfeld, Nick Alp, media litigation expert Dario Milo and Pooja Dela.Practice head(s):
Priyesh Daya; Sarah McKenzie
Other key lawyers:
Trevor Versfeld; Nick Alp; Dario Milo; Pooja Dela
Testimonials
‘The team is focused on providing a first-rate service to clients.’
‘Exceptional personal attention.’
‘Dario Milo is a superb human being and wonderful attorney.’
‘Highly effective legal team; diverse with a mix of senior and junior lawyers. Always responsive. Exceptional.’
‘Pooja Dela is exceptionally knowledgeable on local and international administrative law matters. She is willing to share her knowledge.’
‘Trevor Versfeld and Dario Milo are leading practitioners in their respective fields.’
‘Webber Wentzel is widely considered as one of the leading South African law firms. I find the quality of the people and the attention to detail to be exceptional.’
Key clients
Northam Platinum Holdings Limited
Anglo American South Africa Limited
MTN
Delta Property Fund Limited
Transnet SOC Limited
Nedbank Limited
Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Standard Chartered Bank
Standard Bank Limited
Santam Limited
Lombard Insurance Company Limited
Consolidated Power Projects (Pty) Ltd
Ster-Kinekor (Pty) Ltd
ABSA Life Limited
Work highlights
- Successfully defended MTN against a USD 4.2 billion claim brought against the client by Turkell and its subsidiary, East Asian Consortium BV, concerning allegations of bribery and corruption over the award of a tender.
- Advising Northam Platinum Holdings Limited. a shareholder in Royal Bafokeng Platinum Limited (RBPlat), in a dispute with Impala Platinum Holdings arising from competing bids for the remaining shares in RBPlat.
South Africa > Employment Tier 1
The ‘very professional‘ team at Webber Wentzel ‘has extensive experience in labour matters‘, and stands out for its strength in advising fintech, mining and financial services sector clients on a spectrum of employment issues. Lizle Louw has a specialist focus on assisting clients from the mining industry with individual and collective labour law matters; she co-heads the department with Eugene Phajane, who is sought after for his strength in labour litigation and industrial relations disputes. Nivaani Moodley handles transfers of business and retrenchment matters, and Mehnaaz Bux is well versed in advising on unfair dismissals and collective bargaining work. Siya Ngcamu is singled out for his contributions, and Johan Olivier and Nick Robb have excellent reputations for their longstanding expertise in the employment law space.Practice head(s):
Lizle Louw; Eugene Phajane
Other key lawyers:
Nivaani Moodley; Mehnaaz Bux; Johan Olivier; Nick Robb; Siya Ngcamu
Testimonials
‘A diverse team that partners with the business to provide practical advice that takes account of the business’ operating context.’
‘Lizle Louw is reliable and solution orientated.’
‘Webber Wentzel team’s solution-focussed approach sets them apart from their competitors. ’
‘Lizle Louw deserves a special mention. She goes above and beyond to exceed clients’ expectations.’
‘The team is diverse, works collaboratively and understands the law very well.’
‘Lizle Louw provides an excellent service due to her experience in the mining and related fields. Always available and literally is prepared to “go the extra mile” to support.’
‘The team provides excellent service and expertise.’
‘Siya Ngcamu and Nivaani Moodley are friendly, approachable and professional.’
Key clients
Remgro Management, Mediclinic & Manta Bidco Limited
Aleph Holding
MultiChoice Group (MultiChoice)
Heineken International B.V. and Sunside Acquisitions Limited
Massmart Holdings Limited, Masstores Proprietary Limited and Massmart International Holdings Limited
Walmart Inc
Moove Vehicle Limited
Ster-Kinekor Proprietary Limited
ASISA, BASA, SAIA and FIA
SBV Services (Pty) Ltd
Ms Mofokeng (Individual)
Goldfields Group Services
Palabora Mining Company Proprietary Limited
Impala Platinum Limited
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Work highlights
- Advised vehicle fintech company Moove on the employment aspects of its multi-jurisdictional organisational redesign.
- Advised Heineken International B.V. on the employment aspects of its acquisition of South African wine and spirits maker Distell Group Holdings Limited, valued at ZAR 40.1 billion.
- Acting as lead South African counsel to Aleph Holding on employment issues resulting from its acquisition of Ad Dynamo.
South Africa > Investment funds Tier 1
At Webber Wentzel, Ashford Nyatsumba leads the investment funds practice, which operates from within the firm’s wider private equity group, led by Nicole Paige. Nyatsumba is sought after by asset managers and private equity firms for his expertise in the formation of Africa-focused private equity funds across a range of sectors. Paige has an excellent track record in advising on secondary fund transactions and the formation of alternative investment funds. Michael Denenga is another key contact, and Chevon Marupen, Alyssa Smith and Rohan Baijnath are other key names for fund formation work.Practice head(s):
Nicole Paige; Ashford Nyatsumba
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great diversity in the team, with good experience and visibility across investment fund structures. ’
‘Familiarity with private equity fund structures and terms.’
‘Ashford Nyatsumba is an expert in his field.’
Key clients
African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM)
Ethos Private Equity
Alterra Capital Partners
Vantage Mezzanine Partners
Pembani Remgro Investment Managers
Convergence Investment Partners
Old Mutual Private Equity
Capitalworks Investment Partners
Stanlib Asset Management
ARCH Emerging Markets Limited
Betula Growth Limited
Carlyle Group
TRG (Rohatyn Group)
Work highlights
- Acted for asset management firm Ethos Private Equity in its merger with the Rohatyn Group, a specialised global asset management firm focusing on emerging markets.
South Africa > Mining Tier 1
Jonathan Veeran and department deputy Rita Spalding lead Webber Wentzel’s prominent mining practice, which is well versed in handling instructions across the whole lifecycle of mining matters. Veeran has a solid track record in assisting with mining regulatory issues and structuring related transactions, and Spalding has experience in advising on restructurings and M&A work in the mining industry. Giada Masina has expertise in assisting with high-profile mining transactions. Bruce Dickinson, Kate Collier and consultant Manus Booysen are further key figures in the group.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Veeran; Rita Spalding
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team provides proper advice.’
‘They have a democratic approach and provide explanations in layman’s terms where needed.’
‘Giada Masina is smart, hardworking and a thoughtful, careful lawyer who thinks a problem through before proposing solutions.’
Key clients
African Metals Management Services Limited
Africoal
Afrimat
Anglo American
Assore
Bauba Resources
Bushveld Minerals
Exxaro Resources
Fraser Alexander
Glencore
Gold Fields
Harmony Gold
Impala Platinum
Ivanplats
Khoemacau Copper Mining
Northam Platinum
Ndalamo Resources
Palabora Copper
Rio Tinto
Royal Bafokeng Platinum
SAIL Group
Sasol Mining
SepFluor
Sibanye-Stillwater
Siyanda Resources
TGME
Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining
Universal Coal
Vedanta Resources
Vergenoeg
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing assistance to African Metals Management Services Limited and Southern African Metals & Minerals Limited on the sale of their respective interests in Amzim Minerals Limited and African Minerals Limited (and an indirect 74% interest in Bikita Minerals (Private) Limited) for US$180million.
- Advising Triple Flag International on providing US$80m to Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (a majority owned subsidiary of Orion Minerals), in exchange for an agreement for the purchase and sale of gold and silver relating to mining rights held by PCZM.
- Advising Northam on the acceleration and wind-up of the empowerment transaction concluded between Northam and Zambezi Platinum (RF) Limited (Zambezi), involving an offer by Northam to acquire all of the preference shares issued by Zambezi on the JSE; the acquisition by Northam Platinum Holdings Limited (Northam Holdings) of all the shares in Northam listed on the JSE; and a new extended empowerment transaction up to 26.5%, with an emphasis on participation from the client’s employees.
South Africa > Shipping and transport Tier 1
At Webber Wentzel, the shipping team is jointly led by Gavin Fitzmaurice, Patrick Holloway and Andre Bowley, with Scott Edmundson and Neerasha Singh leading on aviation. On the shipping side, the group assists a client base including port owners and operators, shipowners, insurers and charterers with maritime casualties, commercial shipping transactions, international trade matters and enforcement of maritime claims, to name a few areas of expertise. On the aviation side, aviation finance and the import and export of aircraft are prominent in the group’s workload. Andre October handles contentious maritime and aviation mandates, and Sheena Dias is sought after for her expertise in marine insurance and port-related work. Sharmila Naidoo left the firm in July 2022.Practice head(s):
Gavin Fitzmaurice; Patrick Holloway; Andre Bowley; Neerasha Singh; Scott Edmundson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘One of the leading shipping and trade practices in South Africa. Years of experience and knowledge. Very dependable and professional.’
‘Gavin Fitzmaurice, Andre Bowley and Patrick Holloway are the leading individuals on the shipping side.’
‘They are very helpful, commercially minded and outcome focused. They are very focused on achieving the aims of the clients within the confines of South African law and the South African judicial system.’
‘Gavin Fitzmaurice is a pioneer and leading in his field.’
‘A strong responsive team with depth and breadth of knowledge in the shipping sector.’
‘Gavin Fitzmaurice is responsive, analytical and articulate in his approach.’
‘The shipping and transport team that I have worked with are extremely knowledgeable, very efficient and personable, making them a pleasure to work with.’
‘Gavin Fitzmaurice and Andre Bowley are both exceptional lawyers and their differing personalities and strengths appear to complement each other, producing clear advice and professional handling of matters.’
Key clients
Karpowership South Africa
Maryam D BV, registered owners of the ‘Maryam D’
Durban Coal Terminal Company (Pty) Ltd, trading as Bulk Connections
Pequod Associates Limited
The Hollard Insurance Company
Arkas Petrol Urunleri Ve Ticaret AS; Bryval t/a Zeba Marine; Bunkernet Limited; KPI Bridge Oil Limited; Monjasa DMCC
Altera Infrastructure and Varg LLC
UK P&I Club trading as Thomas Miller
Nedbank Limited & FirstRand Bank Limited
ARIA (African Rail Industry Association)
Traxtion Sheltam Proprietary Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for a ports authority in a longrunning case concerning claims arising out of the grounding and total loss of the bulk carrier mv “Smart”, which ran aground in 2013.
- Assisting rail company Traxtion with negotiations for the Commercial Agreement and the Rail Access Agreement, involving the regulation of slot sale arrangements between Traxtion and Transnet.
- Advised Nedbank and Rand Merchant Bank on the business rescue of Comair.
South Africa > Tax Tier 1
Brian Dennehy heads Webber Wentzel‘s tax practice, supported by deputy head, international tax specialist Cor Kraamwinkel. The team fields expertise in exchange control, indirect tax and VAT, corporate tax, employment tax issues and tax litigation, to name a few areas. Graham Viljoen is very experienced in advising on the tax aspects of private equity fund formations and investments, and Anne Bennett is a key name for assisting with international tax planning concerning cross-border financings, inbound and outbound investments and M&A. Shirleen Ritchie specialises in corporate tax, and advises clients in the private equity and regulatory industries. Nina Keyser brings expertise in tax controversy management. Kyle Beilings left the firm in January 2023.Practice head(s):
Brian Dennehy; Cor Kraamwinkel
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Consistent high-quality and timely advice and services; a reliable and dedicated team that is easy to work with, understands time pressures and urgent matters and will go the extra mile to provide support. Billing is also clear.’
‘Cor Kraamwinkel has exceptional knowledge and strength in the areas of tax and legal matters. In addition to his technical skills, he is also reliable and prompt in his assistance, and a pleasure to work with.’
‘The tax department is excellent. Their knowledge and innovative way of looking at transactions is invaluable.’
‘Brian Dennehy provides a unique perspective on tax matters and is able to understand complex tax implications. His solutions and approach are unparalleled. Working with him is a pleasure and his attention to detail is excellent. One of the best tax practitioners in the country.’
Key clients
Twin City Group
Tyme Bank
Heineken B.V
Sanlam Private Equity
Diageo SA
Retail Capital Ltd
Old Mutual
Sun International
Ethos Private Equity
Ascendis Health Ltd
South Africa > Construction Tier 2
Led by the ‘responsive‘ Tyron Theessen, the construction practice at Webber Wentzel has a solid track record in handling infrastructure mandates, energy sector matters and healthcare-related construction projects. Theessen advises on engineering and construction contracts as well as handling some contentious work. Sarah McKenzie is sought after for her arbitration expertise, and the ‘dedicated and knowledgeable‘ Megan Jarvis is experienced in assisting construction clients with cross-border transactions. Jennifer Eborall is also singled out for her contributions.Practice head(s):
Tyron Theessen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge and understanding of our business.’
‘Commitment in delivering.’
‘Quick response time, and a very pragmatic approach to finding a solution.’
‘Tyron Theessen is very pragmatic and knowledgeable.’
‘Megan Jarvis is responsive.’
Key clients
Framatome
Kasada Capital Management (Pty) Ltd
Nordex Energy South Africa (RF) Pty Ltd
Seriti Green
SOLA Group
Astron Energy
Netcare
Sola Build (Pty) Ltd
Anglo Group
South Africa > Intellectual property Tier 2
The ‘strong and capable‘ team at Webber Wentzel is well-known for advising on transactional and commercial IP matters, and assists clients from the healthcare, TMT, pharmaceutical, financial services and energy sectors, among others. Practice head Leanne Mostert ‘is always at the forefront of new IP developments‘, and TMT expert Peter Grealy is ‘generous with his advice and a problem solver‘. Tim Ball has experience in handling patent litigation for general pharmaceutical companies, and Carla Collett is a key name for advising on the monetisation of IP and data assets, copyright and trade mark litigation, and high-value commercial IP transactions. Bernadette Versfeld is very well known for her specialist focus on all areas of intellectual property law.Practice head(s):
Leanne Mostert; Peter Grealy
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The people are leading experts in their respective knowledge areas but have the ability to explain complex matters in such a way that anyone can understand it. No task is too small to take on and their attention to detail, even for small projects, are amazing. They are extremely efficient but never lose their people focus. ’
‘Leanne Mostert is innovative and understand how legal matters should align with the real world. ’
‘The team are exceptionally experienced.’
‘Peter Grealy is probably the most experienced and knowledgeable person in media law in the country. Carla Collett is really great; she understands the media area very well and is responsive, quick, and solutions orientated.’
‘Strong and capable team that always delivers excellent work in a timely manner. ’
‘Bernadette Versfeld always provides excellent and informed advice. Her response times are quick and efficient. She is very dependable and knowledgeable in her field.’
‘Bernadette always makes time for us and is speedy in responding.’
Key clients
Sanlam
Heineken International B.V
Ethos AI Fund
LA Group Investment Pty Ltd
Remgro Management Services
Akzo Nobel N.V
WMG Management Europe Limited
MTN
Multichoice
Haribo GmbH/ Rigo Trading
Work highlights
- Acted as IP counsel to Sanlam on the formation of a joint venture with Allianz across 29 African jurisdictions to create the largest insurance group on the African continent.
- Advising Heineken on the IP aspects of its proposed acquisition of South African wine and spirits maker Distell Group Holdings Limited, valued at ZAR 40.1 billion.
- Representing an individual in bringing a compulsory licence application under South African patents against Vertex Pharmaceuticals, concerning Vertex’s cystic fibrosis drug Trikafta.
South Africa > Real estate Tier 2
Led by the ‘knowledgeable and efficient‘ Sulani Jooste, Webber Wentzel’s real estate team assists with the full life-cycle of property matters, and has solid expertise in handling complex real estate transactions. Jooste advises prominent investors, financial institutions and property developers on commercial property transactions; Mark McIntosh has expertise in handling commercial finance notarial and mortgage bonds, and regularly acts for mining, hospitality and financial services clients. Venashrie Mannar is very experienced in handling the land-related aspects of renewable energy transactions, and Desiree Bayman assists with commercial development agreements and property transfers. Abdul Allie brings experience in advising on the real estate elements of M&A deals.Practice head(s):
Sulani Jooste
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘This team of very knowledgeable specialists can cover a very wide range of topics related to real estate and land development, proposing a large spectrum of services and complete solutions. They provide a strong and quality support in South Africa on these matters.’
‘Venashrie Mannar has coordinated the support to us and has been great in gathering the right team to answer our specific needs each time we asked for help, including topics mobilizing other practices. She has shown her strong expertise in land matters in South Africa and assisted us in the negotiation of several contracts.’
‘Mark McIntosh is always available to me and my colleagues for queries and questions.’
‘Reputation, client service levels, knowledge & experience.’
Key clients
Investec Bank Limited
ABSA Bank Limited
FirstRand Bank Limited
Amrich Property Group
Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Nedbank Limited
Anglo American Platinum Limited
TERRAGRN Private Limited
Sanlam Limited
Stefanutti Stocks Proprietary Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Investec and ABSA Bank on taking over a diverse commercial property portfolio owned by Cubisol Holdings (Pty) Ltd and its subsidiaries.
- Advised ABSA and the Amrich Property Group on a further acquisition of an undivided share in the Willowbridge Shopping Centre by Amrich from its partner and co-owner, Interurban.
- Advising Anglo American Platinum Limited on the real estate aspects of the disposal by Bokoni Platinum Holdings of its interest in BPM to an indirect subsidiary of ARM for R3.5 billion.
South Africa > Projects and infrastructure Tier 3
At Webber Wentzel, the project finance and development practice continues to advise developers, sponsors and lenders on the procurement and financing aspects of natural resources, infrastructure and energy projects. Department head Jason Van Der Poel regularly handles power purchases agreements, limited recourse project financings, and public-private partnerships. Janine Lamb brings expertise in acquisition and leveraged finance and syndicated loans, and Hielien Venter is well versed in advising on infrastructure projects. Makgati Makgatho assists with public-private partnerships relating to prominent infrastructure projects.Practice head(s):
Jason van der Poel
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Sasol
Webber Wentzel > Firm Profile
Founded in 1868, Webber Wentzel is a leading full-service law firm providing clients with innovative solutions to their most complex legal and tax issues across Sub-Saharan Africa. With over 500 lawyers, their multi-disciplinary expertise is consistently ranked top-tier in leading directories and awards, both in South Africa and on the African continent. Their collaborative alliance with Linklaters and their deep relationships with outstanding law firms across Africa provide clients with market-leading support wherever they do business. Webber Wentzel was named South Africa Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Africa Awards 2022 and 2024.
Webber Wentzel’s purpose is to have a transformative and sustainable impact through our work and actions. They believe in making a positive contribution to the communities in which they work and are proud to call themselves home to one of South Africa’s most long-standing, dedicated pro-bono practices. They are committed to promoting access to justice for all South Africans, upholding the Constitution and protecting the rule of law. Their Corporate Social Investment initiatives also focus on supporting initiatives and projects that promote access to justice, education and access to education and socio-economic development.
As a firm, they are committed to transformation and diversity. They are an accredited Level 1 broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) contributor and are engaged in a number of initiatives aimed at driving transformation and inclusivity within their organisation, the legal sector and society.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Administrative law | Prelisha Singh | prelisha.singh@webberwentzel.com | +27115305419 |
Banking and finance | Khurshid Fazel | khurshid.fazel@webberwentzel.com | +27115305587 |
Business rescue and restructuring | Khurshid Fazel | khurshid.fazel@webberwentzel.com | +27115305587 |
Capital markets | Jesse Watson | jesse.watson@webberwentzel.com | +27115305811 |
Competition | Daryl Dingley | daryl.dingley@webberwentzel.com | +27115305285 |
Corporate/M&A | Safiyya Patel | safiyya.patel@webberwentzel.com | +27115305853 |
Corporate investigations | Lionel van Tonder | lionel.vantonder@webberwentzel.com | +27214317382 |
Dispute resolution | Priyesh Daya | priyesh.daya@webberwentzel.com | +27115305358 |
Employment | Lizle Louw | lizle.louw@webberwentzel.com | +27115305926 |
Employment | Eugene Phajane | eugene.phajane@webberwentzel.com | +27115304260 |
Intellectual property | Leanne Mostert | leanne.mostert@webberwentzel.com | +27214317344 |
International arbitration | Nick Alp | nick.alp@webberwentzel.com | +27115305339 |
Investment funds | Michael Denenga | michael.denenga@webberwentzel.com | +27115305492 |
IT & Telecommunications | Peter Grealy | peter.grealy@webberwentzel.com | +27115305218 |
Media and broadcasting | Peter Grealy | peter.grealy@webberwentzel.com | +27115305218 |
Projects | Jason van der Poel | jason.vanderpoel@webberwentzel.com | +27115305201 |
Real estate | Sulani Jooste | sulani.jooste@webberwentzel.com | +27214317184 |
Regulatory (including financial) | Zelda Swanepoel | zelda.swanepoel@webberwentzel.com | +27115302593 |
Tax | Brian Dennehy | brian.dennehy@webberwentzel.com | +27115305998 |
Transfer pricing | Anne Bennett | anne.bennett@webberwentzel.com | +27115305886 |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 500+Languages
English (fluent) Dutch French German Portugese AfrikaansOther
Contacts : Christo Els (senior partner) Contacts : Sally Hutton (managing partner)Diversity/Community
Webber Wentzel’s stated purpose is “to have a transformative and sustainable impact through our work and actions”. Webber Wentzel’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is central to this. Diverse teams make more robust and creative business decisions which contribute to better business results.
Pro Bono:
The firm’s pro bono strategy aims to narrow the divide between the advantaged and disadvantaged members of South African society through a focus on rule of law, access to justice, anti-corruption and the alleviation of poverty and inequality. During 2021, the firm spent over 17,318 hours on pro bono related matters, valued at approximately ZAR 49,7 million. Much of the work they do already creates a transformative and sustainable impact in Africa through its pro bono work, ESG-related mandates, and some of the organisations they support. Through establishing a dedicated team, they have been able to assist on many key and ground-breaking matters which have required extensive resources and made a truly significant impact to the lives of many South Africans.
The Pro Bono team provides essential legal services to individuals and communities on a number of important issues including:
- Equality, dignity and non-discrimination
- Administrative law
- Anti-corruption and protection of whistleblowers
- Land reform and housing
- Delictual litigation and dispute resolution
- Traditional authorities
Webber Wentzel’s dedication to pro bono was acknowledged in 2021 when Webber Wentzel was awarded Environmental, Social and Governance Initiative of the Year at the 2021 African Legal Awards for its work in supporting the government to minimise the impact of COVID-19 in South Africa. The judges said that the entry “demonstrated strong teamwork and the value and relevance of sound legal support to innovation and emergency responses which are critical to our times”. The award related to Webber Wentzel’s pro bono work for Business for South Africa in managing the private sector’s response to the pandemic, helping to kickstart and manage the National Ventilator Project and supporting the National Department of Health on all contractual matters relating to the vaccines and all regulatory aspects of its vaccination programme.
CSI:
While one of the objectives of the firm’s Pro Bono Department is to facilitate greater access to justice by addressing systemic issues, these matters generally take a long time to process through the South Africa court system. Webber Wentzel’s CSI Programme supports structures and organisations that work more closely with people’s everyday problems and attempt to secure their access to justice on an individual basis, and in a more immediate way. Corporate South Africa also has a responsibility to lean in and lead during times of crisis. Last year, during the protests and looting in our country and the destruction of several buildings in the Cape Town fire, Webber Wentzel was able to channel its resources quickly and do its part to help. It is equally important to ensure employee engagement and to motivate the younger generation to improve society and contribute towards its sustainable development. The Webber Wentzel Leadership Network (WWLN) is an initiative driven by young professionals within Webber Wentzel that aims to reinforce the firm’s dedication to the future of South Africa by creating a platform to inspire, educate and support the development of leaders. They organise various CSI initiatives every year and make a difference.
International Capabilities
Webber Wentzel’s clients are increasingly looking at broader strategies, issues and opportunities for growth – either as part of a strategy to enter mature markets or emerging markets. Webber Wentzel offers its clients leading legal, regulatory and tax support, across multiple jurisdictions and sectors, combined with local language capabilities. The firm does this through working independently, or with leading global law firm, Linklaters, and with a network of relationship firms across Africa – ensuring a seamless client experience.