Event information
In association with
It is an honour for Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) to once again partner with Legal 500 in bringing the Legal 500 GC Powerlist to South Africa for the third time in 2026. In another first, CDH will also partner with Legal 500 to bring the GC Powerlist to Namibia. This initiative underscores our deep appreciation for the country’s General Counsels (GCs) and their pivotal role in driving business success.
The role of GCs in South Africa continues to evolve as businesses navigate complex operations, regulatory frameworks, and global market dynamics. Traditionally valued as legal advisors managing compliance and risk, GCs are now strategic partners who shape corporate decisions, address ESG priorities, and lead broader risk management initiatives. This evolution highlights the expectation that GCs contribute not only to legal assurance but also to the strategic direction and resilience of their organisations.
Looking ahead to 2026, GCs will face significant challenges. Heightened regulatory and governance pressures under the King V Code demand enhanced disclosure and accountability. Macro-economic headwinds – including economic slowdown, liquidity and cash-flow risks, and currency and interest-rate volatility – heighten business risk across sectors. Rising cybersecurity threats, stricter data-protection obligations under the updated POPIA, and increasing AI- and data-related liabilities will require GCs to strengthen compliance, privacy, and cyber-risk oversight. Ongoing infrastructure and energy instability, including potential power cuts and logistics disruptions, will also demand proactive business continuity planning and risk mitigation.
At CDH, we recognise the critical value GCs bring as integral members of executive teams. Their insight informs key strategic decisions and drives business success. As a firm committed to supporting clients from vision to fruition, we view our relationships with GCs as central to advancing corporate objectives, fostering sustainable growth, and contributing to South Africa’s economic development.
We are therefore delighted to partner with Legal 500 to highlight not only South Africa’s most distinguished in-house lawyers but also the rising stars shaping the next generation of corporate legal leadership. We congratulate all GCs and in-house lawyers included in this year’s GC Powerlist. This recognition honours these ‘unsung heroes’ who navigate legal complexities, manage risks, and uphold ethical standards and corporate integrity, helping their businesses thrive amid uncertainty and change.
CDH is a full-service law firm with over 340 lawyers across Africa and a track record spanning more than 170 years. We provide knowledge-based, cost-effective corporate and commercial legal services for clients across key African markets. Our Africa practice combines the expertise of leading firms on the continent, offering experience in advising governments, state agencies, and multinational corporations. By partnering with other professional disciplines such as audit, business consulting, and corporate finance, we deliver seamless, integrated solutions for projects with multi-disciplinary and cross-border dimensions.
For more information, please contact Karushka Naicker, Business Development Manager, at [email protected].
