Webber Wentzel > Johannesburg, South Africa > Firm Profile
Webber Wentzel Offices

90 RIVONIA ROAD, SANDTON
JOHANNESBURG 2196,
PO BOX 61771, MARSHALLTOWN 2107
South Africa
Webber Wentzel > The Legal 500 Rankings
South Africa > Banking and finance Tier 1
At Webber Wentzel, the banking and finance team has solid experience in advising on debt capital markets matters, which are a core area of strength for Lindi Marais. The group is also well-versed in handling debt finance mandates for banks and development finance institutions. Marais co-heads the practice with Khurshid Fazel, who is sought after by borrowers and lenders to advise on acquisition financing, restructuring and leveraged finance work. Preference share funding transactions are prominent in Kathy Shepherd‘s workload, and Rashaad Carrim brings expertise in advising on transactions in the mining sector.Practice head(s):
Khurshid Fazel; Lindi Marais
Other key lawyers:
Kathy Shepherd; Rashaad Carrim; Tahera Casim; Natasha Pather; Faatimah Jaffer; Janine Lamb; Dawid de Villiers
Testimonials
‘The depth of knowledge and expertise within the team is absolutely fantastic. They have a team filled with top notch banking lawyers who are able to advise on all aspects of a transaction. You are assured of an expert in any field of law when dealing with this team.’
‘Kathy Shepherd, Rashaad Carrim and Janine Lamb are stand out lawyers. They have gone over and above when assisting us on complex transactions. Their dedication and expert knowledge has been invaluable.’
‘Kathy Shepherd is an industry expert and definitely a lawyer of choice on complex commercial transactions. Her depth of knowledge is beyond measure.’
‘The team works seamlessly together, from partner down to junior everyone is on top of their work and very responsive.’
‘Khurshid Fazel was exceptional, providing practical, poised counsel.’
‘Good depth and willingness to engage and work with clients to develop a solution.’
‘Dawid de Villiers is knowledgeable and practical.’
‘Rashaad Carrim is a superb relationship partner – highly responsive and commercial, frequently thinking beyond the simple mandate to arrive at commercially oriented solutions.’
Key clients
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Nedbank Limited
FirstRand Bank Limited
UK Climate Investments (UKCI) and Norfund
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and Absa Bank Limited
Sea Harvest Corporation
Premier Group Limited
Entersekt International Limited
Spartan Truck Hire Proprietary Limited
Alterra Capital Partners
Nimble Group Proprietary Limited
Community Investment Ventures Holdings
CapitalWorks Investment Partners (Pty) Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium of lenders on a ZAR2,500,000,000 loan to Pele Green Energy Proprietary Limited (PGE) for the construction of renewable energy plants.
- Acted as lender counsel to RMB in relation to two inter-connected funding transactions.
- Acting as borrower counsel to the Maziv Group regarding a ZAR 25 billion loan to the client for expanding its business.
South Africa > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Webber Wentzel‘s corporate team garners praise for its ‘in-depth understanding‘, and has a strong offering in transactional and advisory corporate matters. BEE transactions are prominent in practice head Safiyya Patel‘s workload, and Gareth DriverPractice head(s):
Safiyya Patel
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Webber Wentzel provides exceptional legal services.’
‘A very accessible team.’
‘The team is fast, reliable, and offers comprehensive advice and solution-orientated support.’
‘Gareth Driver’s expertise remains unparalleled in the M&A environment.’
Key clients
Ethos Private Equity Propriety Limited
Knife Capital
Huayou International Resources (Hong Kong) Limited
African Metals Management Services
Sanlam Allianz Africa Propriety Limited
Woolworths Holdings Limited
The Phembani Group
Nimble Group
MTN Group
Actis
South Africa Sahara Trading
Multichoice Group
Heineken International B.V
Liberty 2 Degrees
Omnia Holdings
iCon Infrastructure LLP
OUTsurance Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the Beverage Company and its shareholders on a successful deal exit.
- Advising The Phembani Group, as minority shareholder in Engen, in relation to the disposal by Petronas of its majority stake in Engen to Vivo Energy.
South Africa > Competition Tier 1
Led by Mark Garden, Webber Wentzel‘s ‘agile‘ team handles cross-border transactions, multi-jurisdictional merger applications, abuse of dominance claims, and investigations brought by the Competition Commission. Robert Wilson‘s workload includes merger control mandates involving public interest considerations, while Shawn Van Der Meulen has established strength in advising on prohibited practices cases. Daryl DingleyPractice head(s):
Mark Garden
Other key lawyers:
Daryl Dingley; Robert Wilson; Martin Versfeld; Burton Phillips; Shawn Van Der Meulen; Clare-Alice Vertue; Gina Lodolo; Dudu Mogapi; Kgomotso Mmutle; Busisiwe Masango
Testimonials
‘They have a great breadth and depth of experience across the team, providing legally sound, practical solutions to complex matters.’
‘Mark Garden is an exceptional lawyer due to his commercial acumen and practical application of the law. He is able to provide robust advice that works.’
‘Daryl Dingley is the best competition lawyer we have worked with.’
Key clients
Heineken N.V
Saint-Gobain Construction Products South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Akzo Nobel N.V
Woolworths
JP Morgan, Standard Chartered, Bank of America and Commerzbank
Woolworths
Agri SA
RSA Group of Companies
Interaction Market Services Holding (Pty) Ltd
MultiChoice Group Ltd
MTN
Naspers
RCL Foods Limited
Work highlights
South Africa > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Headed up by Sarah McKenzie, the dispute resolution practice at Webber Wentzel is home to a ‘solution driven and very accessible‘ team. International and domestic arbitration is a key driver of work for the group, which is experienced in class action litigation and contentious business rescue proceedings. Trevor VersfeldPractice head(s):
Sarah McKenzie
Other key lawyers:
Maria Philippides; Lionel Van Tonder; Trevor Versfeld; Vlad Movshovich; Dario Milo; Nick Alp; Pooja Dela; Kagiso Scott; Erwyn Durman
Testimonials
‘Solution driven and very accessible.’
‘The whole team is excellent.’
‘A first-rate team, who are highly responsive, with high attention to detail.’
‘Sarah McKenzie and Kagiso Scott demonstrated superb technical knowledge. Both are highly commercial and were able to steer and guide me, politely and courteously, through the often unfamiliar litigation process.’
‘The team stands out for its diversity and relatability, setting it apart from many top-tier firms in South Africa. They provide excellent guidance to our teams, addressing any inquiries with utmost professionalism and kindness. The team has successfully led numerous cases with innovative and dynamic strategies. Additionally, they are focused on building strong relationships and are flexible in handling matters on terms that are financially beneficial for us. Overall, their great culture is clearly reflected in their work.’
‘Maria Philippides is our go-to attorney for legal opinions on complex matters. She has the remarkable ability to break down intricate issues into digestible pieces, making them relatable and understandable for individuals at all levels. She is an excellent attorney with an impressive level of articulation and clarity.’
‘Erwyn Durman is a young, energetic attorney with impressive legal knowledge and skills. He is relatable and dependable, consistently handling very complex matters for us with excellent delivery.’
‘They are on top of things.’
Key clients
Anglo American South Africa (Pty) Limited
Nedbank Limited
Transnet SOC Limited
Absa Bank Limited and Absa Group Limited (“Absa”)
RCL Foods
Work highlights
- Represented Anglo American South Africa (Pty) Limited before the High Court of South Africa concerning class action litigation brought by 140000 residents from Kabwe in Zambia, involving allegations of contracting lead poisoning.
- Representing RCL Foods in a dispute with Tongaat Hulett Sugar South Africa Limited concerning the legal status of payment obligations imposed under the South African sugar industry legislation.
South Africa > Employment Tier 1
At Webber Wentzel, the ‘knowledgeable and experienced‘ team has established expertise in handling a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters, and is well regarded for its strength in advising on employee benefits cases. Kate Collier heads up the practice and is a key contact for workplace health and safety mandates, while the ‘exceptional practitioner‘ Lizle Louw has extensive experience in acting for mining sector entities on collective and individual labour law issues. Andries Kruger handles unfair dismissal disputes, retrenchments, employment contracts, and collective agreements, while Dhevarsha Ramjettan acts on restraint of trade cases. Johan OlivierPractice head(s):
Kate Collier
Other key lawyers:
Lizle Louw; Andries Kruger; Dhevarsha Ramjettan; Eugene Phajane; Johan Olivier; Nick Robb; Siya Ngcamu
Testimonials
‘The team is professional with excellent communication skills.’
The Webber Wentzel team works collaboratively to devise strategic and creative solutions.’
‘Lizle Louw is an exceptional practitioner who intuitively understands clients’ needs and how to fulfill them.’
‘The team is always available to assist and the advice given is practical and useful and makes the implementation process easy.’
‘I work with Lizle Louw, she is fantastic. She always makes herself available and her turnaround times are excellent. She provides guidance and support in all matters that I raise with her. She is an absolute pleasure to work with.’
‘We have always received an excellent service from knowledgeable and experienced attorneys.’
Key clients
Association for Savings and Investment South Africa
Banking Association South Africa
South African Insurance Association
Financial Intermediaries Association
InterCement South Africa (Pty) Ltd
MultiChoice Group (MultiChoice)
Heineken International B.V
Sunside Acquisitions Limited
iBridge Contact Solution (Pty) Ltd
Anglo Corporate Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd
SBV Services (Pty) Ltd
InterCement South Africa (Pty) Ltd
MultiChoice Group (MultiChoice)
McCann
Adviceworx (Pty) Ltd
Emirates
Goldfields Group Services
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Anglo Corporate Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Impala Bafokeng Resources (Pty) Ltd
Macsteel Centres SA
Kellanova
Work highlights
- Assisted the ASISA, BASA, SAIA, and FIA with draft regulations on proposed numerical targets surrounding the Employment Equity Amendment Act.
- Successfully represented iBridge Contact Solution in an appeal against a Labour Court decision concerning employee transfers between contractors.
South Africa > Investment funds Tier 1
The 'brilliant' investment funds team at Webber Wentzel, led by Michael Denenga, acts from within the firm’s private equity practice, which is led by Nicole PaigePractice head(s):
Michael Denenga
Other key lawyers:
Nicole Paige; Ashford Nyatsumba; Chevon Marupen; Alyssa Smith; Adriaan Booysen; Masai Buthane
Testimonials
‘They give us a lot of confidence in their expertise.’
‘Nicole Paige is very approachable.’
Key clients
The Rohatyn Group (TRG)
Actis
Caryle
Old Mutual
African Infrastructure Investment Management (AIIM)
Adenia Capital
Convergence Partners
AfricInvest
Vantage Capital
Development Partners International (DFI)
Work highlights
South Africa > Mining Tier 1
Webber Wentzel‘s well-regarded mining practice is led by regulatory expert Jonathan Veeran and department deputy Rita Spalding, who has a solid track record in handling corporate and M&A matters and restructuring work in the mining sector. Kate Collier is very experienced in advising on health and safety issues in the space, and Bruce DickinsonPractice head(s):
Jonathan Veeran; Rita Spalding
Other key lawyers:
Bruce Dickinson; Giada Masina; Kate Collier; Manus Booysen
Testimonials
‘This team is agile and fast paced. They respond and solve problems relatively quickly and accurately.’
‘Knowledgeable and experienced senior partners, as well as an approachable demeanor, stands out at Webber Wentzel.’
‘Friendly and approachable.’
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 Triple Flag International on providing $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 InterCement, with Intercement Trading Inversiones ES as the seller, on the share disposal of its African operations in South Africa and Mozambique to China based Huaxin (Hong Kong) International Holdings Limited.
- Advising Glenover and its shareholders on its acquisition by Afrimat Limited for R550 million.
South Africa > Shipping and transport Tier 1
The shipping practice at Webber Wentzel has extensive experience in advising on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious maritime work. Insurers, shipowners, charterers, port owners and operators, and agents are included in the client base, and the team regularly assists with, among other areas, international trade issues, ship arrests, maritime casualties, enforcement of maritime claims and commercial shipping transactions. The practice is jointly led by Patrick HollowayPractice head(s):
Gavin Fitzmaurice; Patrick Holloway; Andre Bowley; Neerasha Singh; Scott Edmundson
Other key lawyers:
Andre October; Sheena Dias
Testimonials
‘Webber Wentzel are a leading South African shipping law firm, with some leading name lawyers and an experienced and knowledgable team.’
‘Gavin Fitzmaurice and Andre Bowley – very experienced, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.’
‘The team has the breadth and depth of experience that allows them to punch above their weight.’
‘Gavin Fitzmaurice is calm under pressure and a safe pair of hands on any shipping matter.’
‘The team is extremely strong with a good blend of very experienced maritime experts and able associates. They have unrivalled local industry knowledge and contacts.’
‘My main contact is Gavin Fitzmaurice. He is an experienced and outstanding lawyer with excellent communication skills and a pleasure to work with. His team respond promptly and always provide clear, constructive and well reasoned advice. ’
‘We have found Webber Wentzel a pleasure to deal with due to their efficiency and willingness to help and quickly understand the situation and take ownership of their role.’
‘We have worked with Gavin Fitzmaurice and would do so again due to his ability to quickly understand the situation and to explain things in layman terms and not difficult jargon.’
Key clients
Transnet National Ports Authority, a division of Transnet SOC Limited
Karpowership South Africa
Carst and Walker South Africa and Hobart Enterprises Ltd
XT Management Ltd
Celosia Shipping Pte Ltd
HK Harvest Marine Ltd and Thomas Miller Hong Kong Limited
Maryam D BV, registered owners of the ‘Maryam D’
Pequod Associates Limited
The Hollard Insurance Company
Altera Infrastructure and Varg LLC
Varg LLC and Altera Infrastructure
UK P&I Club trading as Thomas Miller
ARIA (African Rail Industry Association)
Traxtion Sheltam Proprietary Limited
Industrial Development Corporation
Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking Division
Aircraft Engine Lease Finance Inc.
Work highlights
- Acting as counsel to Traxtion and the Industrial Development Corporation in relation to feasibility studies for the establishment of a train operating company for an end-to-end rail logistics solution for the automotive sector.
South Africa > Tax Tier 1
The ‘very strong and knowledgeable‘ tax team at Webber Wentzel is headed up by the ‘practical‘ Brian Dennehy, who specialises in corporate tax; Dennehy is supported by Cor Kraamwinkel, who is ‘incredibly knowledgeable across various tax matters‘ and has recognised expertise in international tax. Shirleen Ritchie is very experienced in assisting private equity and regulatory sector entities with corporate tax issues, and regularly advises on the tax aspects of complex transactions. Lumen Moolman‘s workload includes handing the tax aspects of corporate restructurings, and Chetan Vanmali is a key contact for VAT matters. Anne BennettPractice head(s):
Brian Dennehy; Cor Kraamwinkel
Other key lawyers:
Anne Bennett; Nina Keyser; Lumen Moolman; Shirleen Ritchie; Craig Miller; Neo Penn; Chetan Vanmali; Keith Veitch; Marissa Wessels; Margaret Vermaak; Patrick Heron
Testimonials
‘There are no issues that the team have not been able to find a solution to and make a commercially sensible recommendation that fits within our conservative risk appetite.’
‘The team that we have worked with have always conducted themselves in a professional manner. Having worked with Shirleen Ritchie on various transactions, she has always been able to recommend a commercially sensible and accurate advice. Where she is unable to provide the required support, her team is able to step up and support where required. ’
‘Solution orientated approach, creative and practical thinking.’
‘Good staff. Good communication. Attention to details.’
‘The team are dynamic, responsive and solution driven. Capability and skillset of high quality. Extremely helpful to work with and very professional in dealing matters and engagements. ’
‘Understand our business and our needs. Very approachable and can be relied upon.’
‘Their response time is consistently impressive, ensuring that we receive timely assistance whenever we need it. The team that we have been working with are all incredibly dedicated, are subject matters in their various fields and has provided our group with invaluable support during large transactions and high-profile tax disputes. The value for money they provide is unparalleled, especially given the tailored advice that meets our specific needs. Their flexibility in accommodating our requests and adapting to our unique circumstances has made our partnership not only productive but also enjoyable.’
‘I have complete confidence in the quality of work produced by Webber Wentzel. I never have to worry about their ability to deliver on time, and their commitment to excellence in tax matters is evident in every interaction.’
Key clients
Heineken B.V
Multichoice Group
Diageo SA
Old Mutual
Kasada Capital
Sanlam Private Equity
Sun International
RCL Foods
Ethos Private Equity
Safari Investments
South Africa > Construction Tier 2
Webber Wentzel‘s construction team is commended as ‘knowledgeable of the law and the construction industry‘. Practice head Tyron Theessen focuses on handling construction and engineering transactional matters for mining, energy, infrastructure, and property sector entities. Sarah McKenzie is well versed in complex arbitration, and Jennifer Eborall has expertise in infrastructure matters. Ofentse Mazibuko is experienced in advising on cross-border construction transactions. Nazia Dinat departed the firm in January 2025.Practice head(s):
Tyron Theessen
Other key lawyers:
Sarah McKenzie; Megan Jarvis; Jennifer Eborall; Ofentse Mazibuko
Testimonials
‘They are a diverse team, who are knowledgeable on the law and the construction industry. The advice they gave was balanced.’
‘Tyron Theessen led the team. He was at the forefront of the negotiation process and resolving issues on the project. Their advice led to the successful closure of the project.’
Key clients
Netcare Hospitals (Pty) Ltd and subsidiaries
Northam Platinum Limited
Nordex Energy and subsidiaries
Seriti Green
SOLA Group and subsidiaries
Astron Energy
Arat Health Inc.
Rand Merchant Bank
De Beers
Anglo-American and subsidiaries
Engie
RMB
South Africa > Intellectual property Tier 2
Headed by Peter Grealy, Webber Wentzel‘s key team members include Leanne Mostert, who is versed transactional IP matters and Bernadette Versfeld who handles trade marks, patents, copyrights, and designs. Tim Ball is a strong choice for pharmaceutical clients on patent litigation, while Carla Dennehy handles the monetisation of IP and data assets.Practice head(s):
Peter Grealy
Other key lawyers:
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
- Advised 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.
- Acted as IP counsel to MultiChoice Group Limited (MultiChoice) on the establishment of a joint venture with NBCUniversal Media, LLC (NBCUniversal), and Sky UK Limited (Sky).
South Africa > Projects and infrastructure Tier 2
Jason van der Poel heads up the project finance and development practice at Webber Wentzel, and is very well known for assisting lenders, sponsors and contractors with limited recourse project financings, power purchase agreements and public-private partnerships. Calvin Nchabeleng advises state-owned entities, private entities and governments on infrastructure and energy projects, and has particular strength in assisting private sector client with private power purchase transactions. Hielien Venter‘s broad practice takes in assisting energy, water, and transport sector entities with all aspects of infrastructure projects. Mmotlana Kgoadi brings expertise in handling project development for project finance transactions. Makgati Makgatho is well versed in assisting cross-border state entities with public-private partnerships relating to prominent infrastructure projects. Danielle van der Vaart joined the team in April 2024, and Emma Bleeker left the firm in March 2025.Practice head(s):
Jason van der Poel
Other key lawyers:
Hielien Venter; Calvin Nchabeleng; Mmotlana Kgoadi; Makgati Makgatho; Tshepang Mphela; Danielle van der Vaart
Key clients
Envusa Energy Proprietary Limited
Sasol South Africa Limited
Exxaro Resources Limited
Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (“DMRE”) acting through the IPP Office
Globeleq South Africa Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Qatar Holding LLC (“Qatar”)
Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)
Rand Merchant Bank
Seriti Green
Huayou Cobalt
Work highlights
- Assisted Sasol and Air Liquide Large Industries South Africa with two power purchase agreements for receiving a long-term supply of renewable energy from TotalEnergies and Mulilo Energy Holdings.
- Acting for the Development Bank of Southern Africa Ltd in relation to a multi-currency loan facility to be provided to the East African Development Bank, for the purposes of on-lending to infrastructure projects across its member states, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
South Africa > Real estate Tier 2
The ‘detail-oriented, always accessible and responsive‘ real estate team at Webber Wentzel is very well known for handling the full life-cycle of property matters, with notable strength in real estate transactions. Practice head Sulani Jooste is ‘always on top of the details and ensures transactions are seamless for her client‘. Mark McIntoshPractice head(s):
Sulani Jooste
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Mark McIntosh is available and commercial.’
‘Very hands on approach, always willing to go the extra mile. Responsive and easy to deal with.’
‘Sulani Jooste – so professional and always goes the extra mile. Deals with matters urgently and applies her mind to ensure everything is in order.’
‘Sulani Jooste and her team delivers a superb service.’
‘Strong conveyancing practice. Detail oriented, always accessible and responsive.’
‘Sulani Jooste – always on top of the details and ensures transactions are seamless for her client.’
‘Abdul Allie is our primary contact, and he is absolutely superb. He responds quickly, he answers all questions, he is always available to help and support.’
‘Abdul`s work ethic and availability gives him an edge over all other firms we have worked with in the past.’
Key clients
Investec Bank Limited
ABSA Bank Limited
FirstRand Bank Limited
Osborne House Group
Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Nedbank Limited
Anglo American Platinum Limited
TERRAGRN Private Limited
Sanlam Limited
Stefanutti Stocks Proprietary Limited
Noble Property Fund
Omnia Group Limited
Cream Property Group (Pty) Ltd and Aesthetics Today (Pty) Ltd
Webber Wentzel > Firm Profile
Founded in 1868, Webber Wentzel is a leading full-service law firm that provides clients with innovative solutions to their most complex legal and tax issues across Sub-Saharan Africa. With over 540 lawyers, its multidisciplinary expertise is consistently ranked top-tier in leading directories and awards, both in South Africa and across the African continent. Its collaborative alliance with Linklaters and strong 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 in 2021, 2022 and 2024. It also won the Innovation Award at the African Legal Awards in 2024.
Webber Wentzel’s purpose is to have a transformative and sustainable impact through its work and actions. The firm believes in making a positive contribution to the communities in which it works and is proud to be home to one of South Africa’s longest-standing, dedicated pro-bono practices. It is committed to promoting access to justice for all South Africans, upholding the Constitution and protecting the rule of law. Its 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.
Through Webber Wentzel Fusion, the firm’s NewLaw and legal technology division, it seamlessly integrates legal expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver client-centric solutions. Fusion redefines the client experience by providing efficient, digitally enhanced legal services that prioritise innovation, efficiency, and exceptional outcomes. By leveraging automation, AI-driven tools, and data insights, Fusion enables businesses to navigate complex legal challenges with greater agility and precision.
As a firm, it is committed to transformation and diversity. It is an accredited Level 1 broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) contributor and engages 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 | [email protected] | +27115305419 |
Banking and finance | Khurshid Fazel | [email protected] | +27115305587 |
Business rescue and restructuring | Khurshid Fazel | [email protected] | +27115305587 |
Capital markets | Jesse Watson | [email protected] | +27115305811 |
Competition | Daryl Dingley | [email protected] | +27115305285 |
Corporate/M&A | Safiyya Patel | [email protected] | +27115305853 |
Corporate investigations | Lionel van Tonder | [email protected] | +27214317382 |
Dispute resolution | Priyesh Daya | [email protected] | +27115305358 |
Employment | Lizle Louw | [email protected] | +27115305926 |
Employment | Eugene Phajane | [email protected] | +27115304260 |
Intellectual property | Leanne Mostert | [email protected] | +27214317344 |
International arbitration | Nick Alp | [email protected] | +27115305339 |
Investment funds | Michael Denenga | [email protected] | +27115305492 |
IT & Telecommunications | Peter Grealy | [email protected] | +27115305218 |
Media and broadcasting | Peter Grealy | [email protected] | +27115305218 |
Projects | Jason van der Poel | [email protected] | +27115305201 |
Real estate | Sulani Jooste | [email protected] | +27214317184 |
Regulatory (including financial) | Zelda Swanepoel | [email protected] | +27115302593 |
Tax | Brian Dennehy | [email protected] | +27115305998 |
Transfer pricing | Anne Bennett | [email protected] | +27115305886 |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 540+Languages
English (fluent) Dutch French German Portugese AfrikaansOther
Contacts : Gareth Driver (senior partner) Contacts : Safiyya Patel (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.