Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Employment

At CMS South Africa, the employment and labour team acts for financial services, construction and media clients, to name a few industries, in a broad spectrum of non-contentious and contentious employment matters. Practice head Lucinda Hinxman is the key contact.

Employment in South Africa

Bowmans

Bowmans’ employment and benefits practice houses ‘an exceptional team of lawyers, with an unwavering commitment to excellence coupled with a pragmatic and strategic approach to solving complex issues‘. Led by Helen Wilsenach, the group routinely advises on a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Karen Fulton fields expertise in advising financial services sector entities on employment issues, and Jerry Kaapu is sought after for his experience in advising on collective bargaining and restructurings. Nadine Mather provides ‘practical, commercially sound advice on anything employment-related‘. Rosalind Davey advises on outsourcings and dismissal disputes, and Talita Laubscher handles discrimination claims. Graham Damant and Mbali Mnyandu are key names in the department.

Responsables de la pratique:

Helen Wilsenach


Autres avocats clés:

Jerry Kaapu; Karen Fulton; Nadine Mather; Rosalind Davey; Mbali Mnyandu; Graham Damant; Talita Laubscher


Les références

‘Bowmans has excellent expertise, experience, robustness and attention to detail. The team is highly diversified in terms of different aspects of employment and labour law.’

‘Karen Fulton, Rosalind Davey, and Mbali Mnyandu have been stellar in their work. Their ability to immediately provide assistance for complex matters is unique. Would always highly recommend these individuals and practice team.’

Nadine Mather is extremely knowledgeable and readily available to assist.’

Principaux clients

Transnet Soc Ltd


Pick n Pay Retailers (Pty) Ltd


Standard Bank Limited


FLSmidth


HCL Technologies Proprietary Limited


Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation


South African Local Bargaining Council and its parties (SALGA, SAMWU and IMATU)


University of Cape Town (UCT)


NBCCI


CCBSA


Foskor (Pty) Limited


SAB // Khumalo


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Transnet on investigations into allegations of impropriety and misconduct within a division of the company.
  • Advised HCL Technologies on the outsourcing/ transfer of key IT services across South Africa by Anglo American, a UK based diversified mining company, to HCL.
  • Defending the South African Local Bargaining Council and its parties before the High Court against a challenge to the validity of a collective agreement concluded in the bargaining council that restructured retirement fund arrangements in the local government sector, brought against the client by various pension funds.

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr’s employment team reports an uptick in matters involving allegations of discrimination, and has also been kept busy handling disputes relating to strike management, a key area of expertise for Hugo Pienaar. Department head Aadil Patel represents prominent private and public sector employers in a wide range of employment issues, and Fiona Leppan is highly regarded for acting for engineering, mining and metals, financial services and retail clients. Imraan Mahomed is very experienced in handling employment litigation, compliance and transactional work. Anli Bezuidenhout and Phetheni Nkuna are key figures in the practice. Faryn Nana joined the team in July 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Aadil Patel


Autres avocats clés:

Hugo Pienaar; Fiona Leppan; Imraan Mahomed; Anli Bezuidenhout; Phetheni Nkuna; Faryn Nana


Les références

‘Aadil Patel and Anli Bezuidenhoudt are exceptional to work with as they have the ability to translate what we need from legal language to corporate language; they understand the dynamics of the corporate client environment; and they go the extra mile to make you feel like you are a valued client.’

‘They are clear and pragmatic in their advice, and do not give fluffy “it depends” answers. They were also willing to go above and beyond to support us locally where we had no physical presence and provide hands-on support in a very difficult situation.’

Principaux clients

Arcelormittal South Africa


Pagero


Multichoice


Kwa Zulu Natal Growth Fund Trust


University of Cape Town


Estee Lauder


Rustenburg Platinum Mines


National Lotteries Commission


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Arcelormittal, at the Essential Services Committee (ESC), on an investigation into whether the manufacture, production, supply and distribution of steel should be designated as an essential service.
  • Representing MultiChoice in ongoing contentious matters arising from the dismissal of employees who refused the Covid vaccination.
  • Advising Kwa Zulu Natal Growth Fund Trust in connection with an internal disciplinary hearing on behalf of the Trust regarding alleged misconduct perpetuated by a senior employee.

ENSafrica

ENSafrica‘s employment law practice continues to act for prominent mining, retail, aviation and financial sector clients on a broad spectrum of matters. Dion Masher, who is the national head of the employment department, has a solid track record in handling work for public sector entities, and counts pension fund issues, collective bargaining, corporate restructurings, restraints of trade and industrial action matters as key areas of expertise. Brian Patterson specialises in compensation work, and Muzi Khoza is especially active in labour litigation. Fritz Malan is a key contact for sports-related employment issues, and Joe Mothibi  regularly acts for telecoms and technology clients. Balindile Shezi, Audrey Johnson, Stuart Harrison and Ross Alcock are key practitioners to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dion Masher


Autres avocats clés:

Brian Patterson; Stuart Harrison; Ross Alcock; Muzi Khoza; Fritz Malan; Balindile Shezi; Joe Mothibi; Audrey Johnson


Les références

‘Innovative practical solutions, available on demand, incredible knowledge of up to date cases. Most importantly, they know the client and give fair advice.’

‘Muzi Khoza is an exceptional partner who is well versed with industry players and naturally intuitive with labour law.’

‘Practical and business orientated solutions to client needs.’

Principaux clients

Southern Sun Hotel Interests Proprietary Limited


Oceana Group Limited


Golden Arrow Bus Services (Pty) Ltd


Department of Home Affairs


Nutun Proprietary Limited


Deutsche Securities (Pty) Ltd


South African Institute of Chartered Accountants


South African Revenue Service


South African Airways SOC


Minerals Council South Africa


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Southern Sun in a dispute with trade union SACCAWU concerning a 5.5% salary increase granted to the union’s members, effective from April 2020; due to the COVID-19 pandemic the salary increase was not granted.
  • Advised the Oceana Group in relation to an investigation into wide-ranging allegations raised by senior employees with the client’s external auditors, who treated the employees as whistleblowers.
  • Advising Golden Arrow Bus Services on a multi-streamed strategy to address a significant wage disparity issue, developed over time due to wage rates based on seniority in place at the company and across-the-board increases imposed by collective agreements concluded in an industry bargaining council.

Webber Wentzel

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lizle Louw; Eugene Phajane


Autres avocats clés:

Nivaani Moodley; Mehnaaz Bux; Johan Olivier; Nick Robb; Siya Ngcamu


Les références

‘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. ’

Principaux 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)


Principaux dossiers


  • 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.

Fasken

Fasken’s employment practice has an especially strong reputation for advising on a wide range of pension fund matters, including restructuring and regulatory issues. Collective bargaining, restraint of trade and unfair dismissal disputes are other pillars of strength for the group. Paul Fouche, who heads the practice, is a key name for handling labour disputes. Neil Searle acts for senior executives and employers in the pharmaceutical, construction, mining and logistics industries, and stands out for his work in business transfers and market exits. Ludwig Frahm-Arp has an excellent reputation for his work in pensions matters. Daphney Willem handles the employment aspects of transactions, as well as a broad range of employment-related litigation. Owethu Mbambo and Alice Letsoalo play important roles in the department.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Fouche


Autres avocats clés:

Ludwig Frahm-Arp; Neil Searle; Daphney Willem; Owethu Mbambo; Alice Letsoalo


Les références

‘The team are highly knowledgeable and professional at all times. They are available, especially Neil Searle, and always willing to support on any topic.’

‘Very professional and they always keep you updated on a matter.’

‘Fasken’s team is very efficient. They propose solutions and they are easily understandable. Good service.’

Principaux clients

Industrial Commodities Holdings (Pty) Ltd


eTradex (Pty) Ltd t/a Global Trade Solution


SPX DB Thermal


Sandvik Mining and Constructions (Pty) Ltd


Public Investment Corporation


Medtronic Africa Pty Ltd


Zizwe OP


Lear Corporation


Ecorys BV


Air Liquide (Pty) Ltd


Air Liquide Large Industries South Africa (Pty) Ltd


Bayer (Pty) Ltd


Novartis South Africa (Pty) Ltd


Robinson Liquors (Pty) Ltd t/a Ultra Liquors


Alfa Laval


Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc

The employment and labour team at Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc has an established track record in advising on a range of contentious and non-contentious work. The group continues to handle a high volume of mandates involving industrial action issues, unfair dismissals and business transfers. Mohammed Chavoos has noted expertise in handling cases involving executive dismissals, and department head Murray Alexander brings experience in collective bargaining, restructurings and retrenchments, and outsourcing issues. Other key practitioners to note are Jason Whyte , Karen Ainslie and Laura Macfarlane.

Responsables de la pratique:

Murray Alexander


Autres avocats clés:

Jason Whyte; Mohammed Chavoos; Karen Ainslie; Laura Macfarlane


Les références

An excellent legal service.’

Prompt, responsive and good listeners.’

Mohammed Chavoos is an excellent professional with deep legal knowledge.’

Principaux clients

National Brands Limited


South African Custodial Management (Pty) Ltd (“SACM”) and its shareholders, the GEO Group, in the United States of America (“USA”), and Kensani Corrections Management (Pty) Ltd


South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC)


National Brands Limited – Entyce Durban Tea Factory


National Bargaining Council for the Sugar Manufacturing and Refining Industry


A major NPO in the public health sector


Sanlam Limited Life Insurance Limited


Sanlam Limited and Sanlam Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd


South African Apparel Association; and Apparel and Textile Association of South Africa


Netcare Hospitals (Pty) Ltd


Libstar Operations (Pty) Ltd


Werksmans Attorneys

At Werksmans Attorneys, the ‘very thorough‘ labour and employment team stands out for its strength in assisting prominent domestic and multinational clients with restructuring pension funds, employment contracts and collective bargaining issues, alongside advising on the implementation of employment policies. Practice head Sandile July is a specialist in litigation and labour law, and Jacques van Wyk advises on executive terminations, corporate restructurings and the employment aspects of M&A transactions. Bradley Workman-Davies acts on pension cases, and Andre Van Heerden advises on restraints of trade issues, dismissals claims and employment-related dispute resolution. Nonkosazana Nkosi is singled out for her contributions to the practice group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sandile July


Autres avocats clés:

Jacques van Wyk; Andre Van Heerden; Bradley Workman-Davies; Nonkosazana Nkosi


Les références

‘The team lead by Bradley Workman-Davies is collaborative and supportive. His support team is diverse and informed. ’

‘Bradley Workman-Davies is dynamic, informed and his turn around time is incomparable. He is a pillar of support for our business. ’

Principaux clients

Department of Home Affairs


South African Civil Aviation Authority


South African Broadcasting Corporation (SOC) Ltd


Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited


Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa


Department of Small Business Enterprises


Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SOC) Limited


Mobile Telephone Networks (Pty) Ltd


Exxaro Resources Limited


Medshield Medical Scheme


African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (SOC) Ltd


Bidvest Commercial Products (Pty) Ltd


National Finance Housing Corporation (SOC) Ltd


Risima Housing Finance Corporation (SOC) Limited


Aberdare Cables (Pty) Ltd


Basil Read Holdings Limited


Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority


Housing Development Agency


SizweNtsalubaGobodo Grant Thornton Inc.


Professor Mamokhethi Phakeng (Tenth Vice-Chancellor: University of Cape Town)


Dense Media Separation Powders (PTY) Limited


Lounics International


Nihilent Technologies Limited


Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA)


Media Development and Diversity Agency


South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors


Reagetswe Mining Group


Statistics South Africa


South African Football Association


Department of Correctional Services


Construction Education and Training Authority


The Services Sector Education and Training Authority


Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd


Geberit Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd


Coaxle Pty Ltd


TI Fluids PLC


Steinhoff Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd


Total Energies Marketing South Africa (Pty) Ltd


Royal Canin South Africa / MARS group


Tronox Limited


Ascendis Pharmaceuticals


Discovery Limited


Genpact Limited


Family Health International 360


IQVIA / RDS Clindepharm


Japan External Trade Organisation


Steyn City Properties


Solenta Aviation


Baker McKenzie Johannesburg

At Baker McKenzie Johannesburg, the ‘very responsive‘ employment and compensation practice stands out for its ‘professional, effective, practical advice‘, and has notable strength in handling cross-border work for multinational clients. Corporate restructurings, pensions work, collective agreements and labour disputes are prominent areas of instruction for the group. Department head Johan Botes‘ areas of expertise include transfers of undertakings and industrial relations matters. Shane Johnson plays an important role in the team. Tracy van der Colff left the firm in September 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Johan Botes


Autres avocats clés:

Shane Johnson


Les références

‘Johan Botes is always on point and very quick to respond. His team is also very helpful, providing guidance in a concise manner.’

Johan provides sound commercial advice.’

The practice provides concrete advice and fully understands the clients’ objectives.’

Principaux clients

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)


Beech Veltman Inc

Melanie Hart leads Beech Veltman Inc’s employment practice, which continues to be kept particularly busy advising clients from the mining sector on a range of employment matters; infrastructure and natural resources work remain key pillars of strength for the group. Firm CEO Warren Beech has a solid track record in representing companies in inquiries and inquests arising from workplace accidents. Bryan White assists with mining-related commercial agreements, regulatory issues and compliance work. Mbuyi Katumba stands out for his contributions. Refiloe Vengeni left the firm in October 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Melanie Hart


Autres avocats clés:

Warren Beech; Bryan White; Mbuyi Katumba


Les références

‘A diversified team, each with his/her own strengths and specialized fields of practice. ’

‘Melanie Hart is very well versed in employment laws. She always remains objective, yet with her clients’ best interest at heart. She is an excellent litigator.’

‘Great legal minds, and absolute experts in their field.’

Principaux clients

Acino Forensic (Pty) Ltd


Afrimat Proprietary Limited


AngloGold Ashanti Limited


Africa Global Logistics SA (previously Bollore Logistics (Pty) Ltd)


Eurasian Resources Group Limited


MiX Telematics (Pty) Ltd


PPS Insurance Company Limited


Primeserv Group Limited


Samancor Chrome Limited


Glencore Operations South Africa


Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited


Seriti Coal (Proprietary) Limited


Thungela Resources Limited


Lyttelton Dolomite (Pty) Ltd


Primeserv Group Limited


Kusile Civil Works Joint Venture


Adviceworx


STA Coal Mining (Proprietary) Ltd


Eckraal Quarries (Pty) Ltd


Umsizi (Pty) Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Mix Telematics (Pty) Ltd in an urgent application for the enforcement of an agreement of restraint of trade involving a former employee and the employee’s new employer.
  • Acted for Kusile Civil Works Joint Venture in a contractual dispute; the key issue was whether an employee had been dismissed or whether their fixed term contract had expired.
  • Representing a petroleum company in multiple disciplinary matters arising from an explosion and deflagration incident at a refinery, resulting in two employee deaths and seven employees being injured.

DLA Piper Advisory Services (pty) Ltd

The experienced Monique Jefferson heads DLA Piper Advisory Services (pty) Ltd’s employment practice, and is well-versed in assisting clients from the technology, insurance, retail, life sciences and financial services sectors with a range of employment matters. The team is sought after for advising on collective bargaining, industrial relations, the employment aspects of corporate transactions and workplace misconduct issues. Justine Katz is a key name in the group. Faryn Nana left the firm in June 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Monique Jefferson


Autres avocats clés:

Justine Katz


Les références

‘The team we work with makes us feel that our needs come first. They are really responsive when there is a crisis.’

‘The individuals are all very knowledgeable in their respective areas of expertise. They also know their limits and will refer us to the correct department/person if it is not within their scope.’

‘The team make every effort to understand your business and its needs, whilst balancing this with keeping you legally compliant. They consistently maintain a quick turnaround time and ensure you feel supported throughout.’

Principaux clients

FirstRand Bank


Phatisa


Real Foods Group


Direct Axis Business Unit (a business unit of FirstRand Bank)


Shoprite Checkers


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising the curator of Ubank on the employment aspects of the disposal of Ubank’s assets and liabilities to African Bank.
  • Handled the employment-related due diligence relating to Dogstar Mauritius, a majority shareholder in renewable energy services provider Starsight Energy, merging with South African-based solar firm, SolarAfrica Energy.
  • Advising Shoprite Checkers on the employment-related aspects of its acquisition of assets owned by subsidiaries of Massmart Holdings.

Eversheds (SA) Inc. (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)

Eversheds (SA) Inc. (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)‘s employment practice has a solid track record in handling a wide spectrum of matters, including workplace misconduct, unfair dismissal disputes, retrenchments and business transfers. Department head Sandro Milo is sought after for his expertise in assisting clients within the tertiary education sector, also a key area of strength for Nadia Froneman. Tasso Anestidis regularly handles retrenchment matters. Justine Shear and Kyle-Terry Lamb are notable names in the practice group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sandro Milo


Autres avocats clés:

Tasso Anestidis; Nadia Froneman; Justine Shear; Kyle-Terry Lamb


Les références

‘This firm has a culture of genuinely caring and wanting what is best for their clients.’

‘Sandro Milo is a brilliant attorney and partner. He does most of his own litigation and is always thoroughly prepared with meticulous attention to detail. Nadia Froneman is a dynamic partner and has shown herself to be an excellent labour lawyer. Kyle-Terry Lamb is always responsive to queries.’

‘Very diverse team with an exceptional knowledge base of the sector.’

Principaux clients

Merchants SA (Pty) Ltd


Kintetsu World Express


The Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation Management Services


Rhodes University


University of Johannesburg


Dimension Data (Pty) Ltd


DHL Supply Chain (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd


University of the Witwatersrand


Maloney


Uber


Nokia


Primedia


Karl Storz Endoscopy South Africa (Pty) Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Defended the University of the Witwatersrand in an arbitration arising from an unfair dismissal dispute.
  • Successfully opposed an urgent application in the Labour Court brought against the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation by an employee challenging the procedural fairness of her retrenchment.