Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

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Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr CDH is a full-service corporate law firm, with an extensive reach across Africa. The legal partner for your business.

At Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) we believe the right partnership can lead to great things. The partnerships we cherish and value most are those we have forged through time and experience with our clients and, of course, our people. We are a full-service law firm - with an extensive reach across Africa - consisting of more than 350 lawyers and a track record spanning over 168 years. Offering across the African continent

We are able to provide experienced legal support and an authentic knowledge-based and cost-effective legal service for clients looking to do business in key markets across Africa. Our Africa practice brings together the resources and expertise of leading business law firms across the continent that have direct experience acting for governments, state agencies and multinational organisations. This combined experience across the continent produces an extensive African capability. We also partner with other professional disciplines such as audit, business consulting or corporate finance disciplines to provide a seamless and integrated solution for projects that have a multi-disciplinary dimension. We focus on a number of key sectors which are active and thriving in Africa, including Mergers & Acquisitions; Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fishing; Commercial Real Estate; Consumer Goods, Services & Retail; Energy and Power; Oil & Gas; Financial Institutions, Services & Fintech; Business Rescue, Restructuring & Insolvency; Government & State-owned Entities; Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals; Hospitality & Leisure; Gambling & Regulatory Compliance; Industrials & Manufacturing; Infrastructure, Transport & Logistics; Mining & Minerals; Private Equity; Technology, Media & Telecommunications; and Technology & Communications.

19/10/2026

| | Industrial Development Corporation v Modika: Can a protected disclosure stop a disciplinary hearing?

When an employee claims to be a whistleblower, can an employer continue with disciplinary proceedings?

In the latest episode of CDH Conversations, Thabang Rapuleng, Counsel, and Thato Makoaba, Associate in the Employment Law practice, explore the Labour Appeal Court’s judgment in Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa v Modika, which provides important guidance on protected disclosures, disciplinary proceedings, and section 188A(11) of the Labour Relations Act.

The discussion unpacks when an employee may require a pre-dismissal arbitration instead of an internal disciplinary hearing, why not every workplace grievance qualifies as a protected disclosure, and the importance of establishing a link between the disclosure and the alleged occupational detriment.

Click the link in the bio to listen to the podcast as they discuss:

- When a protected disclosure may affect ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
- The role of the CCMA and other authorised bodies in accepting section 188A(11) referrals.
- Why employers should investigate complaints and maintain a clear record of events.
- The circumstances in which courts may intervene in ongoing disciplinary proceedings.

17/09/2026

| | Sick leave in South Africa, the law, the numbers, and the cost of getting it wrong

What do you really know about sick leave in South Africa, and what is it costing the economy? In this CDH Conversations podcast, Counsel JJ van der Walt and Associate Chantell De Gouveia in the Employment Law practice unpack the sick leave framework under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

They examine what the statistics show about how sick leave is used, consider the economic cost of absenteeism and presenteeism, and discuss the legal consequences of sick leave abuse, including a recent CCMA case involving a social media soccer pundit with 1.3 million followers who was caught on camera while booked off sick.

Click the link in the bio to listen to the podcast.

28/08/2026

| | Marriage without borders: A seat for her (and them) at the table

Has South Africa's law on matrimonial property regimes kept pace with constitutional values? A recent Western Cape High Court judgment has ignited debate around the rule that a couple's matrimonial property regime follows the husband's domicile.

In this CDH Women Empowerment episode, Director Emily West and Associate Sian Williams in the Trusts & Estates Law practice explore the judgment, its implications, and its significance for gender equality in the law.

Click the link in the bio to listen to the podcast.

| | 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s first official National Women’s Day, a meaningful milestone th...
28/08/2026

| | 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s first official National Women’s Day, a meaningful milestone that invites us to reflect on the courage and determination of the women who paved the way, while celebrating the women who continue to shape our nation, communities and workplaces today.

To mark this occasion, CDH Cape Town hosted an afternoon of connection, conversation and celebration, bringing women together to pause, connect with fellow professionals and engage in meaningful discussions.

We were privileged to hear from Megan Rodgers, Managing Partner in Cape Town; Anli Bezuidenhout, Director in the Employment Law practice; and Charissa Petersen of Infinity Strategic Business Solutions, who shared valuable insights and reflections on women, leadership and progress.

The afternoon was also a reminder that many of the freedoms we enjoy today were not simply given to us. They were fought for by women who challenged the world around them, often at great personal cost. While we have come a long way since 1956, the story is far from over.

The struggle has changed; National Women’s Day is not only a moment to celebrate progress, but also an opportunity to reflect on the work that remains.

To everyone who joined us, thank you for being part of this special occasion and for contributing to the meaningful conversations that continue to shape our collective journey.

20/08/2026

| Warmware, digital hubs and the Cyber Power Girls: Inside the MiDO Foundation

What happens when creativity meets community meets technology?

In this episode of the CDH Women Empowerment series, CDH Director Tayyibah Suliman talks to Michelle Swartland, Operations Manager at the MiDO Foundation about building digital hubs in under-resourced Stellenbosch schools, equipping young people with skills from email basics to cybersecurity awareness, and launching the Cyber Power Girls programme, a Commonwealth-funded initiative teaching teenage girls to protect themselves online. A story about "warmware", women in tech, and the power of simply keeping going.

Click the link in the bio to listen.

YouthEmpowerment WomenInTech

| | Every step carried a story. Miles of MemoryThank you to everyone who joined the Cape Town Tim Mills Memorial Run...
24/07/2026

| | Every step carried a story. Miles of Memory

Thank you to everyone who joined the Cape Town Tim Mills Memorial Run. Together, we honoured the legacy of Tim Mills and remembered the colleagues who remain an important part of the CDH family.

Whether you ran, walked, or cheered from the sidelines, your presence helped make the day a meaningful celebration of remembrance, unity, and connection. It was a privilege to come together as one CDH, reflecting on the lives of those who came before us while continuing to move forward together.

Thank you for being part of this special day.

| | Miles of Memory. One CDH.Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Johannesburg Tim Mills Memorial Run. Togethe...
23/07/2026

| | Miles of Memory. One CDH.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Johannesburg Tim Mills Memorial Run. Together, we honoured the legacy of Tim Mills and remembered the colleagues who will always remain part of the CDH family.

From runners and walkers to supporters on the sidelines, every person who took part helped make the day a meaningful tribute. Every step reflected remembrance, connection, and the strength of our community as we came together to celebrate the lives of those who continue to inspire us.

Thank you for being part of this special tradition.

22/07/2026

| From articles to academia: Dr Thandiwe Matthews' CDH journey

CDH Conversations Podcast launches the first episode of the series.

In this episode, Aadil Patel, Director and Practice Head in the Employment Law practice, reconnects with former CDH Candidate Attorney and Associate, Dr Thandiwe Matthews, PhD, now a Lecturer at the Wits School of Governance.

Aadil fondly recalls the feisty discussions he shared with Thandiwe during her time at the firm. From those robust debates to a career spanning academia, human rights and public service, Dr Matthews reflects on how the discipline, mentorship and foundations built during her time at CDH continue to shape her professional journey. Together, they explore the lasting value of articles, career growth, and why investing in your early years pays dividends throughout your career.

Click the link in the bio to listen to the podcast.

| Two weeks. One unforgettable experience.Over the past week, we were delighted to welcome our vacation students as th...
01/07/2026

| Two weeks. One unforgettable experience.

Over the past week, we were delighted to welcome our vacation students as they embarked on the second week of our Winter Vacation Programme.

Designed to provide aspiring Candidate Attorneys (CA) with valuable exposure to the legal profession, the programme offers practical insight into the role of a CA within a legal environment. Through a combination of assessments, networking opportunities with our directors, and meaningful engagement with our teams, students gain first-hand experience while building lasting professional relationships.

A special welcome to our Johannesburg office vacation students: Tumelo Sekgoka, Aliyah Osman, Oratilwe Malele, Kutloano Matome, Xabiso Gift Mpiko, Jenelle Ramasamy, Cassandra biekies, Katleho Matona, Kele Madue, Uzair Vayani, Nkosikhona Mzelemu, Nkosi Mnyamana, LUFUNO MUDUBU, Inge Strydom, Anele Jili, Simpie Raymond Smith, Oratile Radiokana, Adam Shainfeld, Olivia Key, Sheldon Butler, Junior Liswoga, and Nicholas Hodgson.

We also extend a warm welcome to our Cape Town office vacation students: Yami Ngonyama, Zintle Grey, Chiamaka Naledi Nichole Ifemedebe, Khutjo Teffo, Brydwell Ngcobo, Taona Gwaunza, and Cheynne Barr.

We hope this experience provides valuable learning opportunities, strengthens your professional networks, and further inspires you to pursue a rewarding career in the legal profession. We wish you every success for the remainder of the programme.

19/06/2026

| | World Refugee Day: A discussion on refugee protection and changed circumstances in asylum applications

World Refugee Day, observed each year on 20 June, is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers, the protections available to those fleeing persecution and conflict, and the ongoing challenges within refugee protection systems.

In this episode, Elgene Lutsh*ti, Director in CDH’s Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, is joined by Monique Schoeman, Senior Attorney at the UCT Refugee Rights Unit, to reflect on refugee protection in South Africa.

The discussion considers the Constitutional Court’s decision in Director-General, Department of Home Affairs and Others v Irankunda and Another, a judgment dealing with further asylum applications based on new or changed circumstances, and what this means for access to protection in South Africa.

The conversation situates the judgment within the broader realities of refugee protection in South Africa and reflects on why access to fair asylum procedures remains so important.

Click the link in the bio to listen to the podcast.

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Johannesburg
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Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 09:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

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