Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

27/05/2026

| The Reparations in German Colonial Namibia Series | Genocide Remembrance Day

Episode 2 of our CDH Conversations podcast series, The Reparations in German Colonial Namibia, is now available. Timed to coincide with Genocide Remembrance Day, tomorrow, May 28, this episode examines the controversy surrounding the date itself and explores why the affected communities have rejected it.

In Episode 2, CDH Namibia Managing Partner, Patrick Kauta, lead counsel in the matter, is joined by Senior Associate, Esther Shigwedha, to explore the significance and controversy of May 28th.

The discussion unpacks:
• The controversy over May 28 as Genocide Remembrance Day, a date marking the closure of German colonial concentration camps in 1908, which the OvaHerero and Nama communities reject as a day of remembrance.
• Why the affected communities regard the camp closures not as liberation but as the beginning of forced relocation, forced labour, and continued dispossession, with Paramount Chief Mutjinde Katjiua describing May 28 as "the day the OvaHerero people were reduced to slavery."
• The dates the communities themselves hold sacred: October 2, 1904, when General Lothar von Trotha issued his extermination order against the OvaHerero; and April 12, linked to the 1893 massacre at Hornkranz and the beginning of genocidal violence against the Nama.

At its core, this episode asks a question that resonates well beyond Namibia: who gets to decide how genocide is remembered, and what happens when the descendants of victims are excluded from that decision?

Building on the foundational context of Episode 1, which can be found on our CDH website, this instalment provides listeners with a deeper understanding of why the politics of remembrance remain inseparable from the pursuit of restorative justice.

Click the link in the bio to listen to Episode 2 now and continue following the series for deeper insights into one of the most significant reparations cases in Africa.

08/05/2026

| | Workers’ Day reflections: Are workplaces truly fair for women?

As we recently marked International Workers’ Day, Labour Day, and Workers’ Day on 1 May across our offices, CDH Conversations brings you a timely and thought-provoking episode from our Women’s Empowerment Series.

In this conversation, hosted by Phetha Mchunu (Associate in Corporate & Commercial), CDH Kenya Partner Njeri Wagacha, Employment Law Director Yvonne Mkefa, Employment Law Senior Associate Leila Moosa, and CDH Namibia Associate Rihupisee Kavari unpack what fair work for women truly looks like today, beyond policies and into lived experience. Drawing insights from South Africa, Kenya, and Namibia, the discussion explores key issues such as pay transparency, workplace culture, career progression, and unconscious bias, highlighting both the progress made and the realities that still need to be addressed.

A key theme emerging from the conversation is that fairness in the workplace is not just about compliance; it is about creating environments where women are supported, valued, and able to thrive. While many organisations have implemented policies aimed at equality, the real challenge lies in ensuring consistent and meaningful implementation in practice.

The panel also shares practical insights for women navigating their careers, including how to advocate for themselves, understand their rights, and show up with confidence in professional spaces. Importantly, the discussion calls on organisations to move beyond performative commitments and actively address systemic and cultural barriers.

Click the link in the bio to listen to the full episode and explore how workplaces can better support women and what meaningful progress truly looks like.

17/04/2026

| CDH achieves recognition in the 2026 Legal 500 EMEA rankings

We have once again been recognised in the Legal 500 EMEA 2026 rankings, a respected global guide evaluating law firms across more than 150 jurisdictions.

This recognition highlights our strong technical capability, our experience in handling complex and innovative matters, and our continued commitment to delivering high-quality legal services across Africa.

We are pleased that the rankings reflect the trust our clients place in us as true partners in their businesses. This speaks to our ability to understand both their immediate priorities and long-term goals, while applying commercial insight in complex operating environments. Our recognition in the Legal 500 EMEA 2026 highlights our focus on innovative thinking, strong client commitment, and a consistently responsive approach.

A special congratulations to our exceptional practitioners, along with our practice and sector teams, for achieving outstanding rankings and continuing to set a high standard of excellence across the firm.

Click the link in the bio to read the full alert.

17/04/2026

| The Candidate Attorneys at CDH Johannesburg were proud to host this year’s CANSA Shavathon at the firm, embracing the theme “Colour for Courage.” The event brought colleagues together in support of a meaningful cause, with employees contributing generously through salary deduction slips to raise funds for CANSA.

Many CDHers showed their support, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with energy, fun, and laughter. This was evident in the many moments captured at the balloon arch photo booth, which quickly became a highlight of the day. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of treats, including a burger lunch, popcorn, ice cream, and other refreshments. The excitement continued as the Candidate Attorneys announced raffle winners, keeping the crowd engaged and entertained.

A standout feature of the event was the “shave and spray” station, hosted by Sorbet Man in collaboration with CANSA. The Sorbet Man team showed great enthusiasm, arriving in numbers and wearing specially designed shirts for the occasion.

Together, as CDH, we made a meaningful impact and demonstrated the power of unity, compassion, and collective action.

17/04/2026

| The CDH Oil & Gas team advised Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd on its farm down of a 60% interest in three of its Walvis Basin Licenses to BP. This deal will mark BP's entry into Namibia as an operator – an exciting and significant milestone that underscores the scale of opportunity in the region. This transaction further reflects continued momentum of Namibia's offshore exploration sector, with increased interest from global majors in high-impact frontier acreage.

Deal team: Megan Rodgers, Amore Carstens-Petersen, Ilda Lomba, Nhika Vassallo, Dean Tennant, and Nozinhle Mbuyane

17/04/2026

| Ready to turn your ambition into action?

Join us at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) Career Fair and discover how you can build a career where you bring your whole self to work and thrive doing it.

Venue: University of the Western Cape, UWC Jakes Gerwel Hall
Date: Tuesday, 21 April 2026
Time: 08h30 – 14h30

Meet our team, explore opportunities, and take the first step towards a future with purpose.

Visit www.apply4law.africa to learn more.

17/04/2026

| | On 10 April 2026, our first-year Candidate Attorneys hosted the annual CDH CANSA Shavathon in the Cape Town office, themed 'Colour for Courage.'

While the event aimed to raise funds, it also focused on raising awareness and helping to destigmatise conversations around cancer.

The CANSA Shavathon was lively and well attended, with colleagues showing strong support for the cause. The space was decorated with balloons and colourful elements, creating an energetic and uplifting atmosphere.

Several team members shaved their hair in solidarity with loved ones affected by cancer, while others opted for vibrant hair spray to show their support.

Overall, the event was a meaningful way to end the week, reinforcing the importance of early detection, open conversations, and supporting one another.

26/03/2026

13/03/2026

| | CDH’s Corporate Debt, Turnaround & Restructuring sector proudly hosted an inspiring International Women’s Day 2026 breakfast.

Led by Nastascha Harduth, the event brought together both women and men to celebrate connection and the power of shared voices.

Together, we continue to champion equality and drive meaningful change, today and every day.

Celebration SharedVoices

09/03/2026

| | This year, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, on Friday, 6th March, under the theme, the women of CDH Kenya held a wellness session bringing together all our women and clients for a meaningful morning focused on reconnecting with nature, yoga, stretching, and mindful reflection in the tranquil natural setting of Karura Forest.

Moments like these remind us that wellness, rest, and connection are essential for thriving both personally and professionally.

We are grateful to all the women who joined us and took this time to invest in themselves.

GiveToGain WellnessSession WomenConnect