CDH Conversations

What do you really know about sick leave in South Africa, and what is it costing the economy? In this CDH Conversations podcast, JJ van der Walt and Chantell De Gouveia in the Employment Law practice unpack the sick leave framework under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, examine what the statistics show about how sick leave is used, consider the economic cost of absenteeism and presenteeism,...

When an employee claims to be a whistleblower, can an employer continue with disciplinary proceedings? In the latest episode of CDH Conversations, Thabang Rapuleng and Thato Makoaba 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 proceed...

In this episode of Njeri Talks, Njeri sits down with Njeri Wagacha talks Liz Fanning, Founder and CEO at CorpsAfrica, to explore her journey from serving as a Peace Corps volunteer to building an organisation focused on young people and high-poverty rural communities across Africa. Liz reflects on an experience with a young Moroccan woman that stayed with her for 20 years and influenced the way sh...

In this episode of  Njeri Talks , Njeri Migwi, Founder of Usikimye, reflects on six years on the front lines, not only supporting survivors but also witnessing how institutions, policies, and social norms can either protect people or leave them without options. Gender-based violence is a crisis. But it's also a systems problem. This isn't just a conversation about violence. It's about...

In this episode of the Untangling Tax series, Alex Kanyi, Partner in the Tax & Exchange Control practice,  is joined by Josephine Mugure from the Policy & Tax Advisory Department at the Kenya Revenue Authority and Christine Maina, Chief Executive Officer – East Africa Venture Capital Association, to discuss the reforms and what they mean beyond the text of the law. The discussion looks at...

CDH Conversations Podcast launches the first episode of the #helloCDHalumni series. In this episode, Aadil Patel, Director and Practice Head in the Employment Law practice, reconnects with former Cliffe Dekker Candidate Attorney and Associate, Dr Thandiwe Matthews, now a Lecturer at the Wits School of Governance. Aadil fondly recalls the feisty discussions he shared with Thandiwe during her time a...

In Part 2 of this conversation, Teresa Njoroge shares how what seemed like the end of her story became the beginning of a greater purpose. After leaving prison, she refused to let her experience define her. Instead, she founded Clean Start Africa, creating a path of hope, dignity, and restoration for women seeking a second chance at life. Teresa reflects on how adversity became impact, the lessons...

This month, Njeri talks to Teresa Njoroge, Founder & CEO of Clean Start Africa. Teresa spent 10 years building a banking career she had dreamed of since she was nine years old. Then a 9.9-million-shilling fraudulent transaction, one she didn't commit, walked through her branch. Everything checked out. The ID. The signature. The client. Everything. Except the CCTV. Which was conveniently bl...

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 CyberPower Gir...

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 fleeingpersecution and conflict, and the ongoing challenges within refugee protection systems. In this episode, Elgene Lutshiti , in CDH’s Pro Bono & Human Rights  practice, is joined by Monique Schoeman, Senior Attorney at the UCT...

As of 20 November 2025, GBV has been classifiedas a national state of disaster. The question remains "What now?"   In conversation with Sabrina Walter and MerlizeJogiat of Women for Change, and Brigitta Mangale in CDH's Pro Bono and Human Rights practice, we delve into this question. The dialogue aims to amplify the voices of women, share insight and inspire meaningful action. These...

In the latest episode of Clause & Effect, CDH’s podcast exploring the intersection of law and business, Phetha Mchunu is joined by Reece May, Director in CDH’s Competition Law practice, for an insightful discussion on the updated merger control thresholds and what they mean for businesses navigating transactions in South Africa.   Merger control thresholds are often viewed as technical regulat...

Can an employer enforce a restraint of trade after telling an employee they won't? In  SD Recruitment (Pty) Ltd v Werner Pretorius and Another , the Labour Court examined whether restraint, confidentiality, and non-solicitation undertakings could be enforced against a former employee who joined a competitor. The court considered issues of urgency, protectable interests, the role of verbal agre...

Episode 2 of our CDH Conversations podcast series, The Reparations in German Colonial Namibia, is now available. Timed to coincide with Genocide Remembrance Day on May 28, this episode examines the controversy surrounding the date itself and explores why the affected communities have rejected it. In Episode 2, Patrick Kauta, lead counsel in the matter, is joined by Esther Shigwedha to explore the...

In the latest episode of CDH Conversations, Director Tim Smit and Senior Associate Loyiso Bavuma from our Dispute Resolution practice unpack the practical realities of debt recovery in today’s challenging economic climate. From the importance of having clear, written contracts to maintaining disciplined credit control processes, they share actionable insights on how businesses can protect their ca...

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, Njeri Wagacha, Yvonne Mkefa, Leila Moosa, and Rihupisee Kavari unpack what fair work for women truly looks like today beyond policies and in...

Can employers require compulsory medical aid membership? In this CDH Conversations podcast, Sashin Naidoo and JJ van der Walt in our Employment Law practice, explore the legal framework governing such clauses. Whilst lawful on their face, these provisions are not immune from constitutional scrutiny. The discussion examines discrimination risks under the Employment Equity Act, particularly where ex...

As South Africa reflects between Freedom Day and Workers’ Day, it's important that we consider: what does freedom truly mean without economic security? In the latest episode of CDH Conversations, Brigitta Mangale, Director in our Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, is joined by Rachel Bukasa, Executive Director of Black Sash, for a thought-provoking discussion on social protection, social gr...

In the latest episode of CDH Conversations, Pro Bono & Human Rights Senior Associate, Gift Nkosinathi Xaba is in conversation with Senior Attorney & Head of the Education Rights Programme at Section27, Zeenat Sujee about the growing crisis in the delivery of essential services in South Africa. The discussion explores the constitutional promise of socio-economic rights, including access to...

What does it really take to reform Kenya’s legal system, and are we asking the right questions? In this episode of Njeri Talks, we sit down with the President-elect of the Law Society of Kenya,   Charles Kanjama, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the legal profession in Kenya, leadership, and the state of the rule of law. From his journey into law to building a firm over 20+ years,...

In recognition of International Women’s Day and Human Rights Day, CDH’s Pro Bono & Human Rights practice presents a compelling CDH Conversations videocast exploring the real-world impact of human rights work across the African continent.   In this episode, Brigitta Mangale, Director in the Pro Bono& Human Rights practice, is joined by Diana Akokpari, Deputy CEO of Justice Desk Africa, and...

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March each year. International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March each year. In this special IWD episode of  CDH Conversations , host Elgene Roos in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, is joined by Annemari Krugel (Dispute Resolution, Johannesburg), Frieda Kishi (Employment Law and Trusts & Estates, Namibia), and Lauriene Maingi...

In this episode of CDH Conversations, Yvonne Mkefa and Lehan Goosen in the Employment Law practice,explore the legal framework surrounding the verification of persons with disabilities in the workplace, focusing on obligations under the Employment Equity Act (EEA), the Employment Equity Regulations of 2019, the Code of GoodPractice on the Employment of People with Disabilities of 2016 and Broad-Ba...

As we commemorate Human Rights Month, we reflect on the current state of public basic education in South Africa and the capacity of schools to provide quality basic education asguaranteed by section 29 of the Constitution.  In this podcast,  Gift Nkosinathi Xaba , from the  Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, and Prof Tshepo Madlingozi, who is Commissioner for Education at the South African Huma...

Every month, CDH Kenya Partner, Njeri Wagacha, publishes a podcast. This month, Njeri talks to Julians Amboko from StratLink Africa There are often headlines about revolutionary market deals and shifting economic policies. Many know Julians for his sharp economic analysis, but few know the "why" behind his start in the industry. In this episode, Njeri dives into Julians career trajectory...