CDH Conversations

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...

In this episode of the CDH Conversations podcast, CDH Namibia Associates, Shereef Martin and Nhika Vassallo in the Corporate & Commercial practice, explores the evolving nuclear landscape in Southern Africa and what it means for the region’s energy future. In this episode of the CDH Conversations podcast, CDH Namibia Associates, Shereef Martin and Nhika Vassallo in the Corporate & Commerci...

In the latest episode of the CDH Conversations, our host, Namibia Managing Partner, Patrick Kauta, is joined by Salomo Hei, Managing Director at High Economic Intelligence, and CDH Namibia Director, Mercy Kuzeeko, to unpack Namibia’s recently tabled national budget. The discussion explores the fiscal principles shaping the budget productivity, people, and prudence, and what they mean for economic...

The judgment in IMATU obo Sauls v City of Cape Town and others (C485/2024) [2026] ZALCCT 10 (22 January 2026) outlined that off-duty misconduct does not automatically justify disciplinary action. Employers must establish a clear nexus between the employee’s conduct and the employer’s operations, reputation, or working relationship. In addition, the employer must demonstrate a legitimate and protec...

In this episode of the CDH Conversations podcasts, Anli Bezuidenhout and Leila Moosa in the Employment Law practice unpack the growing importance of Certificates of Compliance under the Employment Equity Act, 55 of 1998 (EEA). They explain what a Compliance Certificate is, why it has become a critical requirement for doing business with the State, and how recent changes to section 53 of the EEA ha...

In the second episode of the Clause & Effect Podcast Series, Phetha Mchunu and Roxanne Bain unpack some of the biggest myths in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). In the second episode of the Clause & Effect Podcast Series, Phetha Mchunu and Roxanne Bain, in the Corporate & Commercial practice, unpack some of the biggest myths that quietly shape how deals unfold, from “ price is all t...

In episode four, Taryn and Lee unpack frequently asked questions by employers about immigration compliance in South Africa In the fourth and final episode of our Immigration Law podcast series, Taryn York and Lee Masuku, in our Employment Law practice and Immigration Law service offering, unpack frequently asked questions by employers about immigration compliance in South Africa including: employe...

This episode highlights the vital role of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in South Africa’s fight against gender-based violence and femicide. Building on the legal foundations discussed in  Episode 1 , Brigitta Mangale, Elgene Roos, Sibonokuhle Baart in our Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, explore the protection of gender and sexuality rights and unpack the significance of the Prevention and Combating of...

Following a dynamic and engaging panel discussion on the topic - and valuable feedback received at the recent Employment Law Conference  - our team has taken a closer look at generational issues in the workplace. In the latest episode of CDH Conversations, Employment Law experts Phetheni Nkuna, Jean Ewang, and Thato Maruapula unpack the complexities of diversity in South Africa’s workplaces, from...

In Episode 1, CDH Namibia Managing Partner, Patrick Kauta, lead counsel in the matter, is joined by Senior Associate, Esther Shigwedha, to set the historical and legal context of the case. The discussion unpacks Namibia’s early colonial history and Germany’s influence from the 1880s. The 1904–1908 genocides, including the extermination orders issued against the OvaHerero people. The social and eco...