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Brett Abraham (Attorney at Webber Wentzel)

Brett Abraham

Attorney at Webber Wentzel

Brett is an employment law specialist with substantial experience in labour and general litigation before the employment tribunals, the Labour Courts and the High Courts. He regularly conducts arbitrations in the employment tribunals and litigation in Labour Court. He is experienced in conducting employment related due diligence work and has advised multinational corporations on the employment related implications of doing business in South Africa, both in relation to compliance with local legislation, as well as in relation to the employment related consequences of business transfers (including litigation arising out of such transfers).

Brett has extensive experience in the mining and metals industries and advising mining clients on all employment law matters, with a particular focus on unfair dismissals, strike management and the regulation of the relationship between mine management and trade unions.

Brett is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He has B.Com and LLB degrees from Nelson Mandela University.

Riefdah Ajam (FEDUSA)

Riefdah Ajam

FEDUSA

Ms Riefdah Ajam as General Secretary of the federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA). She is the first female General Secretary to head the Federation.

Mark Allderman (Partner at PWC)

Mark Allderman

Partner at PWC

I am a management consultant with over 25 years experience gained working with clients across the Financial Services (banking, capital markets and insurance), Oil & Gas and Mining industries.
I have extensive experience in IT strategy and operating models, business and systems architecture, programme management, stakeholder management, systems development and implementation, talent management and account management.

This experience has been gained through managing and working on large business transformation projects, strategy projects and systems implementations. I have extensive experience operating at senior levels and working in high pressure, results driven environments.

MOSES BALOYI (ATTORNEY at M M BALOYI ATTORNEYS)

MOSES BALOYI

ATTORNEY at M M BALOYI ATTORNEYS
Goolam Ballim (Standard Bank)

Goolam Ballim

Standard Bank

Goolam Ballim is the chief economist and head of research for the Standard Bank Group, having served in this role since May 2004. The bank’s commercial emphasis is on Africa and the research function supports this endeavor.

Standard Bank Research comprises 53 analysts and 10 support staff, variously located in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, London and Beijing.

Goolam Ballim is a previous winner of the top South Africa economist award and his team consistently earns accolades for macroeconomic research on Africa as well as numerous sectoral, industry and financial markets honors. He heads a research team whose particular strength is its analysis of macroeconomic and political economy subjects in Africa and leading emerging economies.

Goolam’s interest spans politics, the real economy and financial markets. He pilots Standard Bank’s views in these areas and has a particular interest in public policy. Goolam has served as advisor to various public officials and was participant in the crafting of South Africa’s New Growth Path.

Goolam Ballim regularly engages in public dialogue on national and continental issues and routinely addresses audiences across the global.

Goolam read for degrees in economics, business economics and accountancy at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape.

Judge President Basheer Waglay (Judge President at Labour Court)

Judge President Basheer Waglay

Judge President at Labour Court
Colin Baumgart (Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft South Africa)

Colin Baumgart

Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft South Africa

As Microsoft South Africa’s Chief Technology Officer Colin Baumgart focuses on building strong and active external network with customers and partners to deliver on anticipate market changes to drive new, revelant solutions to customers.

Microsoft’s strategic direction is to ensure the business evolves to become the productivity and platform company, which will empower every person and every organization on the planet to do more and achieve more.

As Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft, he is responsible for leading the company's technology strategy in South Africa. With a strong background in software development and architecture, Colin has played a crucial role in shaping Microsoft's cloud solutions and driving digital transformation across industries.

A key part of Mr. Baumgart’s leadership role is to define this transformative process locally and drive it across Microsoft South Africa’s core businesses in key areas such as enterprise, and the public sector. We strongly believe that by working together, we can achieve the change that has a positive impact people and organization’s every day

Prior to joining Microsoft, Mr. Baumgart spent over 20 years in Leadership Roles across Industries from Retail, FMCG Telecoms and IT Across Africa.

He joined Microsoft in April 2016 and has supported and help many Microsoft’s Enterprise and Public Sector customers in their Digital Transformation journey.

Kyle Bentley (Candidate Attorney at Mkhabela Huntley Attorneys Inc)

Kyle Bentley

Candidate Attorney at Mkhabela Huntley Attorneys Inc

I am a Candidate Attorney at Mkhabela Huntley Attorneys Inc in the Employment and Labour Law Department.

I have an LLB from the University of the Western Cape.

Yousuf Boda (Attorney at SGV Attorneys)

Yousuf Boda

Attorney at SGV Attorneys
Craig Bosch (Advocate at Craig Bosch)

Craig Bosch

Advocate at Craig Bosch

I am an advocate at the Cape Bar with a practice that focuses predominantly on labour law. I was previously an academic at the Universities of Cape Town and the Western Cape where I taught labour law. I have published academic articles and presented conference papers on various labour law topics and have co-authored books on business transfers, labour dispute resolution and, most recently, Reviews in the Labour Courts with Anton Myburgh SC.

John Botha (Attorney at Global Business Solutions)

John Botha

Attorney at Global Business Solutions

John Botha, Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions. Previously, Business Unity SA representative to NEDLAC’s Labour Market Chamber and Ministerial appointment to the Employment Equity Commission as well as Executive Director of the largest JSE-listed Workforce Solutions business.

Nerushka Bowan (Founder of LITT Institute)

Nerushka Bowan

Founder of LITT Institute

Nerushka Bowan is a technology & privacy lawyer and the founder of the LITT Institute. She is the former head of Technology & Innovation at Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa. LITT stands for Law Innovation Technology Tomorrow. The LITT Institute is a catalyst for change in the legal industry helping professionals upskill themselves for the future. We offer courses on the topics of AI, privacy, innovation and career mentorship.

Keah Challenor (Associate at Webber Wentzel)

Keah Challenor

Associate at Webber Wentzel

Keah focuses on employment law and occupational health and safety. She has experience in labour-related litigation, including arbitrations at the CCMA and Labour Court matters. Keah has advised on employment policies, unfair dismissals, and gig economy jobs. She has also been involved in inquiries convened under the Mine Health and Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. ​

Advocate Chris Orr SC (Advocate SC at Advocate of the High Court of South Africa)

Advocate Chris Orr SC

Advocate SC at Advocate of the High Court of South Africa

I joined the bar in 2000 after having worked as an attorney at Cheadle Thompson and Haysom, where I commenced articles in 1993, and Deneys Reitz. I was conferred Silk in 2019. I have spent my entire career in the field of Labour Law, acting for employers, trade unions and individuals. In this process I have been involved in a number of interest arbitrations on behalf of trade unions. I have witnessed at first hand the failures of the current system and the frustrations this is causing amongst trade unions and their members who are essential service workers.

Neil Coetzer (Director of Cowan Harper Madikizela Inc.)

Neil Coetzer

Director of Cowan Harper Madikizela Inc.

Neil Coetzer is the Head of the Employment practice at Cowan-Harper-Madikizela. He specializes in employment law and acts for and advises multinationals, corporates, NGOs, SMMES, Unions and individuals across all of the major sectors. His areas of interest include strikes, restructuring exercises and collective bargaining. He has had extensive interactions with Unions and has successfully managed and advised on several major disputes, restructuring exercises, collective bargaining processes, strikes and strike avoidance strategies. In 2018 and 2020 he sat as an Acting Judge of the Labour Court.

Martus De Wet (Director of De Wet Wepener Inc)

Martus De Wet

Director of De Wet Wepener Inc

Martus de Wet is an admitted attorney of the High Court, and a director at De Wet Wepener Inc, Welkom & Bloemfontein. Martus has more than 15 years of experience in the legal field and currently serves as the Chairperson of the Free State Legal Practice Council. He is a part-time commissioner of the CCMA, and an accredited member of the Institute of Directors of South Africa (IODSA), which is the custodian of the KING Reports. He regularly presents training to employers on implementing the KING IV recommendations as well as labour and employment law topics. He also serves as n independent member (specialising in ESG) of various Social & Ethics Committees.

Unathi Dlamini (Associate at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys)

Unathi Dlamini

Associate at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys

Unathi is an Associate in Shepstone & Wylie's employment law department. She has assisted the practice with drafting and reviewing employment contracts, legal research and drafting legal opinions and matters relating to dismissals, strikes and public procurement. She has experience with appearances in Magistrates' Court, CCMA and conducting disciplinary hearings.

Dunstan Farrell (DIRECTOR of Farrell Inc Attorneys)

Dunstan Farrell

DIRECTOR of Farrell Inc Attorneys

Dunstan Farrell has been a practicing attorney for 38 years, specialising in the field of Employment Law for­­­ 25 of those years. Dunstan served his articles with Deneys Reitz Attorneys and later joined Shepstone and Wylie in their Employment Law department. Prior to joining Shepstone and Wylie, Dunstan studied towards a master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh in the 1980’s. While in the United Kingdom, Dunstan headed up Amnesty International in Edinburgh. Dunstan established the firm, Farrell and Associates in March 2003 as a boutique Employment and Labour Law firm. Owing to the success of the firm, and a solid client base, Farrell and Associates has recently incorporated and now operating as Farrell Inc. Attorneys. Dunstan’s wide-ranging experience in advising, consulting and representing national and provincial employers in all forms of Employment Law and Litigation has ensured Farrell Inc. Attorneys is the leading firm in this field, Nationally.

Jessica Fox (Senior Associate at Cowan Harper Madikizela Inc.)

Jessica Fox

Senior Associate at Cowan Harper Madikizela Inc.

Jessica Fox is a legal professional with six years of experience in employment law. Jessica earned her Masters of Law from the University of Pretoria while working as a candidate attorney at Cowan-Harper-Madikizela Attorneys. She was admitted as an attorney in November 2018 and was promoted to the position of Senior Associate in 2021. Jessica has gained valuable insight and experience in respect of numerous complicated employment related matters but has a keen interest in, amongst others, Restraints of Trade, section 197 disputes and essential service determinations. She has dedicated herself to becoming a formidable opponent in those fields.

Jessica wishes to share the valuable insights which she has gathered from her intricate involvement in disputes related to section 197 of the Labour Relations Act and how to deal with the challenges which can arise, particularly in relation to the changing of service providers and the application of section 197 to such circumstances.

Rod Harper (Head of Employment Law Department at CHM Incorporated)

Rod Harper

Head of Employment Law Department at CHM Incorporated
James Horn (Attorney at Cowan Harper Madikizela Inc.)

James Horn

Attorney at Cowan Harper Madikizela Inc.

James is an Associate Director in the firm’s Employment Law, Benefits, Industrial Relations and Discrimination Practice based in Cape Town.

James joined the firm in 2013 and is an experienced attorney who has been involved in several high-profile matters relating to, amongst other things, violent strikes, community protest action, restraints of trade, equal work for equal pay and intra-union disputes. James also has experience in other African jurisdictions.

In addition to employment law matters, James is an experienced general litigator who regularly assists clients with a variety of commercial disputes.

James has successfully acted for multi-national corporations, large South African companies and executive employees. He often presents training workshops and chairs disciplinary enquiries. He also enjoys appearing in the Labour Court and CCMA.

James is the author of a digital and freely available domestic worker compliance manual (Domestic DIY).

Tebogo Khaas (Institute of Chartered Entrepreneurs NPC)

Tebogo Khaas

Institute of Chartered Entrepreneurs NPC

Tebogo Khaas is an accomplished writer, columnist, political commentator, social justice activist, IT network engineer, and entrepreneur with vast experience advocating for public benefit causes. Through his work, Khaas has demonstrated a deep commitment to promoting public accountability, SME development, and ethical entrepreneurship.

As a writer and columnist, Khaas has tackled a wide range of topics, including social justice, human rights, environmental sustainability, and corporate responsibility. His work has been published in numerous outlets and has earned him a reputation as a thought leader in these areas including on governance by a top global auditing firm.

In addition to his writings, Khaas is also a highly respected political commentator and social justice activist. He has been a vocal advocate for human rights, civil liberties, and government accountability, and has been involved in numerous campaigns to promote these values.

As an IT network engineer and entrepreneur, Khaas has demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of technology and innovation in promoting positive social change. He has founded several impactful social enterprises and has been a leader in promoting ethical entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices.

Overall, Khaas' broad range of skills, experiences, and interests have uniquely positioned him as a passionate and effective advocate for social good. His dedication to promoting ethical entrepreneurship and public accountability has made a significant impact in his community and beyond.

Sirhaan Khan (Associate at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys)

Sirhaan Khan

Associate at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys
Jaundré Kruger (National Manager at CEOSA)

Jaundré Kruger

National Manager at CEOSA

Jaundré Kruger is the National Operations Manager of the Consolidated Employers Organisation (CEO) and has held the position since 2021. He is responsible for the oversight of all Provincial Offices, sectional Management of the Senior Management Group and the CEO Training Department, together with the Senior Dispute Resolution Official appointed as the Head of the Training Department. He joined the Consolidated Employers Organisation in 2015, where he took up the position of the Regional Manager for the Free State and Northern Cape. Jaundré obtained his LL.B degree in 2007 from the University of the Free State, completed his articles at Symington & De Kok Inc. in Bloemfontein, and was admitted as an attorney in 2009. Before joining CEO, Jaundré worked as an internal labour consultant with SEESA (Pty) Ltd, where his labour knowledge and skills were grown through extensive internal labour experience. Jaundré also obtained his PGDBA with Distinction in 2022 from the University of the Free State. Jaundré is highly experienced in the field of Labour Law with specialised expertise in Arbitration & Negotiation proceedings but is currently honing his managerial skills to the benefit of the Consolidated Employers Organisation.

Bongani Luthuli (Partner at Cowan-Harper-Madikizela Attorneys)

Bongani Luthuli

Partner at Cowan-Harper-Madikizela Attorneys

Attorney, Partner at Cowan Harper Madikizela Attorneys

Amandla Makhongwana (Associate at BOWMAN GILFILLAN)

Amandla Makhongwana

Associate at BOWMAN GILFILLAN

Amandla is an Associate in the Employment & Benefits Practice at Bowmans, in the Johannesburg office.
She has assisted with advising both the corporate and public sectors on matters related to various aspects of employment and administrative law, which include but not limited to, review proceedings in the Labour Court, unfair dismissals, disciplinary enquiries and litigation in private arbitrations in the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC).

Mokgata Matjie (SNR LECTURER at Unisa)

Mokgata Matjie

SNR LECTURER at Unisa

Dr Mokgata Matjie is a Senior Lecturer at Unisa’s Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology (2009–present) and is registered Industrial and Organisational Psychologist (independent practice) with HPCSA. He holds two master’s degrees, a Master of Administration (Human Resource Management) from University of Limpopo and a Master of Commerce (Industrial Psychology) from Unisa. He also holds a Doctoral degree in Labour Relations Management from the Tshwane University of Technology. He recently published his first Academic book: Employment Relations in South Africa: A psychological perceptive (Van Schaik, 2023). He taught at the University of Limpopo (2012–2014) and continues to lecture Advanced Labour Relations, Advanced Human Resource Management, Advanced Human Resource Development, and other postgraduate diploma and advanced diploma subjects part time at the Tshwane University of Technology (2011–present).

Rodgers Matsikidze (University of Zimbabwe)

Rodgers Matsikidze

University of Zimbabwe

Advocate Rodgers Matsikidze is a registered legal practitioner, notary public and conveyancer. He holds an LLB (Hons) & M.Phil. Law degrees from the University of Zimbabwe. He is pursuing a Ph.D. Law degree with the University of Witwatersrand, SA. He is a past Chairperson- Procedural Law Department, past Acting Chairperson-Legal Undergraduate Studies. Currently Law Lecturer, Director Access to Justice Centre and Deputy Dean at the University of Zimbabwe. He sits in various committees at the University of Zimbabwe-Quality Assurance Committee and Research and Innovation Committee. In addition, he is the past Chairman of the Board of Examiners and currently Chairperson -Administration and Human Resources Committee and Councillor with the Council for Legal Education in Zimbabwe. He also a past Trustee and Chair of Board of Trustees of Law Society of Zimbabwe Compensation Fund and is often called as a resource person for the CPD programme with the Law Society of Zimbabwe and CPT programme with the Council for Legal Education. He is the founding partner of Matsikidze Attorneys-at-Law. He is a board member, Community Working Group and is also the Board Chairperson-Harare Employment Council, Masvingo Mirror Newspaper and National Blood Services Zimbabwe. He is an Examiner with Estate Agents Council and Real Estate Institute of Zimbabwe. He is a multiple award winner in recognition of his work. In addition, he is an arbitrator in labour, commercial, political, land and socio-economic disputes and authored the following books-Alternative Dispute Resolution in Zimbabwe: A Practical Approach to Conciliation, Arbitration, Mediation and Negotiations in Zimbabwe, Medical Law in Zimbabwe, The Suppressed Voice, Mercantile Law in Zimbabwe and Social Security Law Monograph-Zimbabwe. In 2016-17 he was appointed to draft a Zero Labour Amendment Bill 2017 under the ILO-GVT of Zimbabwe Labour reform project and further in the same year appointed by the International Labour Organisation to do an assessment-the Rapid Assessment of Dispute resolution in Zimbabwe.

Osborne Molatudi (Molatudi Attorneys)

Osborne Molatudi

Molatudi Attorneys

Osborne has over 26 years of post-articles workplace experience, having been admitted as an attorney on 2 March 1998 in KZN. He is a well-rounded practitioner with a combined experience in legal practice management and corporate human resources management, the experience which serves as a perfect platform in understanding the dynamics of management and employee related aspects. He held a human resources management position for the period between 2002 and 2010, forming part of the Company’s executive committee.

He started to practice law since 1996 as an articled clerk at the then Deneys Reitz Attorneys (now Norton Rose Fulbright), until his admission as an attorney in March 1998 and later joined law firms such a Webber Wentzel (1999-2002, Cowan-Harper Madikizela (2011-2016), Hogan Lovells (2016-2019) focusing on employment law. He was instrumental in most of his corporate clients’ legal needs and complex matters, some of which are reported or published. He also published articles of interest as well as making tv and radio commentary on topical employment law issues from time to time.

Currently, Osborne runs his own law firm, MOLATUDI ATTORNEYS and a consultancy firm operating under the name MOLATUDI ADVISORY SERVICES. He also serves as a practicing consultant for some of the law firms requiring his services relating to employment and labour law.

Cameron Morajane (CCMA)

Cameron Morajane

CCMA

Adv Cameron Sello Morajane is the Director of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and a Professor of Practice at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He is an Advocate of the High Court and is registered as a practising Advocate with the Legal Practice Council (LPC).
Adv Morajane is an accomplished and seasoned Executive Leader with extensive experience in Corporate Law, Labour Law, Dispute Resolution, Dispute Management and Prevention, Public Service and Organizational Management. Before joining the CCMA he was in private practice for ten (10) years and later joined the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU), as the National Legal Co-ordinator.
Adv Morajane is a Thought Leader and sought-after speaker both locally and internationally in Labour Law matters. At the CCMA, he oversees all disputes that are of strategic or precedent setting nature and have the potential to impact consequentially on labour relations on a wider scale.
Adv Morajane is the recipient of the Leadership Award from the Law Society of South Africa.

He holds a B Juris, LLB, LLM (UNISA) and AFSA Diploma in ADR (cum laude), Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Law (UJ) and is currently pursuing his Doctoral of Law Degree (LLD) at UJ. As part of continuous professional development, Adv Morajane obtained the following professional qualifications; Civil Law Mediator Certificate- L.E.A.D; Advanced Trial Advocacy Certificate- BLA and is currently doing a Pupillage training with the National Bar Council of South Africa.

Tanya Mulligan (Director of Cowan Harper Madikizela Inc.)

Tanya Mulligan

Director of Cowan Harper Madikizela Inc.

Tanya is a Director in the firm’s Employment, Benefits, Industrial Relations and Discrimination Practice. Tanya has conducted high-profile litigation in the Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court and Constitutional Court running the gamut of labour-related disputes including collective labour law, strikes, restraints of trade, contractual disputes, executive-level dismissals, individual dismissals, benefits disputes and the like.

Tanya also has vast experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution including in the High Courts and Magistrates Courts across the Country. Tanya’s clients include large financial corporations, manufacturers, mines, food producers, airlines and security companies. Tanya has also acted for a number of high-profile individuals in disputes with their employers.

In addition to her litigation work, Tanya also assists her clients with compliance-related work including the preparation of policies and procedures, training, internal investigations, the chairing of disciplinary enquiries and similar matters.

Tanya consciously adopts a problem-solving approach with the aim of offering cost-effective and pragmatic solutions to her clients. Tanya holds a Master’s degree with a specialization in Mercantile Law from the University of Pretoria and a Certificate in Advanced Labour Law from the University of South Africa. Prior to joining the firm in 2015, Tanya lectured at Varsity College and the University of Pretoria.

Venolan Naidoo (Partner at Fasken)

Venolan Naidoo

Partner at Fasken

Venolan Naidoo is a labour, employment, dispute resolution and data privacy lawyer in Fasken’s Johannesburg office.

Venolan has extensive experience in advising and representing a wide array of clients, including, multinational companies, local companies, statutory bodies, local government, and corporate executives.

He represents clients from a broad area of sectors and industries, which include, financial institutions, technology companies (including artificial intelligence and semantic technology), renewable energy companies, large retailers, food and beverage companies, media companies, transportation and logistics, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers, specialist consultancy/think tanks, marketing companies, and professional firms (including for medical practitioners).

He represents clients and regularly argues cases in various forums, including, the Labour Court, CCMA, bargaining councils, and internal/tribunal hearings. He also represents clients in the High Court, Labour Appeal Court, and Supreme Court of Appeal.

Venolan also deals with various aspects of data privacy law, including POPIA compliance, formulating of data privacy policies, etc.

Although Venolan’s primary area of expertise is in labour and employment law, he also has experience in commercial dispute resolution, including, shareholder disputes, director liability disputes, Anton Piller enforcements, non-disclosure and/or confidential information disputes, and unlawful competition.

Dawn Norton (Director of Mkhabela Huntley Attorneys Inc)

Dawn Norton

Director of Mkhabela Huntley Attorneys Inc

I am currently the Director of Employment Law at Mkhabela Huntley Attorneys, and have held that position since 2006.

I have over 20 years experience in the field representing clients in unfair dismissal and unfair labour practice disputes.

I appear regularly in the CCMA and Labour Court, and have published articles and opinion pieces in the Industrial Law Journal and Contemporary Labour Law, and recently in the media.

I have been an Acting Judge in the Labour Court for brief stints in 2015 and 2019

Jan Norval (Executive at ENSafrica)

Jan Norval

Executive at ENSafrica

"LLB (University of Pretoria)
LLM (Leiden University)

Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales

Executive in the Employment Law Department at ENSafrica

Ranked by Legal 500 as a ""Rising Star"" for Employment Law in South Africa for 2021 and 2022."

Ruben Orton (Snyman Attorneys)

Ruben Orton

Snyman Attorneys

Ruben Orton is a Director at Snyman Attorneys where he had been specialising in labour law litigation for the past 19 years. He holds LLB and LLM degrees and is currently a LLD candidate at the
University of Pretoria. He has successfully represented employers in multiple reported LAC and LC judgements.

Marleen Potgieter (Owner at Equity Works)

Marleen Potgieter

Owner at Equity Works

Marleen, over and above being a qualified lawyer with over 20 years’ commercial experience, has been a partner at a law firm, has run her own practice and has advised countless number of clients over the years.

Irshaad Savant (Partner at Motsoeneng Bill Attorneys Incorporated)

Irshaad Savant

Partner at Motsoeneng Bill Attorneys Incorporated

Irshaad Savant is a partner at Motsoeneng Bill Incorporated and a member of the national committee of the South African Society for Labour Law. He has extensive experience in employment law and has represented clients in precedent setting matters. Irshaad has also worked on high value cross border transactions that have had employment law consequences (Africa and other regions). He has also been instrumental in settling significant disputes.

Saiuri Seetal (Associate at Garlicke & Bousfield)

Saiuri Seetal

Associate at Garlicke & Bousfield

I am a young Associate at Garlicke and Bousfield Inc. based in Umhlanga, Durban. Our firm has a dedicated Pro Bono services department that specialises in Labour Law, while still accommodating clients who require legal assistance in other areas of law. I share a great passion for outreach and public interest, thus my current employment position could not be more fitting. I have truly found my calling by combining my passion for the law with my social interests by virtue of being able to solely provide pro bono legal assistance. The offering of Pro Bono assistance is the heart of our purpose and we understand that the majority of South Africans cannot afford legal representation.

On a daily basis, we work in alliance with non-profit organisations such as SASLAW, ProBono.org, eDeaf and The Foundation for Human Rights, being the independent institutions providing free services to those from improvised backgrounds.

SASLAW: I offer my legal services at the Labour Court helpdesk in Durban every Wednesday. This helpdesk is strictly for labour matters. In doing so, I am able to advise a client by assessing the client's merits to their case, and/or choose to represent them as their attorney of record. In certain circumstances, I provide clients with legal representation at the CCMA or Bargaining Council. This gives the client peace of mind knowing that they are protected by their employers. Representation is provided for where possible (and permitted) so as to avoid the client of enduring the mountainous task of a review application. I usually consult with an average of 10 clients at the helpdesk on a Wednesday. It is common that I will then set up further consultations at the Labour Court to assist the clients further. I understand that most of our clients reside in the Durban Central area, therefore consulting at the Labour Court in Durban Central makes it easier and cheaper for our clients.

ProBono.org: I offer my legal services at the ProBono.org helpdesk in Durban every Tuesday. The helpdesk is dedicated to Employment Law and to Refugee Law. Like the SASLAW helpdesk, I assist with advising clients in accordance with the merits of their matter and/or choose to represent them at the Labour Court or at the CCMA/Bargaining Council (where permitted).

eDeaf: I provide legal presentations to the audibly impaired public institution by lecturing them on the legal aspects of society. This is done through the assistance of an interpreter and students are always interested to learn of the various intricacies of the law.

The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR): I am driven to balance the scale of justice and working with the FHR fulfills that passion entirely by assisting with the shortfalls of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). I am currently the attorney of record, upon the instruction of the FHR, for a TRC matter which has now been reopened for an inquest application.

It is my firm belief that everyone in the Republic deserves the right to be heard and legally represented without the reluctance of fear, favour or financial setbacks. This, in my opinion, is the very essence of the Rule of Law.

Anthony Solomon (Director of Solomonholmes Attorneys Inc)

Anthony Solomon

Director of Solomonholmes Attorneys Inc

On completing his articles in 1990 Anthony specialised in Employment Law and was a practising attorney for ten years. He then joined a listed entity in the food manufacturing sector, with a complex, large and highly unionised workforce. As a Director Anthony was instrumental in initiating a major restructuring of the Company including positive changes to the relationship between Management and Union leaders. He gained invaluable experience in workforce restructuring, retrenchments, strike action and closures. Anthony returned to private practise in 2011 where his ongoing corporate exposure and legal expertise make him the ideal consultant, providing practical solutions to a company’s Employment Law and Employee Relations requirements. Anthony is an accredited mediator.

Deirdre Venter (Partner at Shepstone & Wylie)

Deirdre Venter

Partner at Shepstone & Wylie

Deirdre is an expert in all aspects of employment and labour law with experience including drafting of contracts of employment, disciplinary codes, policies and related agreements, reviewing of contracts, policies and codes; all aspects of CCMA arbitrations; all aspects of Labour, Labour Appeal and Constitutional Court litigation and advice on all aspects of collective and individual labour law.
Deirdre has experience in corporate restructuring, dealing with collective bargaining cases, strikes, lock outs, discrimination law, disciplinary and litigation proceedings, sexual harassment in the workplace and a host of other matters relating to employment law. In addition to her extensive professional background, Deirdre has previously been appointed as a commissioner of the CCMA and an acting judge of the Labour Court of South Africa on a pro bono basis.

S'celo Walter (Tshwane University of Technology)

S'celo Walter

Tshwane University of Technology

Dr. S'celo Walter Sibiya holds a Doctor of Law (LLD) from the University of Zululand, a Master of Law (LLM) and Bachelor of Law (LLB) from the University of KwaZulu Natal. He is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is currently a lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology in the department of law. His research interests includes labour law and related matters, administrative law.

Nicci Whitear-Nel (University of KZN)

Nicci Whitear-Nel

University of KZN

I am a senior lecturer at UKZN, PMB. I am currently enrolled for a PhD concerning videoconferencing in civil processes. I have published extensively, and have significant experience in presenting conference papers. I lecture Labour Law and the Law of Evidence at masters level. I am a senior commissioner at the CCMA, where I have experience in conducting online processes.

Grant Wilkinson (Director - Kirchmanns Inc. of Global Business Solutions)

Grant Wilkinson

Director - Kirchmanns Inc. of Global Business Solutions

Executive, attorney, internationally accredited mediator, facilitator and speaker.
Director of Kirchmanns Inc Attorneys

• Publications: Contributory author of a multinational book on Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace; Various publications including Business Day, Law & Tax Review and World Congress ; The Corporate Report King IV Report: A summary of what’s to come ; Authors Grant Wilkinson ; ISSN: 2519-7886 Source: The Corporate Report, Volume 6 Issue 2, 2016, p. 32 – 38
• Memberships and Affiliations: TOKISO Panelist, SASLAW, Legal Practice Council, Institute of Directors ; COMENSA, BUSA, CAPES.
• Institutes lectured for: Da Vinci Institute of Technology; Rhodes, Investec Business School, Wits Business School and WITS Enterprise, University of Stellenbosch Executive Education (member of Faculty for the African continent).
• Business Representation: Grant is a CAPES and BUSA representative. He represented at the Department of Labour’s public consultation process and Parliamentary sessions on the Labour Law Amendment process; SA Rep in informal worker group for ISLSSL World Congress in Turin, Italy(2018).
• Speaker: Speaker at Local and international speaking engagements including The Future of HR Conference & ISLSSL World Labour Congress.
• Accolades: Finalist in the Standard Bank Rising Stars Awards (Top 5 Professional Services); Led CT team to Top 300 WC Companies Award 2014, Winners of BPESA External Training Provider and BPESA External Professional Services 2015.

Courtney Wingfield (Senior Associate at Cowan Harper Madikizela Inc.)

Courtney Wingfield

Senior Associate at Cowan Harper Madikizela Inc.

Courtney Wingfield is a Senior Associate in the Employment law practice at Cowan-Harper-Madikizela. Courtney has been involved in numerous strike-related disputes including strike interdicts and having pickets suspended on the basis of violence committed during the course of those pickets. He has also been involved in major disputes concerning the fairness of dismissals on the basis of strike-related misconduct.

Neil and Courtney have dealt with many strikes and strike-related misconduct issues over the last few years.