Bowmans (Law Firm)

ANNOUNCEMENT | Today we welcomed 57 former members of A&O Shearman South Africa (AOS) to our Cape Town and Johannesburg offices – 31 lawyers, 16 of whom have been appointed as partners with an additional two appointed as consultants, 10 candidate legal practitioners, and 16 business support people and PA/ secretarial staff. The move aligns with our strategic objective of being the ‘go-to’ African law firm advising clients on their most complex legal challenges and opportunities across the continent. The new team will boost our bench strength in #energy, #NaturalResources and #infrastructure, debt #finance, #DisputeResolution and #CorporateLaw. Our chairman and senior partner, Ezra Davids, says, ‘Since announcing our intention to bring on board the team from AOS, we have received overwhelming, positive feedback from clients, including the leading international law firms from all continents that we regularly work with. This development marks a significant milestone in achieving our vision to be undoubtedly Africa’s premier law firm. Our commitment to delivering innovative, client-centric solutions is stronger than ever, and we are excited to be able to expand in this way.’ More here: https://ow.ly/Nj1850UA84l

LISTEN | In anticipation of next week’s Investing in African Mining Indaba, the latest episode of our ‘Value of Knowing’ podcast addresses #sustainability-related considerations in the African #miningsector. Partner, Charles Douglas, discusses the complex intersection of sustainability, #geopolitics, and the future of African mining with partners, Christina Nduba-Banja, Claire Tucker and Wandisile Mandlana. The conversation highlights some of the opportunities and challenges facing the industry including Africa’s role in the #decarbonisation drive, the importance of shared prosperity and the community factors that are critical for the mining industry’s future. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts (here: https://lnkd.in/davMhtJ8), Spotify (here: https://lnkd.in/dtD272Zd) or IONOfm (here: https://iono.fm/e/1522761). It is also available on our website here: https://lnkd.in/dvHaiirH

NEWSFLASH | The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), in collaboration with the East African Community Competition Authority, has recently indicated its intention to conduct a #marketinquiry into the fertiliser sector in Kenya. The purpose is to conduct an assessment in Kenya as well as across all the other EAC member states (being Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo). The CAK indicates that the Market Inquiry has been necessitated by fertiliser prices not decreasing in line with international market trends, coupled with the prioritisation of #foodsecurity in the region by EAC member states. Head of #CompetitionLaw | Kenya, Joyce Karanja, and senior associate, Mutugi Mutegi, provide further information here: https://lnkd.in/dRr6-QBd The CAK has invited written submissions to be sent to it by the public by 14 February 2025.

IN THE NEWS | The Companies Second Amendment Act 17 of 2024 became effective on 27 December 2024, amending the provisions relating to director and officer liability and delinquency. These amendments follow recommendations made by the Zondo state capture commission: the commission recommended that the Companies Act 71 of 2008 be amended to extend the time period within which applications for declarations of #delinquency may be brought. In this Mail & Guardian article, #DisputeResolution partners, Vanessa Jacklin-Levin and Daniel Pretorius, and candidate legal practitioner, Thomas Erskine, discuss the changes to the Act, the reasons for the changes, and steps to avoid #directordelinquency. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d8hT86nj

EVENT | The annual Global Legal Association Litigation Conference returns to Dubai for its 2025 edition. This gathering will explore the latest developments in #litigation, including new laws, regulations, and court decisions globally. #DisputeResolution partner, Richard Shein, will form part of the session 10 panel discussion on #LitigationStrategies: Examine mediation and ADR as viable options for resolving disputes during the litigation process. When: 4 February 2025, 14:30 - 15:15 GST Where: #GLAConference2025 Knight Castle Hotel, Dubai Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dT6WGC4W

NEWSFLASH | On 21 January 2025, the Department of Employment and Labour published a new Draft Code of Good Practice on Dismissal for public comment. Its aim is to provide guidance to employers, employees and others on the legal obligations relating to #TerminationofEmployment in terms of the Labour Relations Act 1995. The Draft Code addresses all aspects leading to the termination of employment, including termination for misconduct, incapacity and due to the employer’s operational requirements. How does the new Draft Code compare with the current Code? #EmploymentandBenefits partner, Keshni Naicker, and senior associate, Amandla Makhongwana, unpack the changes here: https://lnkd.in/dhduxTkZ Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments on the Draft Code by 22 March 2025.

IN THE NEWS | In the last few years, prosecutors globally have had limited success in pursuing corporates for criminal liability in bribery and corruption cases. Now, legal loopholes are being closed and corporates are facing significantly more demanding requirements in preventing bribery and corruption. In this Bizcommunity.com article, #Litigation partner, Jane Andropoulos, and Knowledge and Learning lawyer, Bianca Masterton, discuss how there are several practical measures that corporates should take to proactively fortify their policies, structures and processes to prevent corruption by association. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d3Qi-bpY

EVENT | The 2025 edition of the Global Legal Association Litigation Conference will explore the latest developments in #litigation, including new laws, regulations, and court decisions globally. #DisputeResolution partner, Lucien Lewin, will form part of the session 1 panel discussion: Arbitration vs. Litigation: Choosing the Right Dispute Resolution Mechanism. When: 3 February 2025, 09:15 - 10:45 GST Where: #GLAConference2025 Knight Castle Hotel, Dubai Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dNz5xaxP

NEWSFLASH | This year, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner in Kenya will be celebrating #DataPrivacyDay under the theme of 'Safeguarding Personal Data to Spur Digital Transformation and Economic Development'. This approach comes at a critical time when #ArtificialIntelligence (#AI) adoption is mainstream and is now expanding its reach in #datacollection. In this newsflash, #dataprotection partner, Ariana Issaias, and associate, Richard Odongo, discuss how safeguarding #personaldata is essential for building trust, driving #innovation, and supporting #digitaltransformation. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dgpq2udy

WATCH | Last year, the FSCA South Africa and the Prudential Authority published Joint Standard 2 of 2024: Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience. The Joint Standard requires #financialinstitutions to adopt robust #cybersecurity and resilience against #cyberattacks and also expects financial institutions to implement security controls that are commensurate with their risk appetites based on the nature, complexity, risk profile and size of their financial operations. The Joint Standard will come into effect on 1 June 2025. In this EBnet conversation, Vanessa Jacklin-Levin and Tshepo K Twala discuss the Joint Standard and its implications for pension funds.  https://lnkd.in/dbm5Vm6W