Webber Wentzel

As Mining Indaba comes to a close, we are proud to have played a pivotal role in shaping key industry conversations. At the Ministerial Symposium, our team—Jonathan Veeran, Rita Spalding, Bruce Dickinson, Mzukisi Kota, Nomsa Mbere, and Meluleki Nzimande—facilitated dynamic roundtable discussions on crucial topics, including "Issuance of Permits and Increased Exploration" and "Downstream Value Addition and Resource Stewardship." In collaboration with DMT, we hosted a gathering at Jonkerhuis, where senior industry leaders explored the future of African mining in an evolving global landscape. Our panel discussion, Sustainable Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa’s Mining Sector: Balancing Critical Mineral Demand with Human Rights, tackled the challenges of driving growth while upholding responsible mining practices. Moderated by Pooja Dela, the session featured insights from esteemed industry leaders, including Rohitesh Dhawan, Marna Cloete, Maria Ramos, Paula-Ann Novotny, and Mfikeyi Makayi. Together with MAY and Company and Janson, we also hosted a thought leadership dinner on Unlocking the Copperbelt: Opportunities in the DRC, Zambia, Angola, and Southern Africa’s Critical Minerals Market, examining regional opportunities and sustainable mining strategies. Finally, our networking event provided a valuable platform to connect with clients and industry peers, fostering meaningful discussions on the future of Africa’s mining sector. We remain committed to driving sustainable growth and innovation across the continent’s mining industry. #MiningIndaba #SustainableMining #AfricaMining #CriticalMinerals #HumanRights #WebberWentzel #UnlockingOpportunities #SouthernAfrica #BusinessAndHumanRights

The year 2025 is earmarked to be a landmark period for the fintech industry, marked by groundbreaking innovations, regulatory milestones, and continued push towards financial inclusion. Webber Wentzel's fintech experts, Lerato Lamola Esq., Christoff Pienaar and Dawid de Villiers, have outlined the key trends to expect in areas such as generative AI and machine learning, payments, crypto and blockchain, open banking and open finance, as well as mobile banking and financial services. Read more: https://bit.ly/3WRfpGl #Fintech #AI #Crypto #Blockchain

On Thursday, 6 February 2025, Webber Wentzel hosted its annual New Year's Party for Insurance Sector clients. Attendees enjoyed an evening filled with insightful conversations and good company over refreshing drinks, delicious food, and music to delight the ears. It was a wonderful opportunity to share a relaxed and enjoyable evening as we move swiftly into a promising new year. #InsuranceLaw #WebberWentzel #WWEvents

Webber Wentzel participated in Stellenbosch University’s Orientation Week! Attendees enjoyed delicious bubble tea while we introduced them to the exciting opportunities we offered for Law students. They learned more about our experience programme, designed to give first-year law students unforgettable exposure to the legal profession. Apply for the 2027 CA Programmes: bit.ly/4eodnn8 #WWCAprogramme #GradRecruitment

As industry leaders gathered in Cape Town for the 2025 Mining Indaba, discussions centered on solutions under the theme Futureproofing African Mining, Today. With procurement mafias, sabotage, and extortion posing growing threats, companies must take proactive measures to protect their operations and investments. In a recent TV interview, Lionel van Tonder unpacked the evolving nature of organised crime in mining and the critical need for due diligence, forensic investigations, and strong governance to combat these threats. #MiningIndaba2025 #MiningLaw #ForensicServices

South Africa’s minimum wage adjustments take effect on 1 March 2025, raising the rate to ZAR 28,79 per hour. Increased inspections are expected as the government responds to union demands for stricter enforcement. Insights by Mehnaaz Bux and Amy King. Read more: https://bit.ly/4hq4iMu #EmploymentLaw

In a recent TV interview, Meluleki Nzimande explored how key macro trends—such as the West’s race to secure critical minerals, the accelerating just energy transition, and AfCFTA’s impact on intra-African trade—are transforming the mining industry and what steps are needed to drive sustainable, value-driven growth. These critical discussions are taking center stage at the 2025 Mining Indaba, where industry leaders, investors, and policymakers are gathered under the theme Futureproofing Mining, Today.

To uphold our commitment to driving positive change, creating a lasting impact, and protecting the planet, we actively support initiatives such as the IBA ESG Accelerator Training Programme. This specialised online training equips legal practitioners across Africa with essential ESG skills to navigate the evolving legal landscape. Session 5 of the IBA ESG Accelerator Training Programme will take place on 19 February 2025, with our associate, Emily Gammon as the moderator. The upcoming session, Climate Change, Nature and Just Transition, will examine the risks and opportunities of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, as well as key regional and international legal trends. We encourage legal practitioners looking to enhance their ESG expertise to take part in this insightful discussion. For more information and to register: https://bit.ly/4hoTpe7

Gauteng’s judicial system faces a severe backlog, with civil trials delayed until 2027 due to under-resourced courts and overworked judges. Ayanda Khumalo, Garth Duncan, Matthew Ilsley, Khanya Thwala and Katy Hindle share a proposed approach to address this crisis, including voluntary jurisdiction shifts to less burdened courts, initiating all cases via motion to streamline proceedings and utilising judges from other jurisdictions for virtual hearings. While solutions like ADR and digital case management have helped, legislative changes are needed to enable these reforms. By redistributing caseloads and prioritising efficiency, these measures aim to alleviate congestion and restore timely access to justice in Gauteng: https://bit.ly/42FOP6I #DisputeResolution

The legal position on whether internal restructurings within South African businesses require prior approval from the competition authorities has been uncertain for some time. In a welcome development, on 24 January 2025, the Competition Commission took steps to clarify this issue by publishing draft guidelines on internal restructurings. Insights by Burton Phillips. Read more: https://bit.ly/40Nbyev #CompetitionLaw