CDH Conversations

Hosted by CLIFFE DEKKER HOFMEYR

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Episodes

197

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-ZA

About the show

Welcome to CDH Conversations. This is a dedicated Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr podcast channel where our audiences have insight into the most recent legal and business developments across key industry sectors. This is an interview and conversational-based channel where our experts delve into various legal subject matters that impact businesses across East and Southern Africa. This channel acts as an enhanced method to access our thought leadership.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 202636 min

GBV as a national state of disaster: A discussion with Women for Change

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 are thewomen doing the real work on the ground, driving change and making a meaningful difference in the lives of women. The discussion around the classification, implementation of policies, and the emotional burden and ancillary impacts of GBV highlights that the work is ongoing. Without continuous efforts, women will remain trapped in a system thatcultivates a persistent sense of fear. This fruitful engaging conversation provides strategies for the implementation of laws and policies, a response to thedevastating impact of GBV on the lives of women and how best we can assist activist organisations like Women for Change in fighting the scourge. Don't miss the opportunity to listen, learn andbe part of the movement.

June 10, 202620 min

Updated merger thresholds, public interest and the cost of doing business in South Africa

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 regulatory benchmarks, but in practice, they play a critical role in determining whether a transaction triggers regulatory scrutiny from the competition authorities and what obligations arise for merging parties. Phetha and Reece unpack what merger thresholds are, why they matter for deal planning, and the key legal and business considerations that companies, investors, and advisors should keep in mind when assessing transaction risk. The conversation explores the practical implications of notifiable mergers, common misconceptions around thresholds and regulatory approval, and the broader competition law considerations that can affect deal timelines, transaction certainty, and execution risk. Drawing on practical examples and market insight, the episode demystifies a complex topic and translates it into practical guidance for businesses operating in an increasingly sophisticated regulatory environment. Tune in to hear Phetha and Reece unpack the updated merger control thresholds and what businesses should know before signing on the dotted line. Click here to watch the videocast - https://www.cliffedekkerhofmeyr.com/en/news/media/2026/Corporate-Commercial/Updated-merger-thresholds-public-interest-and-the-cost-of-doing-business-in-South-Africa

June 8, 202613 min

Restrained from restraining: When employers lose the right to hold you back

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 agreements waiving restraints, and whether an employee's reasons for resigning affect enforceability.In this podcast, Jean Ewang and Ayesha Karjieker in the Employment Law practice unpack the judgment's key findings and what they mean for employers and employees navigating post-employment restrictions in South Africa.

June 8, 202611 min

The Reparations in German Colonial Namibia Series | Genocide Remembrance Day

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 significance and controversy of May 28th.The discussion unpacks:The controversy over May 28 as Genocide Remembrance Day, a date marking the closure of German colonial concentration camps in 1908, which the OvaHerero and Nama communities reject as a day of remembrance.Why the affected communities regard the camp closures not as liberation but as the beginning of forced relocation, forced labour, and continued dispossession, with Paramount Chief Mutjinde Katjiua describing May 28 as "the day the OvaHerero people were reduced to slavery."The dates the communities themselves hold sacred: October 2, 1904, when General Lothar von Trotha issued his extermination order against the OvaHerero; and April 12, linked to the 1893 massacre at Hornkranz and the beginning of genocidal violence against the Nama.At its core, this episode asks a question that resonates well beyond Namibia: who gets to decide how genocide is remembered, and what happens when the descendants of victims are excluded from that decision?Building on the foundational context of Episode 1, this instalment provides listeners with a deeper understanding of why the politics of remembrance remain inseparable from the pursuit of restorative justice.Listen to Episode 2 now and continue following the series for deeper insights into one of the most significant reparations cases in Africa.

May 13, 202612 min

The do's and dont's of debt recovery: What to do when your business is owed money

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 cash flow and improve their chances of recovering monies owed.The discussion highlights common pitfalls clients encounter, such as informal agreements, poor record-keeping, and delayed action, and provides practical guidance on how to avoid them. Whether you are extending credit, supplying goods, or dealing with non-paying customers, this episode offers a clear framework on what to do (and what not to do) to safeguard your business and enforce your rights effectively.Click here to listen to the podcast.

May 13, 202646 min

Workers’ Day reflections: Are workplaces truly fair for women?

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 into lived experience. Drawing insights from South Africa, Kenya, and Namibia, the discussion explores key issues such as pay transparency, workplace culture, career progression, and unconscious bias, highlighting both the progress made and the realities that still need to be addressed.A key theme emerging from the conversation is that fairness in the workplace is not just about compliance, it is about creating environments where women are supported, valued, and able to thrive. While many organisations have implemented policies aimed at equality, the real challenge lies in ensuring consistent and meaningful implementation in practice.The panel also shares practical insights for women navigating their careers, including how to advocate for themselves, understand their rights, and show up with confidence in professional spaces. Importantly, the discussion calls on organisations to move beyond performative commitments and actively address systemic and cultural barriers.Click here to listen to the full episode to explore how workplaces can better support women and what meaningful progress truly looks like.

May 13, 202611 min

Compulsory medical aid membership – is the contract really the end of the matter?

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 exemptions are limited to married employees, and constitutional challenges under Barkhuizen and Beadica.

May 13, 202625 min

From Freedom Day to Workers’ Day: A conversation on dignity and justice

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 grants, dignity, and access to justice in South Africa.The conversation explores:The role of social grants in advancing dignity and meaningful freedomChallenges within the SASSA grant system and their impact on vulnerable communitiesThe intersection of unemployment, workers’ rights, and social protectionRecent Constitutional Court developments and what they mean for grant beneficiariesWhy civic participation and accountability remain central to protecting rightsThis timely discussion offers important insight into the constitutional promise of freedom and the lived realities facing many South Africans today.

April 24, 202633 min

Socio-economic rights, the constitutional promise, and state accountability

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 housing, healthcare, education, water and sanitation, and how these rights have evolved through landmark court decisions over the past 30 years of our constitutional democracy.They unpack:the impact of state failure on underserved communities;the role of the courts in enforcing socio-economic rights;delays in implementing court orders, even where citizens succeed in litigation;whether constitutional damages may become a more effective remedy or recourse for state inaction; andthe importance of active citizenry, collective agency, and collective accountability in the nation's quest to fulfil the constitutional promise.This timely dialogue, which serves as a point of reflection, offers practical insights into the legal and societal challenges shaping access to basic needs, services and a life of dignity for all in South Africa.Zeenat is the Head of the Education Rights Programme at Section27 and has experience in work and litigation in areas relating to the right to access to housing, access to water, sanitation and electricity and the right to health.

April 24, 202655 min

Njeri Wagacha talks to Charles Kanjama, President-elect of the Law Society of Kenya

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, Charles shares practical insights on partnership, mentorship, and professional growth — but also tackles deeper systemic issues affecting the country.Key conversations include:Rule of law in Kenya - Addressing abductions, constitutional violations, and accountabilityCorruption and ethics - Why values often don’t translate into professional conductAccess to justice - Gaps in the system and how to fix themYoung lawyers and mentorship - Challenges in employment, training, and practice readinessLegal reforms an policy - Improving institutions, legislation, and public participationTechnology and AI in law - Opportunities, risks, and the future of legal practiceLeadership and vision - What it takes to build institutions that outlast individualsThis episode goes beyond legal theory. It’s a conversation about leadership, systems, and responsibility in Kenya today. If you're in law, business, governance, or simply interested in how systems evolve, this is one to listen to.