ENSafrica > Cape Town, South Africa > Firm Profile
ENSafrica Offices
1 NORTH WHARF SQUARE
LOOP STREET, FORESHORE
CAPE TOWN
South Africa
Profiles
- Profile > ENSafrica
- Profile > ENSafrica > Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda
ENSafrica > The Legal 500 Rankings
South Africa > Banking and finance Tier 1
Led by structured trade and commodity finance expert Craig Saven, the banking and finance practice at ENSafrica is very well known for advising on cross-border mandates, and counts debt finance as the core strength of the department. The team is regularly instructed by domestic and international banks, large corporates and development finance institutions, and acts for borrowers, lenders, issuers and sponsors. Sean Lederman is highly regarded in the banking and finance space, with an excellent track record in advising on asset and leveraged finance and debt restructurings, with specialist expertise in aircraft financings. Anina Boshoff and Jessica Blumenthal are star names in the practice. Deborah Carmichael left the firm in March 2023.Practice head(s):
Craig Saven
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team are very pragmatic and commercial and seek to cut through complex issues efficiently and diligently. ’
Key clients
Katiso Renewable Energy (RF) Proprietary Limited
Akhona Group Proprietary Limited
Absa Bank Limited
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd
Cell C Limited
Investec Bank Limited
Uis Tin Mining Company
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Sasol Financing International Limited
Sasol Financing USA LLC
Sasol Limited
Inflexion Private Equity Partners LLP
Ginger Bidco Limited
Alston Elliot Limited
AEL Assets Holding Proprietary Limited
Alston Elliot South Africa Proprietary Limited
Absa Bank (Mauritius) Limited
Development Bank of South Africa Limited
NSIA Banque Cote d IvoireTransnet SOC Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium of financial institutions on a senior secured borrowing base facility made available to the consortium by Tongaat Hulett Limited.
South Africa > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
The corporate practice at ENSafrica has established strength in advising on prominent domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, private equity deals, and joint ventures. Doron Joffe has over two decades of experience in handling corporate restructurings, equity capital markets, corporate finance, and takeovers; he jointly heads up the department with M&A specialist Julius Oosthuizen. Michael Katz is a highly regarded practitioner in corporate law, and Matthew Morrison acts on listed and unlisted mergers for clients in the financial services sector. Practice group co-head Sanjay Kassen is a key contact for BEE matters. Gosego Moroka regularly assists with commercial agreements. Madison Liebmann is another notable name in the team, as is Brad Serebro. Julius Oosthuizen is now in-house at SanlamAllianz.Practice head(s):
Doron Joffe; Sanjay Kassen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘ENSafrica’s legal expertise is unparalleled. Their team possesses a level of deep experience and insight that is truly impressive.’
‘They go above and beyond to provide exceptional legal services.’
‘The diverse specialties of the broader team under one brand is helpful in a complex transaction.’
‘ENSafrica’s partners go beyond their call of duty due to the professional relationship we have built with them over the years. They are available at short notice and their turnaround time is excellent.’
Key clients
Sanlam Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited
African Infrastructure Investments Managers (Pty) Ltd
Sanlam Emerging Markets Pty Ltd
Sanlam Limited
Impala Platinum Holdings Limited
Novus Holdings Limited
Sanlam Life Insurance Limited
Absa
Investec Bank
Ninety One SA
Adcock
Nampak
Tiger
Work highlights
- Advised Sanlam Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited in regard to the regulatory aspects pertaining to BEE compliance issues arising from a transaction.
- Advised African Infrastructure Investments Managers (Pty) on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of the Commercial Cold Storage Group from the Oceana Group.
- Advised Sanlam Emerging Markets Pty on establishing a pan-African Insurtech alliance with the MTN Group.
South Africa > Competition Tier 1
ENSafrica‘s team stands out for its ‘excellent knowledge and expertise in competition law, and ability to advise on strategy on complex competition issues‘. Led by Jocelyn Katz, the group handles the full spectrum of competition law matters for prominent clients drawn from a wide range of sectors. Justin Balkin assists financial services, insurance, mining, healthcare, private equity and retail companies with merger control matters, abuse of dominance claims, prohibited practice issues and cartel investigations. Natalia Lopes‘ workload includes merger filings and leniency applications; Derushka Chetty is well-versed in advising on prohibited practices litigation and merger notifications; Aidan Scallan acts on horizontal prohibited practices proceedings; and Lizél Blignaut specialises in competition economics. Aziza Mdee, Jessica de Kock and Lameez Mayet are singled out for their contributions to the practice group.Practice head(s):
Jocelyn Katz
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The practice brings vast and deep experience on acquisitions and mergers. It has a wide base of skilled practitioners and has a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, requirements and demands in different markets. A trusted, knowledgeable and dependable service provider.’
‘Very experienced. Very reactive. Good team work.’
‘Jessica de Kock – reactive, experienced and competent.’
‘Very good team.’
‘Wealth of knowledge and experience in the team is amazing.’
‘Justin Balkin was excellent in driving us through the features of South African merger control and helped us think strategically.’
‘Justin Balkin is our attorney of first choice. He has become a trusted legal partner because of his immense expertise in competition law. He is approachable and always makes time and goes the extra mile to ensure that we, as his client, receives the best legal service. ’
Key clients
A.P. Moller–Maersk Group
Adcock Ingram
Advent International, Cinven and RAG-Stiftung (the consortium)
AkzoNobel
AngloGold Ashanti
Beefmaster Holdings Pty Ltd (“Beefmaster”)
Carlyle Group
CDK Global Inc.
CEVA Logistics
Cipla Limited
CMA CGM
Comair Business Rescue Consortium
Consolidated Infrastructure Group LTD
Corobrik
Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited
Discovery Limited
Distell Group Holdings Limited (“Distell”)
DSV South Africa Proprietary Limited
Edcon
Emerging Capital Partners
enX Group Limited
Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium Limited
Experian
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa
G4S plc
General Partner Proprietary Limited
Grindrod Group Limited
Hoegh Autoliner AS
Hollard Holdings Limited
IDC
Imerys
Investec Group
Invicta Holdings Limited
Kleoss Fund 1 en commandite Partnership (“Kleoss”)
Konecranes PLC
LafargeHolcim
Massmart
Mediterranean Shipping Company SA
Microsoft Corporation
Netflix
Nestle SA
Old Mutual Insure
RZ Murowa Holdings Limited
PG Group
RMB Corvest
RWC Co Gmbh
Sanlam
Sasol
Sibanye Stillwater
South 32
Stuttafords and Pickfords
Tarsus Technology Group Limited
Tetrad Investments Holdings Proprietary Limited
Teraco Data Environments (Pty) Ltd
Vivo Energy Namibia
The Government Employees Pension Fund (“GEPF”)
Tiger Brands Limited
Totalgaz Proprietary Limited.
ThyssenKrupp AG
Vodacom Proprietary Limited
Absa
Air France KLM
Nedbank
Santam
Vivendi
Health Funders Association
Work highlights
- Advising Distell Group Holdings Limited on a transaction involving the acquisition by Heineken International of a further interest in Namibia Breweries and the combination of Heineken’s current South African business.
- Advising Vivendi S.E. and Lagardère S.A. on the competition aspects concerning the acquisition of sole control by Vivendi S.E. over Lagardère S.A. by way of a public offer.
South Africa > Dispute resolution Tier 1
ENSafrica’s expansive dispute resolution practice has an excellent track record in handling high-profile commercial disputes, insurance litigation and cross-border mandates. George van Niekerk, who heads up the practice, specialises in representing large private companies in commercial litigation. Aslam Moosajee advises state-owned entities and clients in the media, financial services, education and telecoms sector on financial and commercial litigation and arbitrations. John Zieff‘s practice includes contractual, administrative and constitutional litigation; Sue Hayes garners praise for ‘her thoroughness and expansive thinking when considering options and angles in combative situations‘. Rob Scott and Deon Lambert are also notable names.Practice head(s):
George van Niekerk
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘ENSafrica’s litigation and dispute resolution team brings practical and reliable approaches to resolving disputes. In both commercial and regulatory related litigation, I have found the practitioners assigned to be proactively responsive, diligent, commercially astute and measured in their approach to cost management.’
‘George van Niekerk stands out for his depth, calm (but effective) and measured approach to finding solutions.’
‘What I appreciate is that it is a very diverse team. The team is extremely knowledgeable, and they really work together to always be available to meet client demands. Their service is personal, which makes clients feel that they are the only clients – we appreciate that.’
‘Aslam Moosajee is very dedicated and really makes time for his clients.’
Key clients
Garden Route Casino (Pty) Ltd and West Coast Leisure (Pty) Ltd
E Media Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries including Moonlighting Films Proprietary limited
Vodacom
Tiger Brands Limited
Golden Core Trade and Investment
Eskom Holdings SOC Limited
African Legal Support Facility & the Kingdom of Lesotho
Veraison (Pty) Ltd and Topical Paradise (Pty) Ltd
Gramercy Funds Management Ltd
South African Special Risk Insurance Association Limited
Discovery
The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities and The Law Society of South Africa
Telkom SA SOC Ltd
Work highlights
- Represented E Media Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries in litigation arising from refusals by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to grant benefits in terms of the Film And Television Incentive Scheme administered by the DTIC.
- Defending Vodacom against an application brought by the National Consumer Commission before the National Consumer Tribunal, concerning alleged breaches of the Consumer Protection Act.
South Africa > Employment Tier 1
ENSafrica‘s employment law practice continues to act for prominent mining, retail, aviation and financial sector clients on a broad spectrum of matters. Dion Masher, who is the national head of the employment department, has a solid track record in handling work for public sector entities, and counts pension fund issues, collective bargaining, corporate restructurings, restraints of trade and industrial action matters as key areas of expertise. Brian Patterson specialises in compensation work, and Muzi Khoza is especially active in labour litigation. Fritz Malan is a key contact for sports-related employment issues, and Joe Mothibi regularly acts for telecoms and technology clients. Balindile Shezi, Audrey Johnson, Stuart Harrison and Ross Alcock are key practitioners to note.Practice head(s):
Dion Masher
Other key lawyers:
Brian Patterson; Stuart Harrison; Ross Alcock; Muzi Khoza; Fritz Malan; Balindile Shezi; Joe Mothibi; Audrey Johnson
Testimonials
‘Innovative practical solutions, available on demand, incredible knowledge of up to date cases. Most importantly, they know the client and give fair advice.’
‘Muzi Khoza is an exceptional partner who is well versed with industry players and naturally intuitive with labour law.’
‘Practical and business orientated solutions to client needs.’
‘Advice is very carefully researched. They are candid in providing advice, even if it is not necessarily what the client wants to hear.’
‘Brian Patterson is extremely knowledgeable in labour law and is very thorough in his advice. His advice is based on his many years of actual experience on labour law matters, not just case law.’
Key clients
Southern Sun Hotel Interests Proprietary Limited
Oceana Group Limited
Golden Arrow Bus Services (Pty) Ltd
Department of Home Affairs
Nutun Proprietary Limited
Deutsche Securities (Pty) Ltd
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
South African Revenue Service
South African Airways SOC
Minerals Council South Africa
Work highlights
- Represented Southern Sun in a dispute with trade union SACCAWU concerning a 5.5% salary increase granted to the union’s members, effective from April 2020; due to the COVID-19 pandemic the salary increase was not granted.
- Advised the Oceana Group in relation to an investigation into wide-ranging allegations raised by senior employees with the client’s external auditors, who treated the employees as whistleblowers.
- Advising Golden Arrow Bus Services on a multi-streamed strategy to address a significant wage disparity issue, developed over time due to wage rates based on seniority in place at the company and across-the-board increases imposed by collective agreements concluded in an industry bargaining council.
South Africa > Mining Tier 1
At ENSafrica, Ntsiki Adonisi-Kgame leads the firm’s natural resources and environmental practice, and covers all areas of mining law. Pieter Colyn heads the mining and occupational health and safety department; the combined practices assist across a broad range of contentious and non-contentious mining matters. Adonisi-Kgame has established experience in advising on mining M&A, environmental issues and dispute resolution in the mining industry, and Colyn has an excellent track record in handling work concerning high-profile safety incidents in the sector. In addition to his role as firm COO, Otsile Matlou is well known for assisting throughout the life cycle of a mine, from exploration to decommissioning. Celeste Coles, Willem le Roux and Warren Hendricks are further key practitioners to note.Practice head(s):
Ntsiki Adonisi-Kgame; Pieter Colyn
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are an incredibly knowledgeable team. Always available to assist with quick turnaround times. The team is very diverse.’
‘Ntsiki Adonisi – very sharp and charming attorney with great people skills. Highly knowledgeable with a great aptitude for delivering products in a timely manner.’
Key clients
Red Rocket South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Engie Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd
Marula Energy
World Bank Group
African Legal Support Facility
Umsobomvu (Pty) Ltd.
South Africa > Projects and infrastructure Tier 1
ENSafrica’s ‘highly experienced‘ project development and project finance department is led by Eric le Grange, who garners praise for bringing ‘a wealth of experience in power and infrastructure financing’ to the practice. The team continues to handle a high volume of renewable energy projects, as well as assisting sponsors, contractors, lenders, borrowers and developers with infrastructure development matters within the rail, oil and gas, mining and roads sectors. Lauren Petersen brings expertise in public private partnerships, while Noma Modise advises international financial institutions on the financing of projects within South Africa. Kumeshnie Naidoo acts on infrastructure and project development matters. Loren Tibshraeny, John Ferraz and Sasha Singh are singled out for their contributions. Venetia Govender left the firm in May 2023.Practice head(s):
Eric le Grange
Other key lawyers:
Loren Tibshraeny; Noma Modise; Lauren Petersen; John Ferraz; Sasha Singh; Kumeshnie Naidoo
Testimonials
‘Always easy to approach and make themselves available to discuss issues. Have been creative in proposing workable solutions.’
‘The team responds well to pressure and keeps to deadlines.’
‘Eric le Grange has an excellent negotiating style – firm yet diplomatic and always mild mannered.’
‘Eric le Grange, Noma Modise, Lauren Petersen and Loren Tibshraeny are always accessible.’
Key clients
Standard Bank Namibia Limited
Standard Bank South Africa Limited
VS Hydro Africa
MOL Power Hydroelectric Energy
Work highlights
- Advised Standard Bank Namibia Limited and Standard Bank South Africa Limited on the development of the 44MW Diaz wind farm in Namibia.
- Acting as sponsor counsel to VS Hydro and MOL Energy regarding the development of a 5MW hydro power plant in Zimbabwe.
- Advised four banks on the development and financing of a separate onshore wind facility with a contracted capacity of 140 MW, made up of three wind farms.
South Africa > Tax Tier 1
Led by Peter Dachs, ENSafrica’s prominent tax practice assists major multinational and domestic clients with the whole range of tax work. Dachs brings considerable international tax expertise, as well as advising financial institutions and corporates on the tax implications of M&A and group reorganisations. Kristel van Rensburg specialises in mining taxation, while Andries Myburgh and Robert Gad have expertise in assisting corporates and B-BBEE shareholders with the tax aspects of B-BBEE transactions. Charles De Wet is highly regarded for his excellent track record in advising on VAT, and Jens Brodbeck is sought after for his strength in transfer pricing matters. Simon Weber has experience in tax controversy matters and mineral royalties tax disputes.Practice head(s):
Peter Dachs
Other key lawyers:
Kristel van Rensburg; Andries Myburgh; Robert Gad; Jens Brodbeck; Charles de Wet; Simon Weber
Testimonials
‘Exceptional team that is willing to think out of the box and not afraid to venture into unknown territory with regards to tax matters not previously tested in a court. They truly have their clients’ best interests at heart.‘
Key clients
Standard Bank Limited
Teraco Data Environments (Pty) Ltd
TFG
4Sight Holdings Ltd
Amrod Corporate Solutions (Pty) Ltd
TymeBank Limited
London Clubs International Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Standard Bank and its clients on the tax aspects of setting up offshore vehicles in order to facilitate a private equity vehicle.
- Advising Teraco Data Environments (Pty) Ltd on the South African tax aspects of a potential disposal of shares in a South African entity by an offshore vehicle, and restructuring the group to introduce minority investors.
- Advised The Foschini Group Limited on the tax aspects of its acquisition of a 100% stake in Tapestry Home Brands and its subsidiaries.
South Africa > Intellectual property Tier 2
ENSafrica‘s intellectual property practice ‘provides a world-class service‘ and ‘an unparalleled level of efficiency in navigating through the complex and ever-evolving world of intellectual property‘, and the team garners praise for its ‘in-depth knowledge of patent laws and regulations‘. Practice head Gaelyn Scott has a strong reputation for her expertise in advising on strategic portfolio and brand management, the enforcement of intellectual property rights and IP disputes. Waldo Steyn leads the commercial IP group, and counts licensing and franchising as core strengths. Joanne van Harmelen specialises in pharmaceutical, life sciences and biotechnology patents matters. Rowan Forster focuses on assisting agrochemical sector clients with trade mark and patent issues; he co-leads the trade mark prosecution team with the ‘detail-oriented and extremely professional‘ Ilse du Plessis. Liézal Mostert and Tevin Jones are also singled out for their contributions.Practice head(s):
Gaelyn Scott
Other key lawyers:
Rowan Forster; Joanne van Harmelen; Ilse du Plessis; Waldo Steyn; Liézal Mostert; Tevin Jones
Testimonials
‘Approachable and friendly team with an impressive reach across Africa.’
‘Ilse du Plessis is a pleasure to deal with.’
‘The team’s level of professionalism and dedication surpasses all expectations. From the very beginning of the patent application process, they demonstrated an exceptional understanding of my needs and a keen attention to detail.’
‘What truly sets them apart is their commitment to delivering a thorough and comprehensive service. The team’s ability to think creatively and strategically proved invaluable. Their proactive approach and insightful suggestions truly showcased their expertise in the field.’
‘The team was an absolute delight to work with. Their friendly demeanor, combined with their prompt and clear communication, fostered a positive and collaborative environment.’
‘Their professionalism, combined with their creative thinking and friendly approach, has made them an unrivaled force in the field of intellectual property law.’
‘Waldo Steyn shows an exceptional level of efficiency and professionalism. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident in every aspect of our collaboration. His ability to simplify complex legal matters was truly remarkable. Whenever we encountered obstacles or challenges, he approached them with a fresh perspective and provided innovative solutions. His resourcefulness and adaptability truly set him apart. His exceptional qualities as a legal professional, combined with his friendly and approachable nature, make him a true asset to the firm.’
‘The practice has leading experts handling our matters in a professional manner with confidence.’
Key clients
Altron TMT Proprietary Limited
ABSA Bank
Adcock Ingram Healthcare (Pty) Ltd
Bidvest
Bloomberg
Central University of Technology (CUT)
Ceva Animal
Christian Laboutin
Cipla
Cirque du Soleil
Conde Nast / Advance Legal
Core Computer Group
Cricket South Africa
Dr Reddy’s
EOH
Eskom
Ferrero Group / Soremartec
Grindrod
Korridor Holdings
Kganya Brands
Hilton Hotels
Hollard
Investec
Italtile
Lactalis
Life Healthcare
MTN Group
Nedbank
Ninety One
Omnia Group Proprietary Limited
Ram Couriers
Sappi
Sanlam
Servest
South African Airways
South African Reserve Bank
Telkom
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Tiger Food Brands Intellectual Property Holding Company
Unilever
UPL group
Weir Minerals
Work highlights
- Advised Altron TMT SA Group Proprietary Limited on the IP aspects of a sale of business and a related “safety-net” licence to a counter party.
- Assisting Omnia Group with multinational patent filing and portfolio management.
- Assisted the UPL group of companies with filing over 1100 trade marks in multiple jurisdictions as well as maintaining the UPL in-house trade mark database.
South Africa > Real estate Tier 2
With experience in restitution law, land rights, and commercial property transactions, particularly those involving immovable and movable property issues, Andrew Bembridge leads ENSafrica’s multidisciplinary real estate and property team. The department has established expertise in handling a wide spectrum of real estate and property matters for traditional communities and prominent domestic and international banking, corporate and financial services clients. Len Vorster fields over three decades of experience in the space, and counts conveyancing, sectional title schemes, notarial matters and residential and commercial property transactions as key areas of strength. Fritz Schulz specialises in property law, and regularly advises on commercial property finance matters. Lee-Anne Hopley brings experience in conveyancing matters.Practice head(s):
Andrew Bembridge
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A team that knows how to handle difficult situations.’
‘They deliver consistent results.’
‘Always practical and approachable.’
Key clients
Sabi Private Game Reserve
Autumn Storm Investment 379 Pty Limited
Red Rocket
Kasada GP
First National Bank
Zeus Property Co Pty Ltd
The Niche development
FPG Group
Ceva Logistics
FirstRand Bank
Public Investment Corporation
Boschendal wine estate
South Africa > Shipping and transport Tier 2
ENSafrica‘s department has established strength in handling a broad range of contentious and non-contentious shipping matters. Practice head Tony Norton is a specialist in maritime law and acts for marine insurers, agents, and owners and operators of vessels in cases involving maritime casualties, as well as defending maritime claims before the High Court. Jacqui Kaufmann is highly regarded for her expertise in handling litigation arising from ship attachments and arrests, and Kate Pitman‘s workload includes assisting with bills of lading, contracts of affreightment, and charterparty matters. Marine insurance and defence disputes are key areas of instruction for Michael Tucker. Bibi Motala and Angelique Barroso-Cordier are key names in the team.Practice head(s):
Tony Norton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The shipping department provides an exceptional legal service with very good response times and excellent understanding of the business. The shipping department has a particularly dynamic and diverse team of young, talented and seasonal professionals. The team are always a pleasure to work with and make the effort to build and maintain client relationships.’
‘Tony Norton is widely considered to be the leading shipping practitioner in South Africa. He is exceptional with his broad range of knowledge and experience in the field.’
‘All the team members are extremely accessible, hardworking and deliver an impeccable standard of work. Tony Norton and his team are my preferred lawyers for all shipping matters and make an excellent team to work with.’
‘ENS has highly experienced attorneys.’
‘Jacqui Kaufmann and Bibi Motala are down to earth and personable.’
Key clients
Amawandle Hake (Pty) Ltd (an Oceana Group Limited [‘OGL’] subsidiary)
QBE British Marine
2OPIC (Pty) Ltd
Gard AS
Koch Shipping Pte Ltd
Reed Smith LLP
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA (MSC)
Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited
Korea Shipping Corporation
Korea Tonnage No.27 Shipping Company
Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Europe
Sociedade de Desenvolvimento do Port de Maputo S.A.R.L (“MPDC”)
Terminal de Carvao da Matola Limitada (“TCM”)
Group Risk Mutual Limited
NS Qingdao Shipping Co Ltd
London P&I Club
Prime Paradise International Limited
P&I Associates (Pty) Ltd
Chiotelis & Co, Greece
Minmetals Logistics Zhejiang Co. Ltd
Charterers P&I Club
The Shipowners’ Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg)
Linsen Nambi (Pty) Ltd
ONE Line A/S
North Standard P&I Club
Owners of the mv THEMIS
Owners of the mv FORTUNE STAR
The Swedish P&I Club
African Marine Solutions
The American P&I Club
Work highlights
- Advising Amawandle Hake (Pty) Ltd and P&I insurers, QBE British Marine, in respect of an allision by a commercial trawler with a quayside, causing a shoreside crane to partially destroy a quayside building installation.
- Advising Prime Paradise International Limited regarding a dispute over the ownership of the vessel “Marvin Star”, on the grounds that transfer of ownership of the vessel was fraudulent.
- Providing ongoing assistance to the Korea Shipping Corporation and the Korea Tonnage No.27 Shipping Company of the mv “SM New York”, via the Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Europe, regarding multiple high-value claims arising from damage caused by high winds through the port of Durban in 2017.
South Africa > Construction Tier 3
ENSafrica‘s construction group operates from within the firm’s project development and finance practice, led by Eric le Grange. Loren Tibshraeny, who leads the construction team, is well known for his expertise in front-end matters, and is regularly instructed by developers, contractors and lenders in the space. Armando Aguiar specialises in construction litigation, and has been kept busy advising on contractual disputes on a domestic and international scale. Grange fields experience in project procurement, finance and regulatory matters, and Carol Makutu is active on contentious construction mandates.Practice head(s):
Loren Tibshraeny
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Deep experience and practical advice tailored to the size of the project.’
‘Eric le Grange – great to work with. Practical. Invests in relationship with clients.’
Key clients
Red Rocket South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Nedbank Limited
Goldwind New Energy South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Red Rocket South Africa (Pty) Ltd on the design, development, financing, construction, commissioning and operation of the Wolf, Rietkloof and Brandvalley onshore wind facilities, after the client was awarded preferred bidder status under Bid Window 5 of the South African REIPPP.
- Advised the Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and Nedbank Limited on the construction, design, financing and development of a solar plant, with Exxaro Coal Pty Ltd acting as offtaker.
- Advised Goldwind New Energy South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Goldwind International on various agreements and sub- contracts relating to the Msenge and Castle Wind Farms.
South Africa > Investment funds Tier 3
Head of banking and finance Craig Saven leads the investment fund practice at ENSafrica; the practice leverages the expertise of the corporate and tax departments, as well as the banking and finance group, to advise on a broad range of funds work. Johan Loubser has a solid track record in assisting with fund formation and regulatory matters, particularly venture capital and private equity funds, and advises managers, pension funds, collective investment schemes and hedge funds on regulatory issues. Alternative investment structures are a key area of strength for Jessica Blumenthal, Magda Snyckers specialises in tax issues, and Cheri Young advises on private equity and registered investment funds.Practice head(s):
Craig Saven
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The technical expertise of the asset management and investment funds practice at ENSafrica is exceptionally strong. The team’s broad knowledge of insurance, collective investment schemes and financial services regulation is unparalleled and is particularly unique given the team’s detailed understanding of how these structures operate in practice.’
‘Johan Loubser is a standout adviser in the financial services sector – his advice is always well reasoned and technically sound, but it is also shaped by a solid understanding of the practical industry realities.’
ENSafrica > Firm Profile
ENSafrica
Credible difference
With over 600 specialist practitioners, ENSafrica is Africa’s largest law firm and has the capacity to deliver on your business requirements across all major industries and the African continent. We are able to leverage our resources to deliver legal solutions that suit your pricing preferences and timeframes.
Excellence
ENSafrica is recognised by top ranking agencies such as Chambers Global Guide, Legal 500 EMEA Guide, IFLR1000 Financial and Corporate Guide and International Tax Review’s World Tax Guide, as well as by the African Legal Awards and DealMakers Awards, for achieving consistently high standards when working on the continent.
Novel solutions
We will work to find innovative solutions to ensure you achieve your commercial goals, whether it be successfully executing a strategy, maintaining a competitive edge or defending your position. Our aim is to deliver in the manner that best suits your business requirements, preferences and pricing structures. We can advise you directly, or work closely with your in-house legal teams.
Synergy
With more than 200 years’ experience, ENSafrica has significant expertise across the breadth of commercial areas and covering the African continent. We are committed to creating enduring client relationships, which are founded in a values-driven culture, and to providing you with to-the-point, jargon-free advice. We harness our deep specialist expertise in areas relevant to the project and at the correct level. This enables us to tailor-make solutions for you, with the desired turnaround times and cost efficiencies.
Africa focus
Over many years, ENSafrica has developed a large knowledge base of resources and a deep understanding of local nuances and ways of doing business. We have practical experience working on the ground and direct access to high-end, professional contacts across the continent, assuring you of consistent quality and world-class service. We have practitioners who are qualified to practise English law and French law and we have extensive experience in the legal codes of OHADA used in West and Central Africa.
Our practice areas
- Africa Regulatory and Business Intelligence
- Agribusiness
- Asia-Africa Trade
- Aviation
- Banking and Finance
- Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)
- Competition / Antitrust
- Corporate Commercial
- Data Privacy and Protection
- Dispute Resolution
- Employment
- Energy
- Environment
- Fiduciary
- Fintech
- Forensics
- Immigration
- India-Africa Trade
- Infrastructure
- Insolvency, Restructuring and Business Rescue
- Insurance
- IntelligENS (AI)
- International Arbitration
- Intellectual Property (IP)
- Mining
- Mine and Occupational Health and Safety (MOHS)
- Natural Resources and Environment
- Private Clients
- Private Equity
- Pro Bono and Corporate Social Investment
- Project Development and Project Finance
- Real Estate / Property
- Retirement Funds
- Shipping, Ports and Logistics
- Tax
- Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT)
Offices
ENSafrica is Africa’s largest law firm, with offices in Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda. We also have two dedicated pro bono offices in South Africa.
Through our in-country and regional expertise, combined with our network of high quality correspondent firms, we are able to assist you with all your legal and tax requirements, no matter where in Africa you choose to do business.
ENSafrica | Ghana
5th Floor Vivo Place, Cantonments City, Rangoon Lane, Accra
tel: +233 30 225 3980
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
ENSafrica | Kenya
15th Floor One Africa Place, Junction of Chiromo and Rhapta Roads, Westlands, Nairobi
tel: +254 205 007 000
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
ENSafrica | Mauritius
19 Church Street, Port Louis
tel: +230 212 2215
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
ENSafrica | Namibia
Unit 3 Ground Floor, Sonneneck Building, Moses Garoeb Street, Swakopmund
tel: +264 64 415 380
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
No 4 1st Floor, The Business Park, Sam Nujoma Avenue, Walvis Bay
tel: +264 64 281 100
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
Unit 4 LA Chambers, Ausspann Plaza, Dr Agostinho Neto Road, Windhoek
tel: +264 61 379 700
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
ENSafrica | Rwanda
Kacyiru KG 7th Avenue #35, Blue Star House 1st Floor – Wing B, Kigali
tel: +250 252 551 500
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
ENSafrica South Africa
35 Lower Long Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
tel: +27 21 410 2500
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
1 Richefond Circle, Ridgeside Office Park, Umhlanga, Durban
tel: +27 31 536 8600
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
The MARC | Tower 1, 129 Rivonia Road, Sandton, Johannesburg
tel: +27 11 269 7600
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
La Gratitude, 97 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch
tel: +27 21 808 6620
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
ENSafrica | Uganda
4th Floor, Rwenzori Towers, Plot 6 Nakasero Road, Nakasero, Kampala
tel: +256 31 222 5500
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Justin Balkin | Director | View Profile | |
Mr Irvin Lawrence | Director. | View Profile | |
Mr Tony Norton | Director. | View Profile | |
Ms Kate Pitman | Director. | View Profile | |
Mr Fritz Schulz | Director | View Profile | |
Ms Ilse du Plessis | Director | View Profile | |
Ms Tracy van Wyk | Director | View Profile |
ENSafrica > Firm Profile
ENSafrica
ENSafrica is Africa’s largest law firm, with offices in Eastern, Southern and Western Africa. With more than 600 specialist practitioners, we have deep expertise and the capacity to solve all your legal, tax, forensics and IP requirements, and help you navigate regulatory hurdles, no matter where in Africa you do business.
We are entrusted by major local and international clients to handle and co-ordinate even their most complex and sensitive requirements quickly, efficiently and with excellence. As a result, our consistently high standards have been recognised by prestigious international ranking agencies.
Because we have had many years of practical experience working on the ground throughout Africa, we have developed a proven track record and a solid understanding of local cultural, commercial and geopolitical contexts, as well as long-standing partnerships with trusted firms with whom we work.
For more information, visit www.ENSafrica.com or contact one of our offices:
ENSafrica | Ghana
5th Floor Vivo Place, Cantonments City, Rangoon Lane, Accra
tel: +233 30 225 3980
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
ENSafrica | Kenya
15th Floor, One Africa Place, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi
tel: +254 205 007 000
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
ENSafrica | Mauritius
18 Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis
tel: +230 212 2215
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
ENSafrica | Namibia
Shop 2 Ground Floor, Altstadthof, corner Libertina Amathila Avenue and Bismarck Street, Swakopmund
tel: +264 64 415 380
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
No 4 1st Floor, The Business Park, Sam Nujoma Avenue, Walvis Bay
tel: +264 64 281 100
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
Unit 4 LA Chambers, Ausspann Plaza, Dr Agostinho Neto Road, Windhoek
tel: +264 61 379 700
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
ENSafrica | Rwanda
Kacyiru, KG 7th Avenue #35, Blue Star House, 1st Floor – Wing B, Kigali
tel: +250 252 551 500
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
ENSafrica South Africa
35 Lower Long Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
tel: +27 21 410 2500
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
1 Richefond Circle, Ridgeside Office Park, Umhlanga, Durban
tel: +27 31 536 8600
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
The MARC | Tower 1, 129 Rivonia Road, Sandton, Johannesburg
tel: +27 11 269 7600
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
La Gratitude, 97 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch
tel: +27 21 808 6620
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
ENSafrica | Uganda
4th Floor, Rwenzori Towers, Plot 6 Nakasero Road, Nakasero, Kampala
tel: +256 31 222 5500
[email protected]
www.ENSafrica.com
International Capabilities
ENSafrica is Africa’s largest law firm, with over 600 specialist practitioners, giving us the capacity to deliver on our clients’ business requirements in all major industries across the African continent.
While Africa provides great potential for growth, businesses often face unpredictable regional challenges and conflicting regulatory requirements. It is therefore useful to have a partner who has African know-how and multijurisdictional capabilities.
Over many years, ENSafrica has accumulated practical experience working on the ground throughout Africa, and has a solid understanding of local markets, cultures, nuances and ways of doing business.
Our cross-border, continent-wide expertise in law, tax, regulatory, forensics and IP is augmented by our longstanding partnerships with high-end, professional correspondent firms, who have been selected for their deep in-country know-how. This enables our clients to receive advice from the most qualified legal advisors in each jurisdiction, and assures them of consistent quality and world-class service across the African continent.
Operating independently allows us to offer advice that is always in the best interests of our clients.
ENSafrica has practitioners who are qualified and registered to practise English law and French law, and we have extensive experience in the legal codes of OHADA used in West and Central Africa. We are also able to transact in a variety of foreign languages such as Cantonese, Mandarin and Portuguese.
Diversity
Diversity at ENSafrica
Recognising Diversity is one of ENSafrica’s four core values. We believe that excellence and the ability to provide novel solutions for our clients are strongly ameliorated by the coming together of practitioners with diverse backgrounds, skillsets and perspectives.
ENSafrica demonstrably embraces our unique differences which extend across genders, life choices, locations, culture, race and more. Our people are given equal opportunities and special allowances are proactively made for unique circumstances and for those who were previously marginalised or suffered discrimination.
Pro bono and corporate social investment
We are deeply aware of the socio-economic context in which we operate. We are committed to offering access to justice, free of charge, to qualifying disadvantaged individuals through our two pro bono offices in Alexandra (Johannesburg) and Mitchells Plain (Cape Town). These offices, which were the first of their kind in South Africa, provide free, high-quality legal services to the community from within the community. All ENSafrica practitioners in South Africa, regardless of rank, render at least 32 hours of pro bono service per year to this initiative, which is 50% more than is required by the Legal Practice Council. We also provide commissioners for the small claims courts that are run in our pro bono offices. We also recently launched a pro bono offering in Windhoek, Namibia.
In addition, through all our offices, we provide free legal services (pro amico) to a variety of causes and projects, and we donate funding and resources to a number of interest groups and organisations.
B-BBEE in South Africa
As an African law firm, we are committed to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) in South Africa. B-BBEE is a constitutionally mandated objective of the South African Government which seeks to address the legacy of apartheid through legislation and policy aimed at increasing the participation of black people in the economy.
It consists of measures and initiatives aimed at increasing levels of equity ownership by black people in businesses operating in South Africa, increasing the number of black people who participate in management roles in businesses, improving the skills of black employees, assisting black owned SMMEs, procuring goods and services from businesses that are good contributors to B-BBEE, and corporate social investment.