Friday 5 September 2025
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Registration
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Carina Wessels, Executive: Governance, Legal, Compliance and Sustainability - Alexforbes9:15 AM - 10:00 AM | Keynote address - Beyond the Headlines: Media Ethics, Geopolitical Change, and Legal Challenges in the Digital Era
This keynote speech will explore the impact of digitization on the media landscape and its ripple effects across various sectors. It will examine recent geopolitical shifts, exploring how global power dynamics are shaping media narratives and giving rise to new legal and ethical challenges. Tailored for in-house lawyers, this session offers valuable insights into the evolving intersection of media, law, and geopolitics in today’s increasingly complex digital world.
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM | Mastering the Business Language: Strategies to Amplify Your Presence and Maximize Board Relations
In today's dynamic legal landscape, the ability to effectively communicate the language of the business is a crucial skill for general counsel. This panel session will empower legal professionals with the skill set and strategies needed to effectively communicate and establish their presence within their organizations, strengthen relationships with business partners, and maximize their influence within boardrooms. Join us to gain practical insights to enhance your executive presence, influence decision-making and foster relationships with business partners.
Bertrandt Delport, Legal director, International - BT South AfricaYolandi Jukes, Group Corporate Legal Counsel - Pepkor Lifestyle
Michael Maistry, Ad Interim General Manager - Roche
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM | Coffee Break
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM | Enhancing Legal Department Visibility and Influence: The Power of KPIs
Legal functions are increasingly scrutinized for their impact on business performance and it has become essential for legal departments to demonstrate their added value. This session will equip in-house lawyers with the strategies for selecting meaningful KPIs to increase the visibility and position the legal department as a key driver for the success of the business. Join us to increase the influence of your legal department across your organization.
Kubashnie Pillay, Regional Head of Legal and Compliance - ENGENCastalia Moloi, SVP Legal, IP & Compliance - Sasol
Salathiel Seotsanyana, General Counsel and Secretariat - Mphahlele Mining Consultants (PTY)
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM | Championing Diversity: Empowering and Retaining Legal Talent
Diversity within legal teams has become a strategic advantage. This panel session will explore the strategies and best practices for championing diversity, promoting an inclusive culture, and retaining top legal talent in an increasingly competitive market. Join our expert panellists as they share insights into best practices for recruitment, retention, and professional development that prioritize DE&I.
Nyasha Matewe, Corporate Commercial Legal Counsel Sub-Saharan Africa - BAT SSAAnnabelle Thomas, General Counsel SSA - L'Oréal
Yesthiel Singh, General Counsel - IQBusiness
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM | Lunch Break
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM | Leveraging Technology to Improve Efficiency: AI Explained
In an era where technological advancements are transforming every industry, the legal sector is no exception. This session will provide an in-depth exploration of the available technology with a focus on AI tools. Our expert speakers will share real-life applications and insights on how these advancements can effectively be harnessed within legal departments. Join us to leverage technology, drive innovation and deliver greater value to your organization.
Siya Madyibi, Executive Director: Legal and Corporate Affairs - Microsoft CorporationLeah Molatseli, Lawer, Legal Tech Specialist and Founder - Contract Alchemists
Yurika Pistorius, Group Compliance Officer - Clientele
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM | Navigating Uncertainty: Aligning Risk Tolerance with Business Objectives
In today's volatile business environment, effectively managing risk is more crucial than ever. This panel session aims to provide legal professionals with insights to navigate uncertainty by aligning risk tolerance with business objectives. Attendees will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to make informed decisions and achieve success in an unpredictable world. Join us to learn how to identify risks, evaluate their impact and develop mitigation strategies that ensure your organization's long-term success.
Dr. Denis Peterson, General Counsel - Mercedes-Benz South AfricaAnthea Holland, Group General Counsel Executive: Litigation and Regulatory Compliance - Massmart
Shantel Deleste David, Head of Legal and Company Secretary - The Beverage Company
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM | Roundtable Discussions
Join these highly interactive, participatory roundtable sessions for legal leaders to engage with peers in an intimate knowledge exchange that ensures highly relevant, actionable and time-efficient dialogue that drives value.
Roundtable 1
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM | Global Geopolitical Trends and Risks: Preparing for Tomorrow
The global geopolitical landscape is marked by significant trends and risks that demand strategic foresight and adaptive responses. As nations navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected environment, understanding these dynamics is crucial for businesses. In this forward-looking session, attendees will explore and discuss potential geopolitical and geo-economic trends and challenges that are likely to shape the future of the African region in the coming years. Martins Ogbolu, Executive Head of Risk and Compliance - Vodacom GroupArdilah Mohamed, SA Head of Legal and Head of Compliance Sub-Saharan Africa - Danone