Key Takeaways:
 

  • Mastering the Business Language: move from ‘department of no’ to co-architects of business strategy, build trust and influence outcomes.
  • The Power of KPIs: use measurable indicators to demonstrate legal’s value, drive credibility, and integrate with organizational goals.
  • Championing Diversity: foster diverse perspectives, mentorship, and inclusive culture to enhance performance and innovation.
  • Leveraging Technology and AI: embrace AI responsibly to improve efficiency, compliance, and strategic decision-making, while managing liability and IP risks.
  • Risk Management: adopt a holistic, proactive approach that balances legal, operational, and business risks, focusing on mitigation rather than elimination.
  • Geopolitical Trends and Risks: monitor external trends and uncertainties, embed legal in planning, and use foresight to inform strategy and supply chain resilience.



Event Report
 

On Friday, 5 September 2025, leading in-house counsel from across Africa gathered at the prestigious Wanderers Club in Johannesburg, to discuss trends and challenges impacting their day-to-day work and the future of legal in an ever-evolving landscape. The forum was powered by Law.com International in association with Global Leaders in Law and the Corporate Counsel Association.

The full-day conference featured a dynamic mix of panel discussions and roundtable sessions, all aimed at fostering a strong and collaborative legal community across the region. Habiba Cullen-Jafar, Senior Reporter at Law.com International, welcomed attendees and set the tone for the day’s proceedings.

Carina Wessels, Executive: Governance, Legal, Compliance and Sustainability at Alexforbes, then took the stage. As Chair of the conference, she warmly welcomed everyone in attendance and offered insights into ‘Casual Day’ – a uniquely South African initiative that encourages people to look beyond stereotypes and labels, and to appreciate individuals with disability by celebrating their full humanity and capabilities, emphasizing the need for a shift in perspective towards building a South Africa where everyone belongs.

The day continued with the keynote address, Beyond Headlines: Media Ethics, Geopolitical Change and Legal Challenges in the Digital Era delivered by Tšepiso Makwetla – News and Current Affairs Broadcast Journalist, Dialogue Moderator and Public Health Activist on MNCH and WCAH.

The speech emphasized the need for law and journalism to work together to uphold truth and accountability. She highlighted how journalism has been transformed by technology, social media and major global events such as 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, the Arab Spring and the Covid-19 pandemic. These shifts have led to decentralization and the rise of citizen journalism, but also to disinformation, declining public trust, and increased threats to journalists. Tšepiso noted that at the M20 Summit, 50 organizations drafted a declaration urging G20 leaders to recognize information integrity as a public good, to protect journalists, and to establish ethical frameworks for AI. The speech concluded with a call for collaboration between law and journalism, urging lawyers to take on greater roles in shaping copyright law, AI policy, and cross-border media regulations. Lawyers, Tšepiso stressed, are essential to safeguarding editorial independence and the safety of journalists because protecting the truth is fundamental to democracy.

The keynote sparked active engagement from attendees during the Q&A session. In particular, they emphasized the importance of fact-checking and raised concerns about the risks posed by AI if not carefully managed. A compelling point was made about the growing role of social media in journalism, noting that while these platforms are now central to news distribution, they can also be manipulated to spread misinformation.

The first panel session of the day, Mastering the Business Language: Strategies to Amplify Your Presence and Maximize Board Relations, was moderated by Yolandi Jukes, Group Corporate Legal Counsel at Pepkor Lifestyle. The panel featured Bertrandt Delport, Legal Director, International at BT South Africa; Michael Maistry, Head of Legal and Compliance, Privacy and Risk at Roche Products; Nikki Hammond, Business and Legal Affairs at 2U; and Lynelle Bagwandeen, Group Company Secretary and Head of Global Company Secretariat at Prosus Group.

The session began with an interactive opening, inviting the audience to participate in a live poll on whether they would adopt an AI-powered pet. The evenly split 50/50 response served as a metaphor for boardroom dynamics, where progressive and conservative perspectives often collide, and decision-making becomes a negotiation exercise.

As Nikki noted, “Engaging with boards can feel like pleading in a courtroom without a judge”. Lawyers are frequently perceived as the “Department of No”, but the challenge lies in shifting from gatekeepers to enablers. This requires a deep understanding of the business, framing legal advice in commercial terms, simplifying with visuals, adapting communication styles, and focusing on strategic risk management. Bertrand addressed imposter syndrome, emphasizing the importance of listening: “We have two ears and one mouth — use them in that proportion”. He stressed the need to balance legal expertise with broader company strategy. Michael cautioned against falling into the compliance trap of legalese, arguing that influence often outweighs expertise: “We need to move from being advisors to being co-creators”.

The panel agreed that mastering the language of business transforms General Counsel from cost centers into strategic growth drivers. Influence, they noted, stems from trust, relationships, and alignment. Lynelle highlighted the importance of aligning legal teams’ incentives with business objectives. When incentive structures diverge, commitment to enabling the business can erode. She encouraged legal professionals to proactively collaborate with managers and HR to ensure alignment. Once incentives are matched, and risks and ethics are respected, legal outputs naturally support the company’s overall strategy.

Liza Gropp, Chief Legal Officer at Mondi South Africa, moderated the second panel of the day, Enhancing Legal Department Visibility and Influence: The Power of KPIs. She was joined on stage by Kubashnie Pillay, Former Regional Head of Legal and Compliance; Castalia Moloi, SVP Legal, IP and Compliance at Sasol; and Salathiel Seotsanyana, General Counsel and Secretariat at Mphahlele Mining Consultants.

Liza opened the conversation with a powerful statement: the greatest risk for any legal department isn’t losing a case — it’s being invisible to the business. While no two legal teams are the same, every team has the potential to improve its growth, visibility, and influence. Legal is often viewed as essential but not strategic; the challenge lies in elevating its visibility. Castalia noted, “It is cheaper to have legal in the room than to risk doing it without us”, emphasizing the importance of proactive risk communication. Salathiel highlighted that poor recruitment and generic KPIs can set legal teams up for failure, while Kubashnie argued that KPIs should be seen as tools for growth, not punishment, and must be supported by proper training to link them to business strategy.

The panel stressed the importance of cross-functional input, especially from finance, and the need for KPIs to be flexible, living tools rather than tick-box exercises. Automation was cited as a way to dynamically track risks and adjust KPIs in real time. One example shared involved securing a critical license, which allowed a panelist’s legal department to be positioned as a business enabler and demonstrated the value legal can contribute. Aligning KPIs with strategy, demonstrating financial impact, and adapting to change can elevate the legal department from a cost center to a strategic partner.

The next panel session focused on Championing Diversity: Empowering and Retaining Legal Talent. Nyasha Matewe, Corporate Commercial Legal Counsel for Sub-Saharan Africa at BAT, moderated the discussion and was joined by Annabelle Thomas, General Counsel SSA at L'Oréal; Yesthiel Singh, General Counsel at IQBusiness; and Tamryn Sass, General Counsel at the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

The panel explored diversity, equity, and inclusion within legal teams, emphasizing that diversity is a strategic imperative, not merely a metric. Nyasha framed the conversation around building empowered and confident teams where members have voice, influence, and opportunity. Tamryn highlighted that effective diversity extends beyond race and gender, encompassing diversity of thought, experience, and meritocracy. She shared examples from her team, which blends senior experience with junior talent from non-traditional backgrounds, demonstrating how this enriches output and strengthens performance.

Annabelle emphasized the importance of affinity groups and mentorship in attracting and retaining underrepresented talent, providing safe spaces and access to role models. She cited initiatives such as creating a mother’s room and launching mentorship programs to help employees navigate challenges and build confidence. Tamryn further noted that culture, psychological safety, meaningful work, and clear growth opportunities are essential to retaining talent, particularly in a workforce with shorter tenures.

The discussion also addressed cognitive and unconscious bias, highlighting mindfulness, feedback, and transparent decision-making as key strategies to mitigate bias and foster inclusivity. Panelists stressed the importance of diversity of opportunity, ensuring all team members have the chance to lead, influence, and contribute strategically, rather than simply occupy a seat at the table. Examples included reverse mentorship programs and youth advisory committees, where junior employees offer insights on digital trends and social media strategy, generating tangible business value. Finally, the panel underscored the leadership responsibility to champion DE&I, dismantle traditional biases, and create learning and development pathways that empower legal professionals beyond their technical outputs, ensuring genuine inclusion and strategic contribution.

After a refreshing networking lunch break, attendees returned for a panel session hosted by Morais Leitão and moderated by Managing Associate Nicole Fortunato, Leveraging Technology to Improve Efficiency: AI Explained. Nicole was joined by Leah Molatseli, Lawyer, Legal Tech Specialist, and Founder of Contract Alchemists; Yurika Pistorius, Group Compliance Officer at Clientèle; and Larry Cooke, Head of Legal Africa at Binance.

The discussion centered on the adoption and governance of AI within corporate legal and compliance teams. Yurika highlighted the evolution of legal work, from traditional tools like dictaphones to AI-driven processes. She emphasized the importance of understanding technology, establishing governance frameworks, and embracing cultural change, noting that lawyers must adapt continuously and maintain curiosity, even in more traditional sectors. Larry underscored the need for collaboration between legal and compliance teams, aligning with business objectives, and leveraging AI for efficiency while preparing for its broader societal and operational impacts. Leah advocated for micro-upskilling, safe experimentation, and the responsible use of AI, particularly legal-specific tools, to strike a balance between innovation and risk.

The panel also addressed practical challenges in AI compliance, including communicating value, embedding cultural change, managing liability, and protecting intellectual property. Panelists noted that responsibility often falls on the party with the most to lose, making proactive legal safeguards essential. They further emphasized the distinction between automation and AI, and highlighted the importance of operational roles, such as legal operations and project managers, in streamlining processes and enabling legal teams to focus on strategic advisory work.

The fifth panel session of the day, Navigating Uncertainty: Aligning Risk Tolerance with Business Objectives, was moderated by Denis Peterson, General Counsel at Mercedes-Benz South Africa. The panel featured Anthea Holland, VP and Assistant General Counsel at Massmart, and Lufuno Trevor Shinwana, Head of Legal at The South African Breweries.

The discussion emphasized that risk is inherently subjective — shaped by experience, education, and cognitive biases. Lawyers often view risk narrowly through a legal lens, whereas in-house counsel must consider the broader business landscape. Effective risk management is not about eliminating risk, but about reducing its impact. It requires a careful balance between protecting the company and enabling business operations.

Transitioning from law firm to in-house involves shifting from purely legal advice to commercially minded guidance, communicating risk clearly and securing buy-in from business teams. The panel highlighted the importance of cross-functional collaboration, the use of tools such as risk registers and contract management systems, and a holistic understanding of the “risk universe”, which includes financial, operational, consumer, and regulatory risks. While contracts serve as a key risk management tool, systems, processes, and proactive engagement are essential to translating legal advice into actionable business decisions. Making risk tangible, through data, past incidents, and P&L impact, while maintaining calm, trust, and visibility in meetings, is central to effective risk leadership. Ultimately, legal teams must balance protection with practicality, accepting that some risk is necessary for business growth. Fostering a culture of cross-functional collaboration and proactive problem-solving is critical to aligning legal strategy with business objectives.

Attendees then broke out into six roundtable discussions, each addressing key focus areas within the legal sector.

  • The first, Risk Management: Causes of Disputes on Infrastructure Projects, was supported by HKA and moderated by Thabiso Ntjepela, Associate Director.
  • Karin Schoeman, Legal Director at Kellanova South Africa, led the discussion on Policy Shapers or Legal Advisors: Where Do GCs Fit in Lobbying?.
  • AJM moderated Retain and Sustain: Wellbeing-Driven Leadership for General Counsel, with De Wet de Villiers, Director and Partner, joined by Rebecca Cameron, Agile Coach and Director at Agile Sticks, as co-moderator.
  • Spoor & Fisher partners Herman Blignaut and Shamin Raghunandan moderated the fourth roundtable, Guardians of Reputation: The Role of Legal in Public Communications.
  • Global Vision and Local Realities: Managing Expectations Across Borders was hosted by Charles Young, Head of Mining, Corporate M&A, and Client Relationship Partner at Bowmans.
  • The final roundtable, Empowering Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers in Africa-Based Business, was supported by Baker McKenzie and moderated by Lerisha Naidu, Managing Partner.

Throughout the roundtable sessions, attendees had the opportunity to network, exchange insights, and actively engage with the day’s program, deepening their understanding of the key challenges and opportunities shaping the legal sector.

The final panel session of the day, Global Geopolitical Trends and Risks: Preparing for Tomorrow, was moderated by Alison Lee, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporate Counsel Association. The discussion featured Martins Ogbolu, Executive Head of Risk and Compliance at Vodacom Group; Ardilah Mohamed, Head of Legal (South Africa) and Head of Compliance (Sub-Saharan Africa) at Danone Southern Africa; and Dr. Marius Oosthuizen, Faculty Member at the Gordon Institute of Business Science.

The session explored the evolving role of in-house counsel, emphasizing how the profession has shifted from primarily managing contracts and compliance to becoming strategic business partners who must understand both their organizations and the broader geopolitical and economic landscape. Dr. Oosthuizen highlighted the unprecedented global shifts driven by rising powers such as China, technological competition, and Africa’s population growth — factors that require legal professionals to anticipate disruption and navigate uncertainty, rather than merely manage known risks.

Ardilah Mohamed and Martins Ogbolu shared practical strategies for managing these risks, including the use of stabilization clauses, horizon scanning, supplier due diligence, and continuous monitoring of regulatory and geopolitical developments. The panel underscored the need for counsel to move beyond a reactive “Department of No” mindset and instead become enablers of business strategy, integrating legal, operational, and commercial insights to advise the C-suite effectively. Success in this expanded role depends on building trust through credibility, reliability, and strategic contribution, while maintaining awareness of external risks, regulatory trends, and emerging uncertainties to ensure resilience and adaptability in complex and volatile environments.

After such a brilliant and insightful set of sessions, attendees moved to a networking reception.

The General Counsel Conference Africa 2025 was a resounding success. We want to thank our sponsors – Morais Leitão, AJM, Baker McKenzie, Bowmans, HKA, Spoor & Fisher, G Elias and Binance — for making this event possible. We look forward to returning to Johannesburg in 2026 and continuing to foster stronger relationships with the African legal community.


Testimonials:
 

“The ALM General Counsel Conference Africa provided a powerful platform for authentic conversations on the future of the legal profession. I was honoured to contribute to a dialogue that challenges us, as leaders, to move beyond representation and to foster true diversity of opportunity for legal professionals. My sincere thanks to ALM for bringing together Africa’s in-house legal leaders”.

— General Counsel, Panel Speaker at GCC Africa 2025

“The GCC Africa Conference was an informative and well-attended event, distinguished by relevant and topical engagements. The discussions on the benefits and pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence (AI), employee retention, work-life balance, and strategies for securing relevance and delivering impactful value as a professional were particularly insightful. This conference provides substantial value to professionals across various disciplines. Whether one is part of the legal fraternity or not, the depth of content and quality of networking opportunities make it a highly worthwhile experience”.

— Sponsor at GCC Africa 2025

“The conference offered a valuable opportunity to engage with fellow GCs, both long-standing peers and new connections, where we had the opportunity to celebrate each other's wins and exchange insights, perspectives and support on the challenges that we face across our various industries. The sessions were exceptionally well-curated, addressing the real issues confronting in-house counsel today. The panelists delivered insights and guidance that were not only legally astute, but also practical and actionable. I walked away from the conference feeling energised and inspired, and I look forward to bringing the lessons learnt back to my organisation and seeing their impact in the months ahead”.

— Senior Director, Business and Legal Affairs, Speaker at GCC Africa 2025

This conference was more than simply a get-together; it was a master class on strategy, leadership, and maintaining one's edge in the rapidly changing world of corporate counsel. The speakers were brilliant, fearless, and refreshingly honest. I left with useful tools, new insights, and a revitalized sense of purpose for my work as General Counsel. From mastering board dynamics to honing my risk-taking instincts, each session gave me something I could use right away. This is the room you want to be in if you're serious about improving holistically as well as legally”.

— Attendee at GCC Africa 2025

“The General Counsel Africa Conference is truly the event of the year. The topics were relevant and on point, tackling the real challenges that general counsel face across the continent. It was also a great opportunity to network with peers, exchange insights, and share experiences. An inspiring and impactful gathering for legal leaders”.

— Attendee at GCC Africa 2025
 

View the 2025 Image Gallery