South African court hears arguments on B-BBEE transformation in the legal sector
via The Citizen3 min read
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria heard arguments on May 7, 2026, regarding the broad-based black economic empowerment B-BBEE legal sector code. Lawyers defending B-BBEE implementation argued that the case is crucial for the survival of black professionals in the legal field. The General Council of the Bar of South Africa GCBSA and Advocates for Transformation AFT are opposing an application by four major law firms—Deneys Reitz, Webber Wentzel, Werksmans, and Bowmans Gilfillan—who are challenging regulations aimed at transforming the legal profession. The code, published by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau in September 2024, mandates that law firms increase black ownership to 50% over five years, with half of that stake held by black women. The firms argue these requirements could negatively impact their B-BBEE ratings and competitiveness. Advocate Norman Arendse, representing the GCBSA, stated that decades of voluntary transformation efforts have made "no headway" and that while entry for black practitioners has improved, sustaining careers due to lack of work opportunities and achieving senior counsel status remains difficult. Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, representing the Black Conveyancers Association BCA, urged the court to focus on the lived realities of black legal practitioners, describing the case as a fight for "existence" and "living in dignity" for them.
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