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鈥擠eneys Reitz, Webber Wentzel, Werksmans, and Bowmans Gilfillan鈥攚ho 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.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
Some members of the Democratic Alliance DA are reportedly upset about the decision to remove former DA leader John Steenhuisen from his position as agriculture minister. The discontent stems from an alleged agreement between current DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and Steenhuisen, where Steenhuisen would retain his ministerial role if he did not seek another term as party leader. Hill-Lewis has since written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, proposing Steenhuisen's replacement by Willie Aucamp as agriculture minister, with Steenhuisen moving to deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. Ramaphosa has not yet confirmed these changes. Some DA members claim they were not consulted on the reshuffle, with one source suggesting that Hill-Lewis's decision has exposed party divisions and that Steenhuisen feels "betrayed." Political analyst Prof Theo Neethling indicated that the move might be "pure DA damage control" due to Steenhuisen's handling of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which alienated many farmers. Hill-Lewis, however, stated his decision was made in the best interests of the DA and the government of national unity, prioritizing public and voter loyalty.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of party leader Jacob Zuma, stated she does not hold her father responsible for her expulsion from the MK party, instead blaming individuals surrounding the party's leadership. She made these comments at a media briefing on Sunday, following her and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela's expulsion from the party on Thursday. Zuma-Sambudla indicated she has not yet discussed the expulsion with her father but plans to do so next week. The party cited a series of actions, public statements, and activities by Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela as reasons for their removal. Zuma-Sambudla was accused of undermining party unity and promoting factional narratives, while Ndhlela was accused of unauthorized media briefings and misrepresenting party positions. Ndhlela claims that both his and Zuma's roles in the MK party were undermined and that he and Zuma-Sambudla will challenge their expulsions in the high court, asserting that no disciplinary hearing was held before their removal.
A Limpopo councillor, Netshivhumbe Gumani, 44, was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Special Investigating Unit SIU investigator with R70,000 to disregard evidence in a corruption probe. The investigation concerns allegations of maladministration and corruption related to two tenders by the Mahikeng Local Municipality. Gumani reportedly approached three SIU investigators, offering R10,000 in cash as part of the bribe during a meeting in Mahikeng. The SIU, in collaboration with the South African Police Service and the Hawks, conducted an entrapment operation leading to Gumani's arrest. He faces corruption charges and appeared in the Molopo Magistrates' Court, with his case postponed to June 29, 2026, for a bail application. The SIU stated that its investigators maintain high integrity and that attempts to corrupt them will be met with legal action.