CDH Conversations

South Africa celebrates Freedom Day on 27 April each year, honouring the date of our first democratic elections in 1994. However, more than 30 years later, there is no doubt that freedom is not equally enjoyed by all.

This is acutely visible in relation to children in South Africa. There is a wide gap between what is pronounced in our Constitution and legislation, and the lived realities of children in this country. As the most vulnerable members of our society, threats to children's rights cannot be ignored and it falls to the State, together with members of society, to be active in urgently securing the rights of children.

Join us in this episode produced by members of our Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice, hosted by CA Denzil Mhlongo, as Director Brigitta Mangale and Senior Associate Elgene Roos discuss the status of children's rights in South Africa and interrogate whether our children are truly free.

Key topics include:

• Human and children's rights
• Gender-based violence
• Socio economic inequality
• The duties of the State in the context of children's rights

Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Tax & Exchange Control practice is excited to share the first episode of Untangling Tax, CDH Kenya’s tax podcast series.

In this episode, CDH Kenya Partner Alex Kanyi, is joined by Lena Onyango and Martin Mumo, Tax Manager at Centum Investment Company Plc, for an insightful conversation on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Kenya.

The podcast covers key topics such as SEZ sector classification, eligibility and licensing procedures, recent changes introduced by the Business Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024. The episode also addresses the practical impact of these incentives, structuring opportunities for investors, and the challenges businesses may face in the SEZ framework.

Whether you're a local entrepreneur, multinational investor, or policy advisor, this episode offers valuable guidance on leveraging SEZs for business growth and regional expansion.

Click here to watch to the videocast

In this episode of CDH Conversations, Desmond Odhiambo and Faith Wamuyu demystify what it really means when a company is said to be “unable to pay its debts” under Kenya’s Insolvency Act. We break down how courts assess insolvency, what the cash flow and balance sheet tests really involve, and how even a temporary cash crunch can spiral into a full-blown insolvency petition if you don’t act fast.
Join them as we explore strategies companies can use to navigate temporary financial strain before it's too late.

Njeri talks to Disha Copreaux, Chief Executive Officer at Red Lands Roses

Every month, CDH Kenya Partner Njeri Wagacha publishes a podcast, Njeri Talks Law, where she engages in thought-provoking conversations with leading voices across industries. This month, Njeri speaks with Disha Copreaux, CEO of Red Land Roses, a boutique rose farm located in Ruiru, Kenya, specialising in high-quality spray roses for the luxury export market.

In this inspiring episode, Disha shares her journey as a first-time CEO, stepping into a leadership role that feels like a full circle moment, having grown up in a family deeply rooted in agriculture. With a background in private equity-backed agribusiness, she brings a wealth of experience in succession transitions, change management, and business growth, while overseeing a team of over 1,000 employees.

Disha opens up about taking risks, forging your own path, and the power of leading with purpose, proving that small can indeed be mighty.

Although International Women’s Day is marked on 8 March, we believe it should be celebrated, and women should be recognised all year round. As we draw to the close of the month, we invite you to listen to Part 3 of our CDH Women Empowerment Podcast Series — Accelerate Action inthe legal industry through mentorship and leadership.
The legal industry in Africa is evolving, yet challenges such as pay gaps, limited leadership opportunities, and unconscious bias persist. In this episode, Christine Mugenyu engages in acompelling discussion with Eva Mukami and Deborah Sese on how mentorship and leadership can accelerate real change, equipping women with equal access to opportunities and career growth. 

What to expect in this episode: 

• Insights on the progress and challenges ofgender diversity in law
• The impact of mentorship in shaping legalcareers
• Bold steps firms can take to increase women’sleadership representation

Practical advice for young female lawyerslooking to fast-track their careers Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation as we continue advocating for a more inclusive legal profession.

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, the women of CDH Kenya embarked on an inspiring journey to co-author a powerful book, Dream Big for Her, alongside 34 of our female clients and peers. This collection of stories is designed to inspire, teach, and encourage women to take bold action and accelerate progress in their respective fields.

Every month, CDH Kenya Partner Njeri Wagacha publishes a podcast. This month’s edition of Njeri Talks Law features a live discussion from the book launch, with insights from the authors on the inspiration behind Dream Big for Her.
 
On 7 March 2025, we marked this milestone with a special cocktail event and panel discussion, where we explored the captivating narratives within the book. The event was a celebration of resilience, ambition, and the collective power of women supporting women.
 
As part of our commitment to empowering the next generation, CDH Kenya will be donating copies of Dream Big for Her to students at the Kenya School of Law.
 
Don’t miss this engaging conversation!

Although International Women’s Day is marked on 8 March, we believe it should be celebrated, and women should be recognised all year round. In this spirit, we gathered a powerhouse panel of women in law to discuss the evolving role of women in the African legal sector.

In Part 2 of this podcast series, Accelerate Action – The State of Gender Equality in the African Legal Sector, our host Brigitta Mangale is joined by Lucinde Rhoodie, Lebohang Mabidikane, Anli Bezuidenhout, and Lydia Owuor to explore the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the steps needed to create a more inclusive legal industry.

Key topics discussed:

• The impact of legal frameworks on women’s rights in Africa

• Breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry

• Strategies to support and accelerate women’s careers in law

• Practical steps for achieving gender equality in the legal sector

This conversation is essential listening for anyone committed to driving meaningful change.

The legal industry in Africa is changing, but progress toward gender equality remains a work in progress. Women are taking on leadership roles, challenging biases, and driving change—but barriers still exist. How can we accelerate action to create a truly inclusive and diverse legal sector?
As the world marks International Women's Day on 8 March 2025 with the theme, “Accelerate Action”, join us for an insightful discussion on Accelerate Action: The state of gender equality in the African legal sector, hosted by Phetheni Nkuna, Director: Executive Management, with an esteemed panel of legal professionals: Bonita de Silva, Managing Partner in Namibia, Lena Onyango, Partner in the Tax & Exchange Control practice, and Njeri Wagacha, Partner in Corporate & Commercial in Kenya. 
Key topics included: 

• The impact of tax policy on gender equalityC
• Challenges and opportunities for women inleadership
• Strategies for breaking barriers andadvancing careers

Every month, CDH Kenya Partner ⁠Njeri Wagacha⁠ publishesa podcast 'Njeri Talks Law', where she explores insightful conversations with industry leaders. This month, Njeri speaks with Phillip Aliker, a world-renowned dispute resolution specialist and arbitrator.

Phillip is a Chartered Arbitrator, Barrister (England & Wales), Advocate of the High Court of Uganda, and a Foreign Legal Consultant in the State of New York. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

In this episode, Phillip shares his journey, from being a young barrister in the UK to pivoting away from litigation into arbitration. He also discusses his role as a mentor to young lawyers and his perspectives on the future of dispute resolution.

Phillip exemplifies professionalism and excellence at the highest level.

On 22 January 2025, the Department of Employment and Labour published the Draft Code of Good Practice on Dismissals, for public comment. The draft Code aims to provide guidance regarding dismissals for misconduct,incapacity, and operational requirements.

From a disciplinary action perspective, the Draft Code seeks to formalise the much-echoed sentiments of our courts regarding the informal nature of how disciplinary hearings should be conducted, thus signalling a legislative move towards a decriminalised approach, with much emphasis being placed on ensuring that:

• disciplinary charges are prepared with sufficient detail to allow an employee to read and understand the allegations of misconduct and thereafter adequately respond to them;

• disciplinary hearings are conducted in a manner which reflects that the employers and employees engaged in genuine dialogue before any decisions are taken regarding the misconduct, and the employee's continued employment with the employer

 Join Yvonne Mkefa and Malesela Letwaba as they discuss the Draft Code of Good Practice on Dismissals, and themost recent wave of legislative changes which are likely to impact the way in which many employers will conduct their internal disciplinary across South Africa.