Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Construction

MNS Attorneys has a track record in handling infrastructure projects. Thobani Mnyandu is the key contact for construction and engineering work.

Construction in South Africa

Pinsent Masons LLP

At Pinsent Masons LLP, the construction team is housed within two departments, one focused on contentious work and the other handling front-end matters and finance; the former is co-headed by Jason Smit and Junaid Banoobhai, and the latter is led by Jurg Van Dyk, who advises on the construction aspects of prominent renewable energy projects. Thomas King assists contractors and developers with the entire life cycle of construction, infrastructure and energy projects, and fields expertise in contractual matters. On the contentious side, Themba Chauke and Andrew Fawcett regularly handle contractual litigation, alongside Angela Lawrence, who has established strength in representing engineers, employers, developers and contractors in disputes concerning projects using FIDIC, NEC and JBCC contracts. Chloé de Jager is also singled out for her contribution.

Responsables de la pratique:

Junaid Banoobhai; Jason Smit; Jurg van Dyk


Autres avocats clés:

Angela Lawrence; Thomas King; Andrew Fawcett; Chloé de Jager; Themba Chauke


Les références

‘This team has superb industry knowledge that distinguishes it from its competitors in the market.’

‘Jason Smit is a heavyweight in this space, with a tremendous ability to find remarkable legal solutions to complex problems.’

‘Chloé de Jager is excellent, practical and available when needed.’

Principaux clients

Actom


Grinaker


GED Africa


Rio Tinto


Aveng


Grupo Cobra


Sola Group


Voltalia


Profica Group


Hive Group


Egis Projects


Mainline Civil Engineering


Siemens Energy Group


Pele Green Energy


Karpowership


ABB


Bushveld Vametco Hybrid Mini Grid Company


United Mining Services


Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr’s team has ‘very specialized knowledge of construction‘. Clive Rumsey leads the practice, which stands out for its expertise in handling complex, high-profile disputes in the space. The group has been kept busy advising energy and natural resources companies on cross-border litigation. The department leverages the expertise of the firm’s  projects and infrastructure group to assist with related public procurement matters; Andrew van Niekerk is the key practitioner to note for this line of work. Joe Whittle, Timothy Baker and Krevania Pillay are also singled out for their contributions to the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Clive Rumsey


Autres avocats clés:

Andrew van Niekerk; Joe Whittle; Timothy Baker; Krevania Pillay


Les références

The individuals have attention to detail and are very meticulous and strategic in approaching problems.’

Andrew van Niekerk is a star.’

Principaux clients

Scatec Solar


Cennergi (Exxaro Energy)


FATA EPC


Arcelor Mittal


Vutomi Energy


Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc offers clients a broad range of contentious and non-contentious construction law services, and is particularly strong in advising on the construction aspects of infrastructure, energy, property and natural resources projects. Gary Rademeyer specialises in handling construction contracts and project agreements, and regularly represents contractors, employers and sub-contractors in contractual litigation in the space. Rademeyer jointly heads the practice with Matt Ash, who leads the firm’s energy department, and Sentebale Makara, who has expertise in contentious construction work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sentebale Makara; Gary Rademeyer; Matt Ash


Les références

The lawyers are well informed on the law and passionate about their work.’

They invest time and effort in building relationships and give each client individual attention.’

Principaux clients

Bloem Water


Rand Water


Veolia Water Solutions and Technologies (Pty) Ltd (Veolia)


Thabazimbi Iron Ore Mine (Pty) Ltd (Thabazimbi)


Sibanye Gold Limited


Upgrade Energy Africa


Webber Wentzel

Led by the ‘responsiveTyron Theessen, the construction practice at Webber Wentzel has a solid track record in handling infrastructure mandates, energy sector matters and healthcare-related construction projects. Theessen advises on engineering and construction contracts as well as handling some contentious work. Sarah McKenzie is sought after for her arbitration expertise, and the ‘dedicated and knowledgeableMegan Jarvis is experienced in assisting construction clients with cross-border transactions. Jennifer Eborall is also singled out for her contributions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tyron Theessen


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah McKenzie; Megan Jarvis; Jennifer Eborall


Les références

‘Good knowledge and understanding of our business.’

‘Commitment in delivering.’

Quick response time, and a very pragmatic approach to finding a solution.’

Principaux clients

Framatome


Kasada Capital Management (Pty) Ltd


Nordex Energy South Africa (RF) Pty Ltd


Seriti Green


SOLA Group


Astron Energy


Netcare


Sola Build (Pty) Ltd


Anglo Group


A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman‘s ‘well-rounded‘ construction team, headed by the ‘commercially astute and sensibleGerhard Rudolph and Alessandra Pardini, offers clients contentious and non-contentious construction law services. Cross-border mandates are prominent in the group’s workload, and the department is sought after by contractors, sub-contractors, consultants, developers and purchases. Rudolph is well known for his specialist expertise in construction law, and Pardini is a key name for advising on construction contracts. Wihan Meintjes acts on large-scale contentious construction matters, and Michelle Porter-Wright is ‘a truly outstanding and solution-focused construction law expert with a wealth of experience.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gerhard Rudolph; Alessandra Pardini


Autres avocats clés:

Michelle Porter-Wright; Wihan Meintjes


Les références

‘They have a commercial approach, are extremely strong on technical/legal aspects, very approachable and collaborative with clients and counsel.’

‘Michelle Porter-Wright is very knowledgeable about construction issues. Knows numerous procedural rules well, tenacious and approachable.’

Gerhard Rudolph – loved by clients and arbitrators alike.’

Principaux clients

FL Smidth


Anglo American Group


Bushveld Minerals


Interwaste


Group Five (incl Group Five Construction and Group Five Power International)


Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority


Tronox Mineral Sands


Actom


Ivanhoe Mines Limited


Bowmans

At Bowmans, the team stands out for its ‘great legal acumen‘ and ‘very good construction capabilities‘. Practice head Lize-Meré Ludick has ‘outstanding knowledge‘ of contentious construction matters, while Bavesh Pillay brings experience in handling non-contentious construction work, with a focus on front-end instructions involving contractual matters. Diana Burger is also singled out for her contributions. Stephanie McDonald left the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lize-Meré Ludick


Autres avocats clés:

Bavesh Pillay; Diana Burger


Les références

‘The team from Bowmans was very intellectual, with great experience and insights. They brought not only great legal acumen to the table, but also commercial awareness.’

‘Lize-Meré is particularly sharp, efficient and contextualises a legal problem well. ’

‘They get the job done and offer timely advice where it can add value.’

Principaux clients

Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB)


Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc of Jersey


NovaSource Power Services SA Proprietary Limited


Hass-Consortium-GVR Infra Limited of Kenya


Intex Construction Ltd of Kenya


Babcock Africa Group and Babcock Ntuthuko Engineering Proprietary Limited


Uphondo Lwe Nyathi Implementation and Training Proprietary Limited


STANLIB


Projectos Dinamicos LDA


Goldwind New Energy South Africa


The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited


TMMSA (Pty) Ltd


Thales South Africa Systems (Pty) Ltd No


Siemens Mobility Proprietary Limited


Kropz Elandsfontein (Pty) Ltd


BTE Renewables


MSC Cruises SA of Geneva and subsidiary KwaZulu Cruise Terminal (Pty) Ltd


African Clean Energy Developments


Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc


Rail Refurb CC


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa on procuring two major refurbishment projects at the 2075MW Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Power Plant in Mozambique.
  • Acting for Babcock in ongoing litigation against Eskom regarding boiler maintenance works on various Eskom power stations; the team recently advised the client on an urgent interdict and successful review application against Eskom concerning the termination of a boiler maintenance contract.
  • Advised Goldwind New Energy South Africa on various sub-contracts for wind projects in South Africa.

Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co LLP is home to a ‘good team with strength in depth‘. Construction litigation expert Alon Meyerov heads the practice, which has solid expertise in handling a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious construction matters. The group’s workload includes construction insurance matters; management services, operation and maintenance, and service level agreements; procurement contracts; and contractual disputes. Meyerov represents engineers, contractors, sub-contractors and employers in international disputes, and recently promoted partner Morgan Riley acts on contentious engineering matters. Verusha Moodley is a key name in the team. Johannes van der Wath left the firm in September 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alon Meyerov


Autres avocats clés:

Morgan Riley; Verusha Moodley


Les références

‘Very responsive team.’

‘Turnaround is good.’

‘The people live the client’s case with them, but at the same time retain objectivity to allow proper and objective advice to be given.’

ENSafrica

ENSafrica‘s construction group operates from within the firm’s project development and finance practice, led by Eric le Grange. Loren Tibshraeny, who leads the construction team, is well known for his expertise in front-end matters, and is regularly instructed by developers, contractors and lenders in the space. Armando Aguiar specialises in construction litigation, and has been kept busy advising on contractual disputes on a domestic and international scale. Grange fields experience in project procurement, finance and regulatory matters, and Carol Makutu is active on contentious construction mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Loren Tibshraeny


Autres avocats clés:

Eric le Grange; Armando Aguiar; Carol Makutu


Les références

‘Deep experience and practical advice tailored to the size of the project.’

‘Eric le Grange – great to work with. Practical. Invests in relationship with clients.’

Principaux clients

Red Rocket South Africa (Pty) Ltd


Standard Bank of South Africa Limited


Nedbank Limited


Goldwind New Energy South Africa (Pty) Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Red Rocket South Africa (Pty) Ltd on the design, development, financing, construction, commissioning and operation of the Wolf, Rietkloof and Brandvalley onshore wind facilities, after the client was awarded preferred bidder status under Bid Window 5 of the South African REIPPP.
  • Advised the Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and Nedbank Limited on the construction, design, financing and development of a solar plant, with Exxaro Coal Pty Ltd acting as offtaker.
  • Advised Goldwind New Energy South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Goldwind International on various agreements and sub- contracts relating to the Msenge and Castle Wind Farms.

Adams & Adams

With experience in litigation and contractual matters in the construction industry, Grégor Wolter heads Adams & Adams’ construction practice. Wolter is ‘very knowledgeable and experienced‘ in advising construction companies on contract terminations, enforcement of contractual rights or terms; Thando Manentsa is another key name for contentious work in the department. Demi Pretorius and the ‘efficientMagdalene Haripersad are also singled out for their contributions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Grégor Wolter


Autres avocats clés:

Thando Manentsa; Demi Pretorius; Magdalene Haripersad


Les références

‘Grégor Wolter is involved in each step of the process. He interacts well with clients, yet always has a firm grip on the case.’

‘The director and his team are very knowledgeable about construction contracts. Their service is prompt, and their support to experts is swift.’

‘Grégor Wolter forms very good interpersonal relationships and is knowledgeable on construction contract disputes.’

Principaux clients

AL Mphago Civil Construction CC


Primat Construction (Pty) Ltd


The City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality


Turnover Trading (Pty) Ltd


Get Connected (Pty) Ltd


Intastor Controlled Environment (Pty) Ltd, currently in the Imvula Group of Companies


AVBOB Mutual Assurance Society


Eris Property Group


Tollink Proprietary Limited


Efkon South Africa (Pty) Ltd, a previous subsidiary of Efkon GmbH


King Air Industria (Pty) Ltd


True Orbit (Pty) Ltd


Mile Investments 225 Proprietary Limited


Feenstra Group Proprietary Limited


Bokone Group of Companies (Pty) Ltd


Lynx Real Estate Developments (Pty) Ltd


Bidvest Properties (Pty) Ltd


SRSQS Quantity Surveyors (Pty) Ltd


Rodlin Designs (Pty) Ltd


Cox Yeats

Richard Hoal and Peter Barnard head Cox Yeats’ ‘extremely talented‘ construction, engineering, and infrastructure team, which has a solid track record in representing construction companies, contractors and specialist sub-contractors in contentious and non-contentious matters. Front- and back-end work is a key area of instruction for the group, which also advises on construction insurance issues. Claudelle Pretorius is a name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Hoal; Peter Barnard


Autres avocats clés:

Claudelle Pretorius


Les références

‘Richard Hoal and Peter Barnard have good attention to detail.’

‘Their knowledge and experience and the practical application of that experience gave us comfort that we were on the correct path. I believe we received sound practical advice.’

‘Richard Hoal’s extensive knowledge of FIDIC, GCC and JBCC gave us reassurance that our bespoke EPC employed the best concepts of these.’

Principaux clients

Concor Infrastructure (Pty) Ltd


Murray & Roberts Ltd


Fluor South Africa (Pty) Ltd


WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd


Stefanutti Stocks (Pty) Ltd


Enza Construction (Pty) Ltd


Raubex Group Limited


Teichman SA (Pty) Ltd


Leomat Construction (Pty) Ltd


Martin & East (Pty) Ltd


Growthpoint Properties Limited


Sappi Southern Africa Limited


Zamadunga Business Enterprise (Pty) Ltd


Delca Systems (Pty) Ltd


Motheo Construction Group (Pty) Ltd


Werksmans Attorneys

Jennifer Smit heads Werksmans Attorneys‘ construction and engineering practice, which draws upon the expertise of the firm’s mining and infrastructure and energy groups to assist contractors, sub-contractors and employers with contentious construction matters. Deon Griessel and Boitumelo Rammala are names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jennifer Smit


Autres avocats clés:

Deon Griessel; Boitumelo Rammala


Principaux clients

Bidvest TMS Industrial Services


BAIC SA


Digital Industries (Pty) Ltd


DB Thermal / SPX Group


Efficient Engineering


Hirt & Carter


Isipani Construction (Pty) Ltd


Oza Group of Companies (in particular CEMZA)


Pro-Serve Consulting (Pty) Ltd


Raubex


Rigamani (Pty) Ltd


Standard Bank


Station House (Pty) Ltd


Steinmuller


V & A Waterfront


Worley South Africa


Twelve GP1 Proprietary Limited, acting as General Partner of Twelve B Green Energy Fund I,


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Oral First (SPV) Ltd UK as employer on an agreement based on the FIDIC Yellow Book.
  • Represented Digital Industries Pty Ltd in litigation brought against the client by Rwandan entity SPLK, concerning engineering equipment supplied for a methane gas-to-power plant project.
  • Advised BAIC SA on issues concerning an engineering, procurement and construction contract with Beijing Industrial Designing and Research Institute for a motor vehicle factory.