Digital Media & Electronic Communications

Wendy Rosenberg

Head of Digital Media & Electronic Communications

Service Lines

AI Governance, Regulation & Risk Management

Advising on AI governance frameworks, algorithmic accountability, automated decision-making, and emerging technology regulation as businesses integrate AI and machine learning across their operations. We help clients navigate the evolving regulatory landscape for responsible AI deployment, and engage in the development of AI regulation.

Gambling and Betting

Advising on the licensing, regulation and taxation of online betting and land-based gambling, including interactive gaming and esports. We ensure compliance with applicable national legislation and diverse provincial gaming frameworks, and support operators through the full licensing lifecycle.

Telecommunications & Spectrum

Advising on licensing, spectrum regulation, infrastructure sharing, network access, and competition matters in electronic communications markets. We guide mobile operators, network providers, infrastructure investors, and satellite service providers through complex regulatory environments across African jurisdictions.

Licensing & Market Entry

Advising on licensing and authorisation requirements and strategy for all forms of digital media and electronic communications service providers, including broadcasting, telecommunications, electronic communications services and networks, OTT platforms, radio frequency spectrum assignment and satellite coordination, as well as film distributors, game distributors, gambling and betting operators, and cross-border market entry across African jurisdictions. Also, providing legal and strategic advice on optimal structuring and related matters, drafting licence applications and related documents, and providing regulatory support before, during and after the licensing / authorisation process.

Compliance, Governance & Emerging Regulation

Designing and implementing compliance frameworks for media, gaming and digital services businesses, addressing film and game classification, advertising restrictions, e-waste and environmental obligations such as e-waste, intermediary liability, AI governance, and emerging technology regulation.

Transactions, Ownership & Structuring

Advising on, and securing regulatory approvals for, mergers, acquisitions and restructurings involving licensed entities, including sector specific due diligence, ownership and control restrictions, B-BBEE considerations,. We advise on the full spectrum of regulatory requirements, from inception, including structuring, regulatory approvals and post-transaction implementation, notifications and compliance.

Public Policy & Regulatory Engagement

Reviewing draft policy, legislation and regulatory instruments, preparing submissions and position papers, representing clients in public hearings, and engaging with regulators and parliamentary bodies on all aspects of sector regulation, reform and liberalisation initiatives.

Enforcement & Dispute Resolution

Representing clients in regulatory investigations, enforcement proceedings and judicial review challenges, and managing high-risk administrative and constitutional disputes in politically and commercially sensitive matters.

Content, Platforms & Intellectual Property

Advising on content regulation on all platforms, including broadcasting and audiovisual regulation, online safety, e commerce and intermediary liability, anti-piracy strategies and tools, brand and regulatory risk management, and the protection, monetisation and classification of digital content, including music rights, copyright, and performers’ protection rights, as well as advertising and sponsorships.

Africa’s digital landscape is transforming rapidly. From artificial intelligence and telecommunications infrastructure to online gambling, digital services, and streaming platforms, regulatory frameworks are evolving, and businesses need trusted advisers who understand where regulation is heading.

Werksmans’ Digital Media & Electronic Communications practice area is one of Africa’s most experienced practices. We advise leading domestic and multinational clients on navigating complex regulatory environments, delivering commercially grounded, cost-effective solutions to compliance risk across South Africa and the continent.

Our Approach

With more than 100 years’ collective experience, the team provides strategic, commercially grounded advice shaped by a deep understanding of each client’s operational objectives and regulatory environment.

Recognising that regulatory cultures, laws, and enforcement approaches differ across African jurisdictions, our role extends beyond compliance. We help clients respond constructively to regulatory change and actively engage in policy development.

The team combines deep sector knowledge with extensive experience engaging policymakers, lawmakers, regulators, and other authorities in fast-moving regulatory environments.

Why Werksmans

Twice recognised as African Legal Awards TMT Team of the Year (2019 and 2025)
Unrivalled depth and breadth in digital media and electronic communications regulation across Africa
Integrated expertise spanning AI, telecommunications, broadcasting, gambling, data protection, and e-waste
Cross-border capability across 20+ African jurisdictions
Strategic, board-level, commercially grounded and practical advice in plain language
Track record before parliamentary committees, regulators, and courts

Our Work

The DMEC practice area advises on complex regulatory frameworks, high-impact multi-territorial transactions, disputes, and strategic governance matters shaping digital markets across the continent.

The team frequency provides comprehensive representation and strategic “behind the scenes” advisory support in proceedings before parliamentary portfolio committees, regulators, authorities and civil courts.

Its in depth and hands on cross-border experience spans numerous African jurisdictions, including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zanzibar and Zimbabwe.

Recognition

Several members of the team have been consistently recognised by leading international legal directories for expertise in telecommunications, media, and communications, with experience and expertise extending to jurisdictions across Africa.

According to Chambers Global:

“This is an area that is very specialized and can be very technical and Werksmans Attorneys handles it well. The team is very vigorous and robust.”

“Werksmans Attorneys’ breadth is a real strength. The team is very easy to engage with and willing to help us.”

“Werksmans is excellent, meticulous and very efficient. It really produces high-quality and utterly reliable work.”

Director Insights:

Wendy Rosenberg

Head of Digital Media & Electronic Communications Law Practice

“Our ultimate aim is to add value and to contribute meaningfully to the development of sound policy, legislation and regulation, guided by international best practice, local imperatives, and practical experience in the environments in which our clients operate, to create an enabling environment in which businesses can thrive, to ensure that legislative and regulatory frameworks are enabling and provide the regulatory certainty and balance required to support investment and consumer protection.”