Setting the Benchmark: Our 2026 African Legal Awards Nominees

Werksmans has been shortlisted in the following categories as released by the African Legal Awards 2026 which seeks to recognise legal excellence across Africa.

1. Partner of the Year – Southern Africa
   o Elliott Wood
2. Private Practice Rising Star
   o Abena Osei
3. M&A Team of the Year

• • Werksmans acted as lead legal adviser to Differential Capital Proprietary Limited and its consortium of investors in connection with the equity acquisition of the mining division of Murray & Roberts Limited (in business rescue) for R1.27 billion, being one of the most significant corporate restructurings in recent South African history. The Business Rescue leg of the transaction was led by Eric Levenstein together with Amy Mackechnie, with the transactional aspects being led by David Gewer together with Gabriel Koski. Other lawyers involved in the matter include Richard Roothman, Paul Coetser, Ryan Killoran, Kyle Fyfe, Raisah Mahomed, Jordan Gobie and Brittney Bawa.

4. Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Team of the Year

• • Werksmans advised the Sponsors, Anthem and Reatile Renewables, in relation to the development and financing of the 475MW Notsi Solar PV Project which is the largest single-phased solar project in South Africa to date.
  • Werksmans legal team was led by Chris Moraitis together with Astrid Berman, Jonathan Behr, Johan Lubbe, Kristen Elliott, Zoë Austen, Robyn Helling, Lumka Swana and Thomas Mitchell.

5. LEX Africa has been shortlisted as African Network / Alliance of the Year

Congratulations to all nominees for setting the benchmark in legal brilliance across Africa and beyond.