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Phetheni Nkuna

Director: Executive Management

Phetheni Nkuna is an admitted attorney (South Africa) with a focus on employment law. She is a Director in the Employment Law practice, and occupies the role of Director: Executive Management where she oversees several operational portfolios and works closely with the Chief Executive Office to drive the firm's strategy.

Phetheni has represented clients across different industries in various disputes ranging from dismissal related to misconduct, incapacity and operational requirements; business rationalization; restraints of trade; unfair labour practice; and employment equity. She also provides advisory and strategic support to clients and has conducted training on different aspects of conflict management and dispute resolution.

Phetheni represents clients in the CCMA, bargaining councils, and the Labour Court. In addition to the practice of law, Phetheni has given commentary on topical issues across radio and television platforms.

+27 (0)11 562 1478
phetheni.nkuna@cdhlegal.comJohannesburg
Phetheni Nkuna

About Phetheni

About Phetheni

Phetheni Nkuna joined Routledge Modise Inc. as a Candidate Attorney in 2013. She was admitted as an attorney on 5 March 2015. She served as an Associate and was promoted to Senior Associate whilst the firm traded under the name, Hogan Lovells. She was subsequently appointed as a Partner with Lawtons Africa in April 2020.  She joined Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr as a Director in October 2020. 

Phetheni holds LLB and LLM degrees, Certificate in Advanced Labour Law, and a Post Graduate Diploma: Business Administration and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Gordon institute of Business Science (GIBS).

Credentials

Credentials

Education

  • 2021 - Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Gordon institute of Business Science (GIBS)
  • 2020 - Post Graduate Diploma: Business Administration – GIBS
  • 2019 LLM (Labour Law), University of Pretoria
  • 2017 Certificate in Advanced Labour Law, University of Pretoria
  • 2012 LLB, University of Limpopo
  • Year of admission as an attorney: 2015
  • Registered with the Legal Practice Council

Languages

Languages

  • English
  • Afrikaans
  • Sepedi
  • isiXhosa
  • isiZulu
  • siSwati
  • Xitsonga

About Phetheni

Phetheni Nkuna joined Routledge Modise Inc. as a Candidate Attorney in 2013. She was admitted as an attorney on 5 March 2015. She served as an Associate and was promoted to Senior Associate whilst the firm traded under the name, Hogan Lovells. She was subsequently appointed as a Partner with Lawtons Africa in April 2020.  She joined Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr as a Director in October 2020. 

Phetheni holds LLB and LLM degrees, Certificate in Advanced Labour Law, and a Post Graduate Diploma: Business Administration and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Gordon institute of Business Science (GIBS).

Credentials

Education

  • 2021 - Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Gordon institute of Business Science (GIBS)
  • 2020 - Post Graduate Diploma: Business Administration – GIBS
  • 2019 LLM (Labour Law), University of Pretoria
  • 2017 Certificate in Advanced Labour Law, University of Pretoria
  • 2012 LLB, University of Limpopo
  • Year of admission as an attorney: 2015
  • Registered with the Legal Practice Council

Languages

  • English
  • Afrikaans
  • Sepedi
  • isiXhosa
  • isiZulu
  • siSwati
  • Xitsonga

Experience

Phetheni's experience ranges from dismissal disputes (misconduct, incapacity and operational requirements) restraints of trade, section 197 transfers, organisational rights and wage disputes, initiating and chairing disciplinary and grievance enquiries, and employment equity. She has represented clients in the CCMA, bargaining councils and the Labour Court.

She has serviced clients across the logistics, aviation, mining, conservation, medical, courier services, financial services, and information technology sectors. In addition, she has also done work for special units of some government departments.

News

Lock-out legitimised: The legality of lock-outs in negotiating employee benefits
Employment Law

Lock-out legitimised: The legality of lock-outs in negotiating employee benefits

In the recent case of South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) obo Members v Phala N.O and Others 2 BLLR 176 (LAC) the Labour Appeal Court (LAC) confirmed...
The critical need for greater accountability in South Africa's public service
Employment Law

The critical need for greater accountability in South Africa's public service

Imraan Mahomed and Phetheni Nkuna, Directors in the Employment Law Practice, were recently featured in the Business Day Public Sector supplement, discussing the critical need for greater accountability...
A new era for traditional healers: A step towards formalisation and regulation
Employment Law

A new era for traditional healers: A step towards formalisation and regulation

In a significant step towards formalising the practice of traditional healing in South Africa, the Traditional Health Professional Regulations, 2024 (Regulations) were published in...
Beyond status: Parameters of section 198D of the LRA, and competent relief for current and former employees
Employment Law

Beyond status: Parameters of section 198D of the LRA, and competent relief for current and former employees

Section 198D of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) contains general provisions applicable to sections 198A to 198C, and vests the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and...
Take care before you share: The dangers of social media use in the workplace
Employment Law

Take care before you share: The dangers of social media use in the workplace

Advancements in technological gadgets such as smart phones and laptops, as well as the recent breakthroughs made with artificial intelligence, have undoubtedly made our lives easier...

All articles by Phetheni
Webinar Recording | Workplace harassment in Africa Obligations of an employer
Employment Law

Webinar Recording | Workplace harassment in Africa Obligations of an employer

In this webinar, our presenters explored the duties and obligations of employers.
Webinar recording | Social media and the workplace
Employment Law

Webinar recording | Social media and the workplace

Our experts discuss when conduct on social media has a bearing on the workplace.
Another draft Employment Equity economic sector targets: Have comments been considered?
Employment Law

Another draft Employment Equity economic sector targets: Have comments been considered?
Laws adapted to prevent and eliminate harassment in the workplace
Employment Law

Laws adapted to prevent and eliminate harassment in the workplace

Phetheni Nkuna, Director in our Employment Law practice joined eNCA to discuss laws adapted to prevent and eliminate harassment in the workplace.
A Changing Workplace: Diversity, Retention and Flexibility
Employment Law

A Changing Workplace: Diversity, Retention and Flexibility

Employment Law experts hosted a webinar titled - A Changing Workplace: Diversity, Retention and Flexibility.

All videos by Phetheni
2025 labour law changes a positive step toward an inclusive employment landscape
Employment Law

2025 labour law changes a positive step toward an inclusive employment landscape

Phetheni Nkuna, Director in the Employment Law practice recently joined Jeremy Maggs on Hot 1027 to discuss some of the recent formative labour law changes that mark a positive step...
Accelerate Action – The state of gender equality in the African legal sector - Episode 1
Firm News

Accelerate Action – The state of gender equality in the African legal sector - Episode 1

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...
WOZA Podcast Two - The challenges women in law face today
Firm News

WOZA Podcast Two - The challenges women in law face today

Join CDH Conversations as we continue to commemorate 100 years of women in law. This series of three episodes, hosted in collaboration with WOZA Women in Law explores the history and...
South Africa's anticipated policy and legislative reform on the employment of foreign nationals
Employment Law

South Africa's anticipated policy and legislative reform on the employment of foreign nationals

On 28 February 2022, the Minister of Employment and Labour published a Draft National Migration Policy and Employment Services Amendment Bill for public comment. This podcast focuses...
The best practice regarding 'side hustles' and the workplace
Employment Law

The best practice regarding 'side hustles' and the workplace

Striking a balance between the demands of a second line of employment, whilst maintaining deliverables in one’s primary 9-5, can result in blurred lines, and potentially result in...

All podcasts by Phetheni

Market recognition

  • The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - 2025 mentioned Phetheni for employment
  • Africa Legal Awards: Private Practice Rising Star nominee (2020)

Market recognition

  • The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - 2025 mentioned Phetheni for employment
  • Africa Legal Awards: Private Practice Rising Star nominee (2020)

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