Phetheni Nkuna
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.
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).
Areas of expertise
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.
Recognition
- The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - 2025 mentioned Phetheni for employment
- Africa Legal Awards: Private Practice Rising Star nominee (2020)
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
News
Understanding and managing differences in generations, culture, and gender in the workplace
Following a dynamic and engaging panel discussion on the topic - and valuable feedback received at the recent Employment Law Conference - our team has taken a closer look at generational...
The art of mentorship through women’s lenses
Join us for another episode of the CDH Women Empowerment Podcast Series.
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...
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...
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
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
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...
Webinar Recording | Workplace harassment in Africa Obligations of an employer
In this webinar, our presenters explored the duties and obligations of employers.
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...
Webinar recording | Social media and the workplace
Our experts discuss when conduct on social media has a bearing on the workplace.
Is any agreement capable of enforcement under the Labour Relations Act?
Under section 158(1)(c) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA), the Labour Court has jurisdiction to, inter alia , make an arbitration award or any settlement agreement an order...
Another draft Employment Equity economic sector targets: Have comments been considered?
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.
Mental Health in the workplace: Constructive dismissal based on mental ill health?
In the post covid landscape there has been a warranted increased awareness on mental health in the workplace. In Sanlam Life Insurance Ltd v Mogomatsi and Others (CA 12/2022) , the...
A Changing Workplace: Diversity, Retention and Flexibility
Employment Law experts hosted a webinar titled - A Changing Workplace: Diversity, Retention and Flexibility.
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...
Terminating a fixed term service contract and the transfer of a business as going concern
Does the lapsing or termination of a fixed-term contract for the provision of a particular service give rise to a transfer in terms of section 197 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of...
Zimbabwean Exemption Permits: What you need to know
Deadline for holders of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits has been extended until 31 December 2023.
Global increase trends in the minimum wage rate
There is no universal approach to a minimum wage, or a set appropriate level of a minimum wage. This could perhaps explain why countries such as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland,...
I tweet what I like
Social media has radically transformed our modes of communication, however, there are inherent dangers, given the public nature of these platforms. Phetheni Nkuna, Director in our...
Retrenchments: Transformation, a selection criterion?
When an employer contemplates dismissals based on operational requirements, section 189(1) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) requires the employer to consult any person...
Post-probation dismissal for failing (not refusing) to vaccinate unfair: CCMA award
On 5 April 2022 the CCMA issued an award in the matter of Zaphia September v Inyosi Empowerment (WECT17050-21), where it held that the dismissal of an employee who failed (although...
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...
WEBINAR RECORDING | From disaster to recovery: The time to act is now
As we transition out of the National State of Disaster, we are stepping into the oft-proclaimed "new normal".
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...
Reflecting on 2021 and navigating 2022
Our Employment Law team hosted their first webinar where they reflected on 2021 and identified key themes for 2022.
Webinar Recording | Reflecting on 2021 and navigating 2022
Our Employment Law team hosted their first webinar where they reflected on 2021 and identified key themes for 2022.
The importance of confidentiality
As most South African employers formally implement work-from-office or hybrid work policies, both employers and employees must remain mindful of the risk of sexual harassment in virtual...
Does the employer’s duty to provide a safe working environment extend to violence emanating from inter-union rivalry?
An employer’s obligation to provide a safe and healthy working environment for its employees, especially during violence emanating from inter-union rivalry, recently came under the...
Insight for employees who are victims of sexual harassment in the workplace
This year, the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign focused on moving from awareness to accountability.
Sexual harassment in the workplace
Phetheni Nkuna Director in our Employment Law practice joined eNCA to discuss sexual harassment in the workplace whether virtually or physically, still remains a problem.
Alleging a ‘continuing wrong’ to obfuscate the timeframes in section 198D of the Labour Relations Act: The LAC has its say
On 29 November 2021, the Labour Appeal Court (LAC) delivered judgment in the case of Amalungelo Workers Union obo Mayisela and 26 Others v Unilever South Africa and Others .
Employers have resorted to using tattleware
With the rise of work from home and hybrid working models, more employers have resorted to using tattleware, remote monitoring software which enables them to monitor online activity...
Dismissed for reporting COVID-19 related symptoms
In this podcast we explore a case where an employee was dismissed for disclosing her boss' COVID-19 related symptoms to hospital management. This was neither defamation nor breach...
Legalities related to the workplace and employment relationship following the civil unrest
Phetheni Nkuna, Director in our Employment Law practice, joined SAfm to discuss the legalities related to the workplace and employment relationship following the recent civil unrest....
Disciplinary proceedings for the conduct outside of the workplace
Phetheni Nkuna, Director in our Employment Law practice, joined Cape Talk to discuss disciplinary proceedings for misconduct outside of the workplace.
Can employees temporarily close their doors
Phetheni Nkuna, Director in our Employment Law practice, joined Cape Talk to discuss the impact of the current civil unrest on employees, and the recourse available to an employer...
The rise in Tattleware
Employment Law Director Phetheni Nkuna joined Breakfast with Refilwe Moloto on Cape Talk, to discuss the rise in Tattleware and whether or not your employee has the right to watch...
COVID-19 Vaccine
South Africa's first batch of vaccines were delivered this week. While the distribution is being seen as key to the ending the pandemic, on Monday night President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed...
Working from home and consuming alcohol or drugs
Employment Law Director Phetheni Nkuna joined SABC's Morning Live to discuss the legalities around the consumption of and intoxication from alcohol, drugs and dagga while working remotely...
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
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
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
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
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...
Is any agreement capable of enforcement under the Labour Relations Act?
Under section 158(1)(c) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA), the Labour Court has jurisdiction to, inter alia , make an arbitration award or any settlement agreement an order...
Mental Health in the workplace: Constructive dismissal based on mental ill health?
In the post covid landscape there has been a warranted increased awareness on mental health in the workplace. In Sanlam Life Insurance Ltd v Mogomatsi and Others (CA 12/2022) , the...
Terminating a fixed term service contract and the transfer of a business as going concern
Does the lapsing or termination of a fixed-term contract for the provision of a particular service give rise to a transfer in terms of section 197 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of...
Global increase trends in the minimum wage rate
There is no universal approach to a minimum wage, or a set appropriate level of a minimum wage. This could perhaps explain why countries such as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland,...
Retrenchments: Transformation, a selection criterion?
When an employer contemplates dismissals based on operational requirements, section 189(1) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) requires the employer to consult any person...
Post-probation dismissal for failing (not refusing) to vaccinate unfair: CCMA award
On 5 April 2022 the CCMA issued an award in the matter of Zaphia September v Inyosi Empowerment (WECT17050-21), where it held that the dismissal of an employee who failed (although...
WEBINAR RECORDING | From disaster to recovery: The time to act is now
As we transition out of the National State of Disaster, we are stepping into the oft-proclaimed "new normal".
Webinar Recording | Reflecting on 2021 and navigating 2022
Our Employment Law team hosted their first webinar where they reflected on 2021 and identified key themes for 2022.
Does the employer’s duty to provide a safe working environment extend to violence emanating from inter-union rivalry?
An employer’s obligation to provide a safe and healthy working environment for its employees, especially during violence emanating from inter-union rivalry, recently came under the...
Alleging a ‘continuing wrong’ to obfuscate the timeframes in section 198D of the Labour Relations Act: The LAC has its say
On 29 November 2021, the Labour Appeal Court (LAC) delivered judgment in the case of Amalungelo Workers Union obo Mayisela and 26 Others v Unilever South Africa and Others .
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
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?
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 experts hosted a webinar titled - A Changing Workplace: Diversity, Retention and Flexibility.
Zimbabwean Exemption Permits: What you need to know
Deadline for holders of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits has been extended until 31 December 2023.
I tweet what I like
Social media has radically transformed our modes of communication, however, there are inherent dangers, given the public nature of these platforms. Phetheni Nkuna, Director in our...
The importance of confidentiality
As most South African employers formally implement work-from-office or hybrid work policies, both employers and employees must remain mindful of the risk of sexual harassment in virtual...
Sexual harassment in the workplace
Phetheni Nkuna Director in our Employment Law practice joined eNCA to discuss sexual harassment in the workplace whether virtually or physically, still remains a problem.
COVID-19 Vaccine
South Africa's first batch of vaccines were delivered this week. While the distribution is being seen as key to the ending the pandemic, on Monday night President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed...
Working from home and consuming alcohol or drugs
Employment Law Director Phetheni Nkuna joined SABC's Morning Live to discuss the legalities around the consumption of and intoxication from alcohol, drugs and dagga while working remotely...
Understanding and managing differences in generations, culture, and gender in the workplace
Following a dynamic and engaging panel discussion on the topic - and valuable feedback received at the recent Employment Law Conference - our team has taken a closer look at generational...
The art of mentorship through women’s lenses
Join us for another episode of the CDH Women Empowerment Podcast Series.
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...
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
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
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...
Reflecting on 2021 and navigating 2022
Our Employment Law team hosted their first webinar where they reflected on 2021 and identified key themes for 2022.
Insight for employees who are victims of sexual harassment in the workplace
This year, the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign focused on moving from awareness to accountability.
Employers have resorted to using tattleware
With the rise of work from home and hybrid working models, more employers have resorted to using tattleware, remote monitoring software which enables them to monitor online activity...
Dismissed for reporting COVID-19 related symptoms
In this podcast we explore a case where an employee was dismissed for disclosing her boss' COVID-19 related symptoms to hospital management. This was neither defamation nor breach...
Legalities related to the workplace and employment relationship following the civil unrest
Phetheni Nkuna, Director in our Employment Law practice, joined SAfm to discuss the legalities related to the workplace and employment relationship following the recent civil unrest....
Disciplinary proceedings for the conduct outside of the workplace
Phetheni Nkuna, Director in our Employment Law practice, joined Cape Talk to discuss disciplinary proceedings for misconduct outside of the workplace.
Can employees temporarily close their doors
Phetheni Nkuna, Director in our Employment Law practice, joined Cape Talk to discuss the impact of the current civil unrest on employees, and the recourse available to an employer...
The rise in Tattleware
Employment Law Director Phetheni Nkuna joined Breakfast with Refilwe Moloto on Cape Talk, to discuss the rise in Tattleware and whether or not your employee has the right to watch...