Adv. A L PLATT

Background

Anthea Platt graduated with a B. Comm in 1994 from the University of the Western Cape and an LLB in 2001.

Fields of Expertise

• Commercial Law

• Administrative Law

• Constitutional Law

• Labour Law

Previous Experience

Anthea had seven years of experience in the financial industry before joining the bar.

Contact Details

(t) +2711 223 8000

(t) +2711 223 8103

(f) +2711 223 8155

(m)   +2782 579 7034

(e) aplatt@law.co.za

Adv. L T Sibeko

Background

Tshepo Sibeko is a graduate of the University of the North (now known as the University of Limpopo), where he obtained a B Juris degree in 1986, and the University of Natal (Durban), where he obtained an LLB degree in 1989, and a LLM degree in 1991. He attended a certificate course in Competition Law at the Mandela Institute, School of Law, Wits, in 2006.

Academic Qualifications

• Juris, University of the North 1986

• LLB, University of Natal (Durban) 1989

• LLM, University of Natal (Durban) 1991

• Certificate in Competition Law, Wits 2006

Fields of Expertise

• Commercial Law

• Gambling Law

• Administrative Law and Constitutional litigation

• Local Government Law

• Adv Sibeko SC is also involved in commercial arbitration matters (either sitting as an arbitrator or representing a party).

• Adv Sibeko SC has served as chairman of several disciplinary proceedings and has also sat as a Commissioner in an inquiry set up in terms of sections 417 and 418 of the Companies Act 61 of 1973.

Recent Practice History

Adv Sibeko SC has been involved in various high-profile cases in the High Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, and the Constitutional Court. He has also provided advice to multiple government departments and state-owned entities through written opinions. 

Previous Experience

• In 1998, Adv Sibeko SC was appointed as a member of the Independent Appeal Body of the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry.

• Since 2001, he has served as an Acting Judge of the High Court and the Labour Court on various occasions.

• He was appointed to the Gauteng Gambling Board in 2003 and served until his resignation in June 2006.

• In 2007, he was appointed General Commercial panelist for the AFSA.

• In 2008, he was appointed President of the Services Appeal Board (Gauteng Province), which was established in terms of the Townplanning and Townships Ordinance 15 of 1986.

• In 2012, he was appointed evidence leader at the Arms Procurement Commission.

Contact Details

(t) +2711 223 8000

(t) +2711 223 8024

(f) +2786 500 1415

(m)   +2783 300 3014

(e) sibeko@law.co.za

Adv. T J Machaba

Background

Adv Thabiso Machaba is a multiple graduate of the University of Witwatersrand, completing his junior BA (Law) and LLB there. Between 2002 and 2005, Adv Machaba enrolled for and completed his first degree in Master of Laws (LLM) through coursework in Company Law I and Company Law II, Banking and Finance Law. He completed a short thesis on Corporate Social Responsibility. 

Adv Machaba completed his second degree in Master of Laws in Tax Laws (LLM – Taxation) and completed a short thesis titled “Realities of Minerals and Petroleum Royalties.”

Adv Machaba was called to the Johannesburg Bar in 2001, where he underwent and completed his pupillage. He commenced his practice soon after completing the said pupillage. 

From 2009 to 2012, Adv Machaba was engaged by the University of Johannesburg as a lecturer of Business Law. 

Fields of Expertise

Arising from his lecturing stint at the University of Johannesburg, Adv Machaba’s practice has focused more on the law of contracts (Commercial Law). 

Also, Adv Machaba has done a lot of cases relating to traditional leadership (customary Law) both at the Commission on Traditional Leadership and Disputes (“the so-called Nhlapo Commission”) and in Court. 

Besides the above, Adv Machaba has acquired experience in administrative and constitutional laws. 

Previous Experience

Adv Machaba has acquired experience in various fields of law and has worked with many senior advocates in various courts ranging from High Courts to the Constitutional Court. He has also appeared on his own in the Supreme Court of Appeal. 

Adv Machaba has also led several juniors in various matters.

Contact Details

(t) +2711 223 8000

(t) +2711 223 8031

(f) +2711 223 8155

(m)   +2782 634 6486

(e) tmachaba@rsabar.com

Adv. I A M Semenya 

(SC)

(ex officio)

Background

Adv Semenya attended Tseki Senior Secondary School: Matriculated in 1979, having completed the junior certificate at Tshepo Themba School in the Vaal and proceeded to Witsieshoek to pursue Senior Mathematics and Physical Science which was not offered at the time in the Vaal. Participated in conceivably all sporting activities at school and student political discourses of the time.

University of the North: Completed a bachelor's degree, B. Juris, in 1983. The university is situated in the Northern Province, one of the few universities offering black people tertiary education. 

University of Natal (Durban): Completed a Bachelor of Laws Degree, LLB, in 1985. Participated in the student activities of the time, including the resistance to introducing the tricameral parliament. 

Johannesburg Bar Council: Served pupillage with Adv.
B Spilg SC in 1986 and passed to be admitted to practice at the Johannesburg Bar and represented a battery of various individuals and groups of individuals in what we call terrorism trial—represented various political figures in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Chaired a commission of inquiry investigating the procurement of immovable property by the provincial government and acted as arbitrator in various commercial disputes. 

Nova University (Florida): Obtained a Diploma in Trial Advocacy and, over the years, has offered lectures in the techniques of trial litigations to over 500 participants throughout the length and breadth of the Republic. Institutions that received this training included practical law schools, universities, public defenders, private practitioners, etc. 

International Development Law Institute: The institute is based in Rome and offers a variety of programs that enable NGOs, CBOs, and practitioners to refine their negotiation skills. Obtained a Diploma in Negotiating International Agreements.

Black Lawyers Association Legal Education Centre: Appointed the National Executive Director in 1996 and instrumental in various NGO matters. Lobbying the individuals to take up judicial appointments and another government appointment in furtherance of skills transfer in governance. Training lawyers and control of the placement of candidate attorneys and pupils.

A committed member of Bar Counsel (WLD).

Appointed to the University of Witwatersrand Local Faculty Board.

Various other engagements: Advising government officials in the various departments through submissions for draft legislation.
He participated in various televised interviews on law-related matters. He was involved with community organizations in civil disciplines. Litigation of commercial and constitutional cases.

Authorship: Co-authored a book in the draft “Constitution for a Democratic South Africa.” This was in anticipation of the Codesa negotiations. On the instruction of Swapo, also part of a team under the leadership of Justice Mahomed to draw a “Namibian Constitution” that was presented to the Namibian Constitutional Assembly. Was appointed in terms of Section 71 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act, 200 of 1993, as one of the seven panels of experts to oversee compliance with the constitutional principles.

Senior Counsel Status: Conferred the status of Senior Counsel in 1998. Gauteng Gambling Board (Deputy Chairperson) in 1986. Appointed Chairperson of the appeals committee of the Micro Finance Regulatory Council. Admitted as a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Acting Judge of the High Court. Acting Judge of the Labour Court. Assistant Commissioner in the Ellis Park Stampede – 2001. Vice-Chairman – Society of Advocates (WLD) 2001/2002. Chairman of the Johannesburg Bar Council (2004/2005/2006).

Honorary Doctorate: Vaal University of Technology Doctoris Technologies 20th March 2008

Vice Chairman: General Council of the Bar (GCB) (2009/2012)

Deputy Chairman: General Council of the Bar (GCB) (July 2012/2014)

Contact Details

(t) +2711 223 8000

(t) +2711 223 2041

(f) +2786 579 3673

(m)   +2784 701 0385

(e) advsemenyasc@law.co.za