South African law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) has announced that Namibian lawyers Patrick Kauta, Frieda Kishi, Magano Erkana and Mercy Kuzeeko will be joining the firm’s Namibia office as part of a significant expansion of its local presence.
“With effect from 1 September 2025 Patrick Kauta will take over the role of Managing Partner of CDH Namibia. Patrick brings extensive expertise and leadership experience that will be instrumental in driving our strategic goals for the benefit of our clients and the Namibian market,” the firm said in a statement.
The expansion includes the appointment of Frieda Kishi, Magano Erkana and Mercy Kuzeeko, who will join CDH Namibia alongside Kauta. Barendse Inc, which currently trades as CDH Namibia, will also undergo a name change—subject to regulatory approval—to become Kauta Barendse & Kishi Inc, while continuing to operate under the CDH Namibia brand.
“CDH Namibia has been significantly strengthened by these hires and they also add significantly to the depth, scale, and resources of our broader network. This step brings together a highly respected local team with a leading regional and growing pan-African platform, enhancing our ability to deliver world-class legal services to clients operating in or engaging with Namibia and, on our continent,” the firm said.
The firm noted that clients will benefit from broader capabilities and improved sector expertise. “Clients will benefit from expanded capabilities, deeper sector expertise, and seamless cross-border support. Beyond legal services, this move reflects our commitment to investing in Namibia’s legal sector and infrastructure and contributing to its broader economic development through local empowerment, skills transfer, and sustainable growth,” CDH Namibia added.
Kauta, previously a Senior Director and founding partner at Dr Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc (WKH), has also held board roles at Old Mutual Namibia, the Namibia Football Association and African Stars Football Club.
Kishi, who will join Kauta as a name partner in the new entity, was also a Director at WKH and has more than 25 years’ experience, including roles at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, Namibia Development Corporation, the Office of the Prosecutor-General, and as founder of Kishi Legal Practitioners.
Erkana was Head of the Commercial Department at WKH and previously worked at Standard Bank Group for more than a decade, including as Head of Legal Services. Kuzeeko is a specialist tax lawyer with expertise in international tax consulting, advisory and due diligence.
Founded in 1853, CDH is a top-tier South African headquartered law firm with offices in Kenya and Namibia. With more than 330 lawyers, it focuses on sectors including Mergers & Acquisitions; Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fishing; Real Estate; Energy and Power; Oil & Gas; Financial Services; Mining & Minerals; Infrastructure, Transport & Logistics; Healthcare; Technology & Communications; and Private Equity, among others.
