Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) has appointed Phetheni Nkuna as Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 April 2026, with oversight of the firm’s operations across Namibia, South Africa and Kenya.
Nkuna, who currently serves as Director of Executive Management, will lead operational activities across the firm’s regional offices, supporting the integration and coordination of its African operations.
The appointment comes as CDH seeks to strengthen its leadership capacity and advance its strategic priorities, including operational efficiency and growth across its footprint on the continent.
Nkuna joined CDH in October 2020 as a Director in the Employment Law practice and was appointed Director of Executive Management in June 2023. In that role, she oversaw several operational portfolios and worked closely with Chief Executive Officer Brent Williams on the firm’s strategy.
She holds LLB and LLM degrees, a Certificate in Advanced Labour Law, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
CDH said Nkuna has played a central role in shaping the firm’s operational strategy, including driving its people-focused initiatives and supporting client and business development efforts.
Chief Executive Officer Brent Williams said Nkuna brings a combination of legal expertise and operational leadership to the role.
“She has a deep understanding of legal practice, combined with strong business, financial and operational acumen. She has demonstrated her ability to think strategically, lead decisively and drive progress across the firm,” Williams said.
In her new role, Nkuna will be responsible for driving operational performance, supporting both legal and business services teams, and ensuring the firm is equipped to deliver services across its offices in Namibia, South Africa and Kenya.
She will also work with the firm’s executive leadership to implement CDH’s strategy across its regional operations.
Beyond her operational responsibilities, Nkuna has been involved in initiatives aimed at supporting professional development within the firm, including mentorship programmes and workplace support initiatives.
CDH said the appointment reflects its focus on strengthening leadership capacity as it expands its presence across Namibia and the wider African market.
