2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Competition Act in South Africa. This landmark legislation has been pivotal in promoting and shaping a fair and healthy business environment in South Africa.

To commemorate this anniversary, Webber Wentzel (in collaboration with Through Line Advisors) will host a breakfast event for its clients. In attendance will be distinguished leaders in South African competition law, including:

• Norman Manoim - Judge President of the Competition Appeal Court
• Mondo Mazwai - Chairperson of the Competition Tribunal
• David Unterhalter Supreme Court of Appeal Judge
• Tamara Mokoka - Head of Mergers and Acquisitions at the Competition Commission
• Liberty Mncube - Deputy Chair of the Competition Tribunal of South Africa
• Mark Williams - Economist and Founder of Through Line Advisors
• Advocate Michelle Le Roux SC – Advocates Group 621
• Nomusa Dhlamini – Managing Director, Prax South Africa
• Professor Sean Ennis - CCP Director and Professor of Competition Policy, University of Anglia

The event is an opportunity for leaders from the competition authorities, legal minds, economic experts, business representatives and academics, to share their insights and lessons learned from the past 25 years that will shape the future of competition law in South Africa.

Amongst other things, the panel discussions will explore the public interest journey and why it has taken centre stage in South African competition law and how the Competition Act can be a proponent of investment and economic growth over the next 25 years.

Webber Wentzel boasts a well-respected team of competition law experts renowned for their ability to tackle complex issues and deliver cost-effective, business-focused solutions. Over the past 25 years, the firm has provided unparalleled competition law advice, including in matters such as the Heineken/Distell, SAB/AB InBev and Sanlam/Allianz mergers, the Nationwide damages claim against SAA, the alleged forex cartel and recent market inquiries (e.g. media and digital platforms, and online intermediation platforms).

This breakfast event, with its esteemed panel, promises a stimulating dialogue on the evolving role of competition law in South Africa's economic growth.