Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) has appointed Phetheni Nkuna as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective April 1, 2026, with responsibility for overseeing the firm’s operations across Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya.
Nkuna, who currently serves as Director of Executive Management, will lead operational activities across CDH’s regional offices, supporting the integration and coordination of the firm’s African operations.
The appointment comes as the firm seeks to strengthen its leadership capacity and advance key strategic priorities, including operational efficiency and sustainable growth across its footprint on the continent.
Nkuna joined CDH in October 2020 as a Director in the Employment Law practice and was later appointed Director of Executive Management in June 2023. In that role, she oversaw several operational portfolios and worked closely with the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Brent Williams, on strategic initiatives.
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.
According to CDH, Nkuna has played a central role in shaping the firm’s operational strategy, including leading people-focused initiatives and supporting client and business development efforts.
Commenting on the appointment, CEO Brent Williams highlighted Nkuna’s strong leadership credentials.
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“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 efficiently across its offices in Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya.
She will also work closely with the firm’s executive leadership to implement CDH’s strategy across its regional operations.
Beyond her operational responsibilities, Nkuna has been actively involved in initiatives that promote professional development within the firm, including mentorship programmes and workplace support initiatives.
CDH noted that the appointment reflects its continued focus on strengthening leadership capacity as it expands its presence in Namibia and the wider African legal market.
