South African Law Firms Challenge B — BBEE Legal Sector Code. Johannesburg, South Africa — Top South African law firms, including Webber Wentzel, Bowmans, and Werksmans, are taking the government to court over the Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Legal Sector Code of Good Practice.
The firms argue that the code, which was gazetted in 2024 and requires law firms to increase black ownership and voting rights from 25 per cent to 50 per cent over five years, imposes impractical and unlawful transformation targets.
The legal challenge is set to be heard in the Gauteng High Court between 4 and 8 May 2026.
The firms contend that the code is not only unworkable but also risks undermining the very transformation it aims to promote within the legal profession. Officials commented on the matter.
The B — BBEE program, introduced in 2003, was designed to promote economic empowerment among previously disadvantaged individuals, including black people.
The Legal Sector Code of Good Practice is one of the various codes that set out specific targets for transformation within the legal sector. Some experts and users have suggested that the code is arbitrary and questionable.
One user commented that “big business, with notable exceptions, is far too spineless and will meekly carry on participating as the ANC’s agents in applying its Special Olympics for the feeble-minded who are terrified of a 4% minority.”
Black lawyers have also expressed concerns that the law firms’challenge could be a setback for the progress towards equality.
However, the firms argue that their action is necessary to ensure that transformation in the legal profession is meaningful and sustainable.
The matter has sparked a debate on the effectiveness and fairness of the B — BBEE program.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Nokuthula Khanyile
