Department profile
Bowmans

Environment

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa


Bowmans

Rankings

About

Provided by Bowmans

Doing business in Africa, as in most international jurisdictions, requires specialised counsel to effectively manage corporate environmental risks and decision making.

 We are one of Africa’s leading environmental law firms, offering real depth and a broad range of expertise in environmental law. Our service covers legal risk mitigation and management, permitting, projects and developments, appeals against administrative decisions and judicial reviews, criminal and administrative disputes, impacts and compliance, due-diligence investigations and compliance auditing.

Our specialist environmental lawyers are equipped with a practical understanding of both the law and its application by the regulators and are able to handle environmental matters in all the jurisdictions in which we are located.

We are able to ensure that our clients’ environmental requirements and risks are seamlessly managed in alignment with their broader business requirements and priorities. We have a strong commercial-environmental understanding in a transactional context, with respect to the intersection among sectors such as mining, energy and infrastructure developments, environmental issues and community interests, pollution and contaminated land liabilities, as well as appropriate mechanisms for the allocation of related risks in transactions, authorisation requirements for developments and general environmental transactional risks. 

Clients (12)

  • Development Bank of South Africa
  • Chevron Global Energy Inc.
  • Barloworld Limited
  • Eskom Holdings Limited
  • Phumelela Gaming
  • Packaging SA
  • Wildlands Conservation Trust
  • African Rainbow Minerals
  • Sasol South Africa (Pty) Ltd
  • Exxon Mobil International Limited
  • Department of Energy
  • National Treasury

Industries (23)

  • Aerospace & Defence
  • Automobiles & Parts
  • Banking
  • Chemicals
  • Construction & Materials
  • Energy
  • Financial Services
  • Food & Drink Producers
  • Forestry & Paper
  • Government
  • Health Care
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mining & Metals
  • Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Private Clients / Individuals
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Technology, Hardware & Electronics
  • Telecommunications
  • Transportation
  • Travel & Leisure
  • Utilities

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment - South Africa

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Bowmans houses an impressive environmental group with a prominent position in the market. The team advises both local and international corporations on regulatory compliance and risk assessment regarding mining, waste management and contaminated sites. The group is sought after for its expertise in environmental considerations regarding M&A transactions and the development of energy projects. It offers further expertise in niche areas of environmental law such as nature reserves, with experience advising on legislative changes.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bowmans advised NSPCA on a urgent interdict and judicial review proceedings to challenge an administrative decision taken by various South African authorities in regard to animal welfare considerations at the Bloemfontein Zoo.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • I am very happy with Bowmans. The firm is top-notch from an academic knowledge perspective, but also its advice is very practical. The law firm has a practical approach and deep knowledge of the law.

    Environment respondentGlobal
  • Bowmans provides a proper, full picture of the matters and its team works tirelessly. Technically we highly appreciate the team's answers and it provides a high-value response.

    Environment respondentGlobal
  • The Bowmans team is very thorough in the approach to the varying topics we have engaged in.

    Environment respondentGlobal
  • Bowmans is a top-tier firm. The team is very responsive, knowledgeable and solutions driven.

    Environment respondentGlobal
  • Bowmans is a benchmark; it has a solid department.

    Environment respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Claire Tucker
    Band 1Claire Tucker

    Claire Tucker

    Claire Tucker is a distinguished practitioner with experience advising on biodiversity offset agreements, remediation and environmental obligations, the environmental aspects of M&A and many other environmental issues.
  • Band 2Michael Vermaak
    Band 2Michael Vermaak

    Michael Vermaak

    Michael Vermaak is well versed in advising on environmental compliance, notably in relation to commercial transactions. He is well equipped to act on behalf of corporate clients from the energy and finance spaces.
    • Michael Vermaak is one of the top environment lawyers. One of his strengths is that he is very knowledgeable and he understands the law.

      Environment respondentGlobal
    • Michael Vermaak's environmental skills are very good.

      Environment respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Wandisile Mandlana
    Band 3Wandisile Mandlana

    Wandisile Mandlana

    Wandisile Mandlana is regularly engaged to provide counsel on environmental compliance in South Africa. He is additionally well versed in advising on environmental regulation and litigation in the mining sector.
    • I am very impressed with Wandisile Mandlana. It's clear he has a deep knowledge, both of the subject matter and the industry. He speaks from a place of knowledge and experience.

      Environment respondentGlobal
    • Wandisile Mandlana has deep industry experience and practical knowledge. His duty of care towards the overall transaction outcome is very high.

      Environment respondentGlobal
    • Wandisile Mandlana has the ability to provide simple but well rounded and to-the-point answers to complex matters.

      Environment respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Bowmans (3)

South Africa

Members

Provided by Bowmans

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