Department profile
Webber Wentzel

Environment

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa

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Webber Wentzel

Rankings

About

Provided by Webber Wentzel

We are a leading environmental team. With 2 partners, and 4 other qualified lawyers specialising in environmental law we advise high-profile clients on major transactions across a range of sectors. We advise on all environmental issues in commercial contracts. This includes mitigation, rehabilitation obligations, land-use planning issues, warranties, indemnities and undertakings. We are experienced in carrying out a cost effective environmental due diligence investigations as component of M&A transactions. We have developed a reputation for achieving commercially significant results, we have extensive experience on advising on all regulatory and environmental aspects of establishing nuclear power stations, as well as coal and gas-fired power stations, as well as advising on nuclear and radioactive waste. The practice group has specific expertise and experience in advising on environmental issues associated with prospecting and mining and production, including prospecting and mining in the ocean. We have advised on a wide range of matters in the upstream oil & gas sector.

Contact: Garyn Rapson, Partner ([email protected]).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment - South Africa

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Webber Wentzel operates a broad-ranging environmental law practice acting on forestry, water use and waste management mandates, with particular recognition for the strength of its fisheries expertise. The group frequently undertakes environmental due diligence on M&A transactions, acting for domestic and international commercial clients. Additionally, the law firm maintains an active presence in the mining sector, advising on acquisitions, regulatory considerations and environmental impact assessments. The team features on high-profile disputes in the environmental space, including appeals against environmental authorisations.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Webber Wentzel advised Northam Platinum on matters relating to the renewal of the client's air emissions licence.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Webber Wentzel's team has local knowledge, is hands-on and always available for assistance. It is a large law firm with its head in the game.

    Environment respondentGlobal

  • The Webber Wentzel team is highly experienced and extremely dedicated.

    Environment respondentGlobal

  • Webber Wentzel's strengths are its knowledge, efficiency and execution.

    Environment respondentGlobal

  • Webber Wentzel has a deep and broad knowledge of environmental law. It has a strong team with quick response and turnaround times.

    Environment respondentGlobal

  • The firm has a strong dynamic team that is very knowledgeable in the field and lovely to work with.

    Environment respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Garyn Rapson
    Garyn Rapson

    Garyn Rapson

    Garyn Rapson possesses a strong reputation for his environmental work in the mining space, advising on issues such as permits and compliance. He also advises on ESG initiatives.

    • Garyn Rapson is an absolute pleasure to work with.

      Environment respondentGlobal

    • Garyn Rapson has great industry and specialist knowledge.

      Environment respondentGlobal
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  • Kirsty Kilner
    Kirsty Kilner

    Kirsty Kilner

    Kirsty Kilner is well regarded for her expertise in environmental law. She often advises on the ESG and the environmental aspects of commercial transactions.

    • Kirsty Kilner has excellent environmental legal knowledge and experience.

      Environment respondentGlobal

    • I'm very impressed with Kirsty Kilner's turnaround times.

      Environment respondentGlobal

    • I find Kirsty Kilner to be a sober presence among the different voices in the transaction; I really recommend her.

      Environment respondentGlobal
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  • Paula-Ann Novotny
    Paula-Ann Novotny

    Paula-Ann Novotny

    Paula-Ann Novotny is renowned for her expertise in environmental law and ESG mandates. She advises an array of clients on matters including biodiversity initiatives and regulatory compliance. She is further capable of handling the environmental aspects of corporate transactions.

    • Paula-Ann Novotny is exceptional. She goes far beyond the expectations in terms of support.

      Environment respondentGlobal

    • Paula-Ann Novotny is available and she offers a very detailed, expert level opinion.

      Environment respondentGlobal

    • She deals with tricky issues and handles them well. She is impressive.

      Environment respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Webber Wentzel (3)

South Africa

Members

Provided by Webber Wentzel

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