Department profile
Webber Wentzel

Insurance

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa


Webber Wentzel

Rankings

About

Provided by Webber Wentzel

Webber Wentzel is best placed to service clients in terms of the provision of multi-disciplinary legal services given our in-depth knowledge and understanding of the insurance and financial services sector and our market-leading team of lawyers who has a deep understanding of the issues which the insurance and financial services sector are faced with. We have a track record over the last 30 years of consistently and repeatedly acting for major South African and international insurance companies and insurance groups in relation to business critical and complex industry-specific mandates. Most of our client relationships are long-standing relationships, which are indicative of our approach to business in building partnerships rather than providing legal advice as an external service provider. We have a strong record in M&A transactions in the insurance sector in South Africa and Africa. We have an established reputation for advising local insurers, international insurers, reinsurers and off-shore entities seeking to conduct insurance business. We provide an integrated financial regulatory offering, with a strong commercial focus and understanding of how to act within such regulatory parameters in order to meet business and commercial needs.

Contacts: Johan Henning, Partner ([email protected]); Zelda Swanepoel, Partner ([email protected]) and Maria Philippides, Partner ([email protected]).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Insurance - South Africa

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
Webber Wentzel houses an exceptionally strong and broad practice valued for its longstanding expertise across a variety of insurance-related concerns. The firm has offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town and acts for a range of domestic and international clients, including insurers, reinsurers and financial services players, with further experience in insurance-related M&A transactions, joint ventures and corporate restructuring. On the disputes side, it regularly represents insurers in various professional negligence and personal injury matters. The practice exhibits notable experience in providing clients with insurance regulatory advice.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Webber Wentzel represented Sanlam in an action for indemnification for damages following a flood of the Perkoa Mine.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Webber Wentzel provides exceptional guidance on complex legal and commercial matters.

    Insurance respondentGlobal
  • Its lawyers are very experienced and knowledgeable, but they are also very practical in their advice and assistance.

    Insurance respondentGlobal
  • The firm's multidisciplinary approach helps it leverage off each member's expertise without compromising the quality of the work. The team is diverse and knowledgeable.

    Insurance respondentGlobal
  • Its team is very skilled, has diverse legal expertise and is very approachable.

    Insurance respondentGlobal
  • The team is forward-thinking and shares the latest developments with the clients.

    Insurance respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Johan Henning
    Band 2Johan Henning

    Johan Henning

    Johan Henning is regularly sought out for his counsel on regulatory issues and commercial transactions in the insurance space.
    • Johan Henning has deep knowledge and is excellent in his field.

      Insurance respondentGlobal
    • Johan Henning is undoubtedly an industry expert.

      Insurance respondentGlobal
    • He is very experienced in the regulatory environment.

      Insurance respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Lisa Swaine
    Band 2Lisa Swaine

    Lisa Swaine

    Lisa Swaine appears in claims relating to business interruption and professional indemnity, among other issues. She acts for a range of clients in the sector, including insurers, brokers and underwriters.

    • Lisa Swaine provides a reliably strong level and quality of service.

      Insurance respondentGlobal
    • She is efficient and a pleasure to work with.

      Insurance respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Maria Philippides
    Band 2Maria Philippides

    Maria Philippides

    Maria Philippides is well known for her contentious and non-contentious insurance practice. In addition to representing her clients in D&O claims, her experience includes handling insurance-related issues stemming from business interruption.

    • Maria Philippides' opinions are commercially aligned and we can use her opinions to make key business decisions.

      Insurance respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Kim Rew
    Band 3Kim Rew

    Kim Rew

    Based in Cape Town, partner Kim Rew holds a strong recognition for her insurance and commercial litigation expertise. She is capable of assisting clients with liability claims.

  • Band 3Zelda Swanepoel
    Band 3Zelda Swanepoel

    Zelda Swanepoel

    Zelda Swanepoel is particularly active advising on business transfers, acquisitions and other transactions in the insurance space. She often assists clients with regulatory and policy advice.

    • She has a deep understanding of the law and our business. Zelda has such wealth of knowledge that spans across various legal disciplines and areas of expertise.

      Insurance respondentGlobal
    • Zelda Swanepoel is highly specialised and finds the right way of resolving issues.

      Insurance respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Webber Wentzel (5)

South Africa

Members

Provided by Webber Wentzel

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership