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INTRODUCING TAPIWA
Tapiwa is a highly regarded attorney in South Africa with over 18 years of post qualification experience as a practising attorney (as at 2023). She holds an LLB (Hons) cum laude degree from the University of Fort Hare, as well as an LLM in International Trade Law degree from the University of Stellenbosch. She was admitted as an Attorney, Notary Public, and Conveyancer of the High Court of South Africa in May 2005 and has been practising since then. She also has a right of appearance in the High Court.
Driven by her love for the practice of law, Tapiwa commenced her career in 2003 as a candidate attorney at one of the prestigious “big five” firms in Sandton, South Africa, successfully completing her articles in 2004. From then, she moved to Cape Town and joined a boutique law firm renowned for its accomplished labour attorneys, initially as an Associate and ultimately rising to the position of Director in 2009.
After 17 years with the boutique firm, in 2022 Tapiwa made the decision to join another prominent “big five” firm in Cape Town as a Director in the Employment and Labour Department. Subsequently, she founded Tapiwa Cecilia Gandidze Attorneys Inc, leveraging her 18 years of post-qualification practice experience.
Based on the litigious work that Tapiwa has been involved in throughout her career as a practising attorney, for several consecutive years she has been recognised by Best Lawyers (based on peer reviews) as one of the best labour and employment lawyers in South Africa. The most recent recognition was in 2023.
From time-to-time Tapiwa has been invited to act as a Judge of the Labour Court of South Africa. She has also lectured labour law to third year students at one of the tertiary institutions in South Africa. She is a former committee member of the South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW) and remains a member of the organisation. Tapiwa offers pro bono legal services through SASLAW.
Tapiwa is also actively involved in civil society. She is the Chairperson of the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF) and the chairperson of the Rape Crisis Centre Cape Town Trust. Most recently Tapiwa joined the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation as a Board member.
Introducing Joanne
Joanne Chemaly brings a wealth of corporate experience, most notably 14 years in Corporate and Investment Banking. Despite her successful career, Joanne has held a lifelong aspiration to pursue law. She fulfilled this dream by obtaining her LLB from the University of South Africa in 2022 and completing her Practical Vocational Training through L.E.A.D SA in 2023. In 2024, Joanne commenced her articles at TCG Attorneys, where she is under the direct mentorship of the firm’s Founder and Director, Tapiwa Gandidze, as her Principal.
Motivated by a sincere desire to effect positive change in her community, Joanne has actively engaged in various community roles; serving on the Executive Committee of the local Community Policing Forum and volunteering with the South African Police Services Victim Support team. In 2016, Joanne established an NGO focused on providing humanitarian relief to those affected by fires in informal housing areas. Her dedication and service was recognized in 2017 when she was awarded the Western Cape Businesswoman of the Year (Social Entrepreneur) by the Businesswomen’s Association.
Joanne is enthusiastic about embarking on the next phase of her career at TCG Attorneys. Serving articles under the direct supervision of an esteemed attorney such as Tapiwa Gandidze, is an opportunity of a lifetime. Joanne is excited about learning from Ms Gadidze while bringing her corporate experience to providing excellent client service to the clients of TCG Attorneys.