Foreword - South Africa Country Report

By Anna Head, international supplements director

South Africa is on the move. As the largest economy in Africa and with forecast GDP growth of nine per cent, it is the gateway to the continent. Its unique and strategic position has, of course, been boosted by winning the bid to host the World Cup in 2010. The end result is that confidence is growing both inside the country and among foreign investors.

This is the first South African supplement for Managing Partner magazine. Each of the magic-circle firms in South Africa have contributed articles reviewing current legal issues in the country and in the region. The supplement offers a unique insight into a rapidly changing and expanding market. The potential of this remarkable country is highlighted by UK Government Minister for International Development and Africa, Lord Triesman. There is also a challenging article by Martin Kingston, chairman of one of the leading investment banks in South Africa. Together with the views from top UK lawyers, this is a supplement that will serve as a useful reference tool for all those interested in commerce in South Africa.

Contents

Transformation and growth: The South African legal landscape

Overview: The road ahead

Overview: Gateway to Africa

Africa’s platform for growth

An economic powerhouse

Bowman Gilfillan Attorneys - Foreign-owned companies and BEE

Brink Cohen le Roux Inc - Corporate law reform: A delicate balance

Deneys Reitz - Taming thin capitalisation

Edward Nathan - Alternative energy sources

Edward Nathan - Beware, your restraint of trade clause may be anti-competitive

Routledge Modise Moss Morris - The changing face of dispute resolution