General Counsel at centre of organisational decision-making: GC Forum GRC 2026 speakers and agenda announced

Legal decision-makers, regulators, investors, and policy influencers are set to convene in Johannesburg on 7 October for the GC Forum | Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC). Under the theme “Legal Leadership in an Unpredictable World” they will address the evolving realities shaping governance and risk across Africa, from AI governance to geopolitical volatility and cross-border regulatory complexity. 

Today, several industry-leading speakers have been revealed on the dedicated website for GC Forum GRC 2026, alongside an agenda that includes a variety of discussion panels, a Quickfire session on Communicating Risk with Confidence, a CEO Fireside Chat, new Interactive Sessions, and bountiful networking opportunities. 

"Legal leadership has never been more challenging, and in an increasingly unpredictable world, no General Counsel has all the answers, and that's okay,” says Wendy Bampton, co-founder of Africa Legal, which hosts the GC Forum GRC in partnership with legal intelligence platform Afriwise. The value of this exclusive, premier event, says Bampton, is that it brings together experienced peers and industry leaders to share ideas, challenge thinking, and learn from one another. 

While the impact of AI is on the agenda, including at a Future Focused Session where Afriwise founder and CEO Steven De Backer will offer a glimpse into the next decade for in-house counsel where AI is used to anticipate change and the future of legal is shaped as much by governance and leadership as the technology itself, Bampton notes that GC Forum GRC 2026 goes far beyond a legaltech conference. 

“Technology is part of the conversation, but it is only one piece of a much bigger picture,” says Bampton. “Today's General Counsel are expected to lead on risk, governance, regulation, and business strategy as much as the law itself. This  is a leadership forum focused on the people, judgement, and conversations that help organisations make better decisions and build resilience in uncertain times."

This year, the GC Forum GRC will also include multiple Interactive Sessions, including “Inside the Boardroom - What GCs Are Really Being Asked”, a Chatham House-style discussion exploring real questions, pressures, and expectations facing today’s GCs, with Kevin Lester of SkyBlue Africa Advisory, Castalia Moloi, the Chief Assurance Officer at Sasol Assurance Services, and Luche Joubert, the General Legal Counsel and Group Company Secretary at Remgro, alongside audience discussion, live polling, and practical approaches to complex leadership decisions. 

Last year’s attendees praised the depth and relevance of the GC Forum GRC. One participant noted it “cut through theory to focus on the real pressures facing in-house teams”, while another described it as “one of the few forums where legal leaders could speak candidly, learn from peers, and leave with practical insight”.

Life for General Counsel and other legal leaders in our fast-changing world can feel like you’re sailing a ship far across the ocean while at the same time trying to build a new ship right beside it, says Lynelle Bagwandeen, Group Company Secretary & Head of Global Company Secretariat, Naspers and Prosus. The GC Forum GRC is a premier event, she says, bringing together “quality people who are going to share quality insights”. The more we share on how to navigate an unpredictable world, and the tools GCs and others are using, the better off the legal profession will be. 

Bagwandeen will be part of a high-level panel discussing “Digital Exposure: Control, Data & Accountability” and how GCs are increasingly responsible for governing digital risk while enabling innovation. Moderated by Bowmans’ partner Vanessa Jacklin-Levin, the panel also includes Lufuno Shinwana, Head of Legal & Compliance at Danone Southern Africa, Andréa Campbell, Principal Corporate Counsel at Microsoft, and Mpho Chitapi, Group Technology Head of Legal at Nedbank.

Other announced speakers include: 

• André Vos, Head of Dispute Resolution at Deneys

• Hermien Uys, Executive: Legal Services at Impala Platinum Ltd

• Anton Du Randt, Africa General Counsel at PwC

• Tshepo Legodi, General Counsel at the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC)

• Doreen Onwong'a, Partner at G&A Advocates LLP

• Glenda Benson, Head of Engagement and BD Lead, Africa for Afriwise

• Scott Cowan, co-founder and CEO of Africa Legal

GC Forum GRC 2026 will be held on 7 October at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. Building on last year, it continues Africa Legal and Afriwise’s shared commitment to strengthening the strategic role of the modern legal function and positioning in-house counsel at the centre of organisational leadership.

It is free to attend for GCs and in-house teams, leadership, risk, and compliance professionals, government relations, policy, and regulatory specialists, investors and financiers navigating African markets, NGOs, academics, and thought leaders. 

Registration is now open, and due to early high demand, early registration is encouraged. Visit www.gcforumgrc.com today to explore the agenda, review speaker backgrounds, and secure your spot at this transformative event.

There are limited law firm sponsorship opportunities remaining. For more information please contact scott@africa-legal.com