Webber Wentzel’s young stars recognised as notable South Africans

Two rising stars from Webber Wentzel – Ziyanda Sibeko and Danica Jonker – have been recognised in the Mail & Guardian’s 2024 cohort of “200 Young South Africans”. This recognition underscores the firm's unwavering commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of legal talent.

Sibeko, a recently promoted partner at Webber Wentzel, excels in general commercial litigation and administrative law matters and has acted for various private and public companies, including state-owned entities. Throughout the five years he has been at Webber Wentzel, Sibeko has established himself as a valuable asset to the firm, dedicated to client service and insightful legal analysis. As a way of contributing to the transformation of the legal profession, Sibeko actively mentors and upskills candidate attorneys and black female junior counsel.

“I am incredibly proud of Ziyanda for this well-deserved recognition,” commented Merlita Kennedy, Sibeko’s manager and a partner at Webber Wentzel. “It signifies not just his excellence but also our firm's dedication to fostering a culture of mentorship and professional development. We are committed to empowering our young lawyers to flourish and leave a lasting mark on the legal landscape.”

Jonker, a second-year candidate attorney, exemplifies dedication and teamwork. She plays a vital role in driving positive change as the secretary of Webber Wentzel’s Leadership Network, a platform dedicated to community outreach. She is deeply committed to the initiatives planned by the network and continually looks for ways to make a difference. Jonker also has a deep passion for self-improvement and is constantly pushing herself to reach her full potential. This drive manifests in her work as she actively seeks out new opportunities to learn and grow.

"I am truly proud of Danica’s recognition,” said Mark Garden, Jonker’s manager and a partner at Webber Wentzel. “It reflects her strong work ethic and collaborative spirit, qualities we highly value at our firm. This achievement is a testament to her potential and aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering future legal leaders.”

Webber Wentzel’s senior partner, Christo Els, is just as proud. "At Webber Wentzel, we’ve designed early careers programmes to be springboards for success,” he pointed out. “We equip young lawyers with the knowledge and skills they need and foster a collaborative environment where they can learn from experienced mentors and gain valuable hands-on experience. Seeing Ziyanda and Danica recognised in the Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans list is truly gratifying, a testament to both their talent and the impact of our firm's commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal leaders.”

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