The Fields Precinct - Lot 54349 - CBD, Office Block B, 3rd Floor

+267 391 2734
   +267 72 213 487
  partners@minchinkelly.bw

Category: Firm Update

Minchin & Kelly (Botswana)Our ArticlesFirm Update

Ranking Spotlight | Tatenda Dumba’s Band 2

Ranking Spotlight | Tatenda Dumba’s Band 2

Chambers Global 2025 Ranking

Being ranked Band 2 by Chambers Global 2025 is not just a personal milestone; it’s a reflection of the unwavering commitment Minchin & Kelly (Botswana) has to delivering legal solutions that put clients’ business needs  first. This recognition fuels a passion to think outside the box, navigate complex challenges, and drive real business results. But what really sets Minchin & Kelly apart in a highly competitive market? How does more than 100 years of integrity and legal leadership shape our ability to serve top-tier clients with excellence?These are questions worth exploring deeper. Discover the full story of this recognition and what it means for our clients, our firm, and the future of legal service.

1. What does your Chambers Global ranking mean for your professional growth and how does it enhance the value you bring to clients at Minchin & Kelly (Botswana)?

The ranking means I am well recognised in my field and gives the clients confidence that I am able to deliver their tasks efficiently, effectively and with their business in mind. 

2. How does being recognized by Chambers Global reflect the quality and commitment of Minchin & Kelly (Botswana) in delivering exceptional legal solutions?

Being recognised is a testament of the quality of legal service we deliver to the clients noting that when we deliver the instructions our inputs puts the business of the client first. 

3. Can you share how your expertise, acknowledged by Chambers, has helped clients overcome complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals?

Being acknowledged by Chambers has given me confidence and an excitement to think outside the box within the legal framework to tackle any complex legal challenge brought by a client in order to achieve their business goals.

4. What differentiates Minchin & Kelly (Botswana) in the market, and how does your Chambers ranking reinforce our ability to attract and serve top-tier clients?

It has stood the test of time being in operation for more than 100 years and has been consistent in being an integrity firm, apolitical and a stakeholder in shaping the legal arena from 100 years to date. 

 

Minchin Kelly Firm Update, Global Ranking, Recognition

Celebrating Excellence in Dispute Resolution

We are delighted to announce that our Senior Associate, Mr. Obakeng Nthomamisi, has achieved another remarkable milestone by completing an internationally accredited training course in mediation, provided by the Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa) NPC in partnership with the Society of Mediators from London.

Obakeng has successfully demonstrated his skills in both co-mediation and solo mediation, meeting the high standards set by the Society of Mediators. This achievement not only reflects his dedication to professional growth but also underscores his commitment to advancing dispute resolution practices.

At Minchin & Kelly (Botswana), we are proud to celebrate this achievement with Obakeng. His expertise will undoubtedly enhance our ability to provide comprehensive legal solutions, particularly in the realm of alternative dispute resolution.

Please join us in congratulating Obakeng on this outstanding accomplishment!

Minchin Kelly Firm Update

Minchin & Kelly named 2025 Chambers Botswana Law Firm Of The Year!

Minchin & Kelly has been awarded the 2025 Chambers Botswana Law Firm of the Year.

Chambers and Partners, the world’s leading legal research company operating across 200 jurisdictions, provides independent rankings and insights into top lawyers and law firms globally. This prestigious recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to our values of excellence, boldness, and collaboration.

Managing Partner, Terence Dambe, says “winning this award is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and hard work of our entire team”.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our valued clients and business partners for their trust and continued support. This achievement would not have been possible without the relationships we have built with them throughout the years.

In addition to our ranking, we congratulate our fellow colleagues in Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, and Uganda, who were also crowned 'Law Firm of the Year' in their respective countries

We look forward to continuing to serve and work with you.

Minchin Kelly Award, Firm Update

Congratulations, Obakeng Nthomamisi!

We’re delighted to announce that Obakeng, an Associate in our Civil & Corporate Litigation department, has completed the prestigious Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa) NPC’s 2023 Fellowship Admission Course. He is now a Fellow and eligible for appointment as an Arbitrator.

Obakeng’s dedication and commitment to excellence are truly commendable. This accomplishment strengthens our firm’s dispute resolution capabilities and positions him for a successful career in arbitration.

Join us in congratulating Obakeng on this outstanding achievement!

Minchin Kelly Arbitration, Firm Update, Litigation

Terence Dambe appointed an Arbitrator of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)

We are pleased to announce that the International Council of Arbitration (ICAS) has appointed Terence Dambe an Arbitrator of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Terence has a long history of involvement with football administration from a legal perspective. From 2001 to 2006 he served as Legal Advisor, National Executive Member of the Botswana Football Association (BFA) and ex-officio member of the BFA Disciplinary Committee, during which time he formed part of the team that effected transformative changes to the BFA Constitution. In 2007, as part of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) 50 Years Golden Jubilee Awards, he was one of fifty Batswana who were honoured for their efforts towards the development of football in Botswana. He is a past member of the CAF Legal Affairs and Player Statutes Committee. He currently serves as Chairman of the Botswana Football Association Disciplinary Committee, a post he will resign from as a result of this appointment.

We wish Terence all the best in his new role.

Minchin Kelly Firm Update

New Head of Employment Department

We are proud to announce that Lesego Babitseng, a senior associate in our Civil & Corporate Litigation department, has been appointed as the new head of our Employment department.

Lesego has experience in various areas of the law such as employment, financial recoveries, insurance, medical malpractice, contract, procurement and insolvency.

He is excited to take on this new role and we wish him the very best in his new position.

Minchin Kelly Firm Update

Dispute Resolution & Compliance

  • Comprehensive Representation: We represent you in all employment-related forums, including the Department of Labour Arbitrations, Industrial Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal.
  • Department of Labour Liaison: We handle interactions with the Department of Labour on your behalf, streamlining the process and ensuring a smooth resolution.
  • Unfair Dismissals, Labour Practices & Discrimination: Challenge wrongful terminations, unfair labour practices, and workplace discrimination. We fight for fair treatment and a just outcome.
  • Wage & Benefit Disputes: Recover unpaid wages, overtime, leave pay, and severance pay you are rightfully entitled to.
  • Retrenchments: We guide you through retrenchment processes, addressing issues like unfair dismissals, restructures, industrial action, severance benefits, trade disputes, and employer-employee relations.
  • Disciplinary Proceedings: We assist with disciplinary hearings, ensuring fair procedures and protecting your rights.

Employee Benefits

  • Independent Contractors & Fringe Benefits: We clarify the application of pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) to independent contractors and fringe benefits, ensuring you meet all tax reporting requirements.
  • Share Schemes & Employer Benefits: We provide clear guidance on the tax implications of share schemes and other benefits employers are required to offer, minimizing potential tax liabilities.
  • Non-Compliance Identification: We help you identify areas of potential non-compliance with tax regulations related to employee benefits.
  • Benefit Restructuring: Our team can assist with restructuring your employee benefit programs, including share incentive schemes, to optimize tax efficiency and minimize tax burdens.
  • Pension & Provident Funds: We provide comprehensive support with pension and provident funds, as well as other retirement benefits for your employees.

Corporate Immigration

  • General Work Permits: Obtain the necessary permits for skilled professionals from outside Botswana.
  • Intra-Company Transfer Work Permits: Facilitate the smooth relocation of employees within your organization.
  • Special Skills Work Permits: Secure permits for highly specialized roles where local skills are unavailable.
  • Family Visas: Help spouses and dependent children obtain the necessary visas to join their loved ones in Botswana.
  • Study Permits: Support the educational pursuits of international students.
  • Permanent Residence: Guide individuals through the process of obtaining permanent residency in Botswana.
  • Temporary Residence: Assist with securing temporary residence status for those with specific needs.
  • Immigration Regulations & Updates: Stay ahead of the curve with our up-to-date knowledge of Botswana's Department of Home Affairs requirements.
  • Legal Queries & Support: We address your legal questions regarding immigration processes and ensure you have the information needed to make informed decisions.

Consulting

  • Employment Law Advice & Opinions: We provide insightful legal advice and opinions on a wide range of employment matters, from corporate restructuring to performance management.
  • Commercial Issues with Employment Implications: We help you navigate the intersection of commercial decisions and their potential employment law implications.
  • Corporate Restructuring & Retrenchment: We guide you through the entire restructuring process, including offering step-by-step guidance, managing consultations, drafting essential documentation, and representing you at bargaining council meetings.
  • Disciplinary Procedures: Our team assists with drafting notices, preparing for hearings, and representing you at disciplinary proceedings (when permissible).
  • Performance Management: We offer strategies for managing underperforming employees, including the introduction of performance management systems and employee grading processes.
  • Transfer of Business as a Going Concern: We advise on valuation, apportionment of liability, and restructuring during business transfers, ensuring a smooth transition and compliance with relevant regulations.
  • Mergers & Employee Impact: We facilitate the employee consultation process during mergers, prepare impact reports, and support your merger filing with the Competition Commission.
  • Employment Law Acts: We stay up to date on essential employment law legislation, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Employment Equity Act (EEA), Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, Employment Services Act, and Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). We can advise you on your obligations and ensure compliance with each.

Victor Chilembwe, Associate Attorney / Corporate & Commercial

Victor, an Associate in our Corporate and Commercial Division, where he has been a key member of the firm’s team since 2021. With a comprehensive background in data protection, project finance, and legal compliance, Victor brings a wealth of expertise to the firm’s diverse practice areas. / See full biography

Namie Modiri, Senior Associate / Corporate & Commercial

Namie Modiri, a Senior Associate in Minchin & Kelly's Corporate & Commercial Division, navigates complex transactions for local and international companies. Her expertise spans mergers & acquisitions, competition law, banking, project finance, and more. She tackles employment, trust and estate administration matters with the same dedication. A leader in regulatory laws, data protection, privacy, and communications law, Namie advises clients across diverse industries. Her experience extends to public-private partnerships, energy regulation, and financial services law. Joining Minchin & Kelly in January 2017, Namie's contributions continue to impress. / See full biography

Obakeng Mmopi, Associate / Financial Recoveries

Obakeng Keith Mmopi is a dedicated attorney with a strong focus on Financial Recoveries. Joining Minchin & Kelly in January 2021, he brings a strategic approach to managing and resolving complex financial disputes. His keen interest in Labor Law and Tax Law enhances his ability to provide comprehensive legal services, ensuring that clients receive well-rounded and informed counsel. Whether navigating the intricacies of financial recoveries or exploring the nuances of labour and tax regulations, Keith is committed to delivering exceptional legal solutions to both individuals and businesses. / See full biography

Isaac Ntombela / Partner and Head of Corporate & Commercial

Isaac Ntombela, ranked Band 3 in General Business Law – Botswana by Chambers Global in leads the firm's Corporate & Commercial division as Partner.  He advises local and international companies on a broad range of commercial matters, including mergers & acquisitions, competition law, tax, and regulatory compliance.  His expertise spans transactions, corporate governance, and all aspects of company law. Isaac started his career in January 2010 as a lecturer with Gaborone Universal College of Law. He joined the Attorney General's Chambers for a short stint from August to September 2011 focusing on litigation. Isaac then joined Minchin & Kelly (Botswana) in October 2011 as a professional assistant in the Corporate and Commercial Business Unit and was promoted to Partner in January 2017. / See full biography

Terence Dambe/ Managing Partner and Head Of Real Estate

Terence steers Minchin & Kelly (Botswana) as Managing Partner. Leading the Real Estate practice, he offers comprehensive legal guidance on property and mining transactions, crucial to the firm's success. His expertise extends to major commercial deals, particularly in property, mining, and energy sectors. Since joining Minchin & Kelly in 1989, Terence has risen through the ranks, becoming partner in 1993 and ultimately, Managing Partner in 2006.. / See full biography

Tatenda C. Dumba / Partner and Head of Banking & Project Finance

Partner Tatenda Dumba spearheads Minchin & Kelly (Botswana)'s Banking and Project Finance Division. Her practice encompasses project finance, debt & equity markets, derivatives and hedging transactions and public-private partnerships (PPPs). This breadth of knowledge extends to mining, energy, retail and property development. Tatenda’s experience in advising multinational banks and development financial institutions on cross-border transactions makes her a sought-after expert in banking and finance, ISDA, custodian and insolvency matters. Recognized by Chambers and Partners (Band 3) for her finance and project acumen, she is a trusted advisor for a diverse spectrum of clients. She joined Minchin & Kelly (Botswana) in 2017 as a senior associate and her talent and dedication led to her well-deserved partnership promotion in July 2019. / See full biography

Obakeng Nthomamisi, Senior Associate / Civil & Corporate Litigation

Obakeng is a dedicated Senior Associate in Minchin & Kelly (Botswana)'s Civil & Corporate Litigation Division. After joining the firm in May 2019 as a legal assistant, his talent, dedication and hard work led to his admission as an attorney in February 2020, having graduated 3rd in his class. Obakeng continues to perfect his skills in dispute resolution. In addition to being an astute civil litigator, Obakeng is a qualified arbitrator and has experience dealing with arbitrations. / See full biography

Nyaradzo Mupfuti / Partner and Head of Financial Recoveries

Nyaradzo Mupfuti heads the Financial Recoveries Division at Minchin & Kelly (Botswana), specializing in debt collection legal services tailored for banks, insurers, financial institutions and various other entities. In addition to her expertise in collections, Nyaradzo offers strategic guidance to businesses navigating evolving debt collection policies and regulations. She oversees the soft collection operations within the firm's debt collection portfolio and provides clients with valuable insights into effective debt collection strategies. She possesses extensive knowledge and experience in civil litigation cases as well. / See full biography

Agang Mfolwe, Associate / Civil & Corporate Litigation

Agang is an Associate in the Civil and Corporate Litigation Department at Minchin & Kelly (Botswana), where he delivers expert litigation services to a diverse client base. With a solid background in debt collection, Agang represents clients across sectors such as banking, insurance, and property management. He possesses strong expertise in Company Law and is actively expanding his practice to include commercial transactions, corporate governance, property law, and capital markets... / See full biography

Jayne Cross / Partner and Head of Civil & Corporate Litigation

Jayne Cross who has been consistently for 5 years and currently in Band 1 by Chambers Global, heads the Civil & Corporate Litigation Division at Minchin & Kelly (Botswana).  Jayne tackles complex litigation related claims relating to, amongst other things, commercial disputes, insurance law, insolvency and liquidations. She has been involved in many intricate legal proceedings both in and outside Botswana and regularly works with international clients and firms. Her expertise in domestic and cross-border litigation is recognized by Chambers Review, in which she has been ranked from 2017 to date.  Beyond the courtroom, Jayne also guides clients on the best strategies and practical commercial solutions to be adopted. / See full biography