Phaladi Lebo
Lebo Phaladi
About
Date of call
2019
Qualifications
B.com Law (Wits), LLB (Wits)
Lebogang is an advocate of the High Court of South Africa and a member of the Johannesburg Bar, with 13 years’ experience across commercial, regulatory and competition‑law litigation. His practice spans competition law, telecommunications, administrative law, construction, business rescue, insolvency, and disputes in the oil, gas and energy sectors.
He holds a BCom and LL.B from the University of the Witwatersrand, grounding his legal strategy in a strong understanding of financial models, cost structures, market dynamics, regulated industries and complex operational evidence.
Lebogang began his career at ENSafrica, where he rose to Senior Associate in the competition law department. He advised on merger control, prohibited‑practice investigations, leniency applications, dawn raids and regulatory compliance across multiple African jurisdictions. He later served as Senior Legal Counsel at the Competition Commission, litigating before the Competition Tribunal and Competition Appeal Court as both lead and junior counsel. His work included pleadings, evidence strategy, witness preparation, cross‑examination and argument in complex merger, cartel and abuse‑of‑dominance matters.
Since joining the Bar, he has developed a versatile commercial practice involving market‑power assessments, pricing disputes, refinery operations, pipeline disposals, cross‑border regulatory issues and high‑stakes contractual matters. He has acted in and contributed to a number of reported judgements, reflecting the depth of his litigation experience and the confidence placed in him by clients, regulators and colleagues.
Lebogang is regarded as a thoughtful, diligent and collaborative practitioner, known for his ability to synthesise complex material, identify strategic leverage points and work effectively with attorneys, counsel, economists, regulators and commercial teams.
Beyond litigation, he serves on the King Committee on Corporate Governance and contributed to the drafting of King V, underscoring his commitment to governance, ethical leadership and sustainable decision‑making.
His career reflects a dedication to connecting law, commerce, economics and strategy — and to helping organisations navigate complex regulatory environments with clarity and confidence.
Notable Judgements:
· Admin Review in the High Court - The Industrial Gas Users Association of Southern Africa’s review of NERSA’s piped-gas pricing methodologies - Industrial Gas Users Association of SA v National Energy Regulator of SA and Another (63670/2021) [2024] ZAGPPHC 550 (18 June 2024)
· Merger Reconsideration - Akzo Nobel N.V And Kansai Plascon Africa Ltd and Kansai Plascon East Africa (Pty) Ltd - PUBLIC Reasons IM147Nov2022 - Akzo Nobel N.V And Kansai Plascon Africa.pdf
· Exception application brought by MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd in a matter concerning an alleged notifiable merger between MultiChoice and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SOC) Ltd - PUBLIC Reasons - MultiChoice v Commission and Others - Case No. OTH201Feb15_DSM081Aug22.pdf
· Admin Review - Phumelela Gaming v and Leisure Limited’s review against the Gauteng MEC for Economic Development’s unlawful 2019 decision to amend gambling regulations, which deprived the horse racing industry of a vital 3% betting levy - Phumelela Gaming and Leisure Limited v Member of Executive Council for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development (Gauteng) and Others (2019/11734) [2024] ZAGPJHC 510 (30 May 2024)
· Competition Appeal Court Review- Sasol Gas (Pty) Ltd review and setting aside decisions taken by the Competition Commission of South Africa - Sasol Gas (Pty) Ltd v Competition Commission of South Africa and Others (212/CAC/Apr 23) [2024] ZACAC 2 (5 March 2024)
· Procedural: withdrawal of complaint - Competition Commission v Beefcor Proprietary Ltd and Another (CCT 175/20) [2021] ZACC 9; 2021 (4) SA 408 (CC) –https://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZACC/2021/9.pdf
· Cartel prosecution - Competition Commission and Esorfranki Ltd Rodio Geotechnics (Pty) Ltd Dura Soltanche Bachy (Pty) Ltd Geomechanics CC Diabor (Pty) Ltd and Grinaker LTA (An operating group of Aveng (Africa) Limited) - PUBLIC Reasons - CC v Esor Ltd and 7 Others, CR107Mar11 05052022.pdf
· Abuse of Dominance - Babelegi Workwear and Industrial Supplies CC v Competition Commission of South Africa [2020] 2 CPLR 470 (CAC) (November 2020) - https://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZACAC/2020/7.pdf