Melanie is an experienced Employment Law specialist, with particular focus on the mining, natural resources and infrastructure sectors, but has also acted extensively for employers across a number of other industries, including aviation, pharmaceutical, medical, and fast moving consumer goods.

Melanie is a persuasive and successful litigator and provides clear and practical guidance across a broad spectrum of employment issues.

“She is no doubt a prolific litigator, adviser and strategic practitioner.” Ian Jacobs: Vice President Human Resources and COO Support, AngloGold Ashanti Limited

Melanie has been included in the annual global edition of Best Lawyers 2023 for Employment Law, she has been recognised by the Legal 500 as a key lawyer in Employment Law and Mining for 2023.

Eben has developed a substantial multi-disciplinary practice with invaluable insights gained as a result of a lengthy secondment to a major mining company.

This places Eben in a unique position to blend both his understanding of the applicable laws, and the practical demands within companies. He has also gained an understanding of the demands placed on internal legal advisors, and their unique relationship with external legal advisors.

Eben enjoys working closely with clients and understanding all facets of their business so that he is better placed to provide practical, implementable advice.

Eben is recognised as a leading lawyer in the mining sector by Who’s Who Legal 2024 and The Legal 500 2023. He is also acknowleged as a notable lawyer in health and safety by the Legal 500 for 2023.

Stephen Thibedi Nthite has over 27 years’ experience in the legal sector with a specialist interest in occupational health and safety, environmental law including Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) compliance and reporting, commercial, and community engagement initiatives and programmes.  He has a particular passion for ESG with a focus on, and commitment to, developing an environment which facilitates mutually beneficial and harmonious relations between all parties in the mining ecosystem.

Stephen has strong employment law experience in all aspects including representing corporates in employment disputes at various courts and forums.  He is a specialist in dispute resolution and successfully acted as the Independent Chairman of The Bargaining Forum of The Health Professionals Council of South Africa for many years, ensuring that relationships between all parties remained intact during his tenure.

Stephen has a strong understanding of constitutional law and started his career as a Senior Researcher for Justice Madala at the Constitutional Court of South Africa.  Furthermore, he has extended his qualifications and services to include corporate governance and advises clients on general commercial and corporate law matters.

Stephen has sat on various boards and is currently an Independent Non-Executive Director of African Equity Empowerment Investments Limited and is a member of various associations.

Chantal has 10 years’ experience in mining, infrastructure, and natural resources sector. Her focus is on mining regulatory compliance, high court litigation and commercial law. She has extensive experience in conducting legal due diligence investigations on mining operations and assets, including the drafting and preparation of various commercial agreements, the submission of internal appeals to various regulatory authorities, the initiation and conduct of court proceedings for various mining houses and the execution, lodgement, and registration of various deeds in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and the Mining Titles Registration Act.

Chantal has assisted several large clients with a variety of complex legal matters in the mining, environmental and construction sector. She is also a qualified notary and conveyancer.

Bryan holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics and Legal Theory, as well as a Bachelor of Laws from Rhodes University. He further augmented his expertise with a certification in Advanced Business Risk Management from the University of Cape Town and is a member of the Institute of Risk Management of South Africa.

Since joining the Beech Veltman team at its inception in 2020, Bryan has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the mining, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors. His daily engagement with clients across various operations and his extensive involvement in health and safety, environmental, regulatory, employment, and litigious matters have significantly contributed to his expertise.

Bryan’s legal career commenced in 2019 with a focus on employment law. His work encompasses drafting employment contracts, collective agreements, and related documents, as well as designing bespoke policies, procedures, and practices for a diverse clientele. Bryan assists in representing Beech Veltman’s corporate clients in employment disputes across various courts and forums, providing strategic advice on restructurings, retrenchments, and transfers of undertakings. He also offers guidance on resolving labour disputes, including issues of unfair discrimination, dismissals, unfair labour practices, strike management, and the interpretation and application of employment legislation.

Bryan additionally possesses considerable experience in assisting with investigations and inquiries related to fatalities and regulatory issues within the mining, petroleum and energy industries. He plays a pivotal role in representing Beech Veltman’s high-profile multinational clients in complex matters, including inquest actions, dispute resolution, class actions, regulatory compliance issues, and criminal proceedings. His adeptness in managing these intricate cases is widely acknowledged, and his understanding of business risk management plays an important factor in providing holistic advice to clients. He has further assisted in advising multinational mining companies on the sale and disposal of assets across jurisdictions, a role that required meticulous contractual management and handling of ancillary litigation.

With a strong foundation of academic credentials and practical experience, Bryan is regarded as a distinguished emerging professional within the mining, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors. His accomplishments have been recognised by The Legal 500, which named him a Rising Star in Mining for South Africa in the EMEA region for both 2023 and 2024

Mbuyi holds both a Bachelor of Commerce and an LLB from the University of Witwatersrand, as well as a Post-Graduate Diploma in Corporate Law. Since completing his studies, he has been an integral part of Beech Veltman, where he has amassed considerable experience within the mining, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors.

Mbuyi has developed a comprehensive skill set, with active involvement in health and safety, environmental, regulatory, commercial, and litigious matters. His expertise extends to assisting in investigations and inquiries related to fatalities in the mining industry and workplace incidents. Additionally, Mbuyi has played a key role in advising clients across jurisdictions, particularly in the regulatory sphere. This diverse experience has honed his ability to manage complex, sensitive, and high-pressure situations with the utmost professionalism and diligence.

Mbuyi’s familiarity with the South African legal system, including his more recent involvement with matters in the Supreme Court of Appeal, illustrates his critical role within the team. He plays an instrumental role in various litigious matters across the Labour Courts, Magistrates Courts, and High Courts.

With a strong foundation of academic credentials and hands-on experience, Mbuyi is recognised as an emerging professional of distinction in the mining, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors

Jason Hunter is an Associate in the team, specialising in commercial law with a focus on the mining sector. He holds an LLB and a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Pretoria and has completed additional courses in Commercial and Contract Law and Construction Law.

Jason has extensive experience in managing complex mining-related transactions, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiations, including Contract Mining Agreements and Off-Take Agreements. He has advised on significant mining projects, including appeals under the MPRDA and NEMA, and has represented clients in high-stakes litigation and arbitration.

His expertise spans across various industries, with notable contributions to corporate restructuring and mergers and acquisitions. Jason is also actively involved in business development, having participated in key industry events such as the Cape Town Mining Indaba.

Vusumuzi has been a part of the team as a trainee with the firm since its incorporation whilst attending to his studies. He has obtained his LLB Degree and entered his first-year as a candidate attorney.  Over the years, Vusumuzi has gained not only a good understanding of the general requirements of legal procedure but also an insight into the mining, natural resources and infrastructure sectors.