Thembelihle Shabalala

Lihle is a senior dispute resolution lawyer specialising in administrative, public and procurement law, with extensive experience navigating complex matters across multiple forums with matters both litigious and non-litigious. She advises clients on strategic and often precedent-setting matters and contributes to initiatives that promote fairness and advance women in law and policy.

Lihle has represented clients in complex and strategically significant matters across a variety of forums, including in the High Court, and has acted in investigations initiated by law enforcement agencies and government institutions such as the NPA, SIU, National Treasury and PIC. Her work in procurement disputes has allowed her to develop specialist knowledge in both challenging and defending procurement-related proceedings, consistently securing favourable outcomes for her clients.

In addition to her litigation practice, Lihle regularly advises on the regulatory frameworks that shape public and commercial law, including PAJA, PPPFA and its Regulations, and the MFMA. She has also contributed to the legislative process by preparing and submitting comments on draft bills and regulations, particularly in areas affecting women — whether addressing gender-based violence or advancing fairness in public procurement.

Lihle’s experience includes:

• Public and Administrative Law
• Commercial Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Media Law and Defamation and Damages Actions
• ICT and Telecommunications
• Procurement
• Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law
• Commercial Crimes and Fraud related matters