By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Competition Commission will from September have a new Commissioner in Doris Tshepe replacing Tembinkosi Bonakele.
In a late statement yesterday, the Department of Industry and Competition said Minister Ibrahim Patel announced that Cabinet had been briefed and supported the appointment of Tshepe.
Tshepe has previously served on the advisory panel for amendments to the Competition Act signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019. She is also the former managing director of the law firm Cheadle Thompson and a former member of the Judicial Services Commission.
She is a tax law graduate with 20 years’ experience as an attorney. In a statement, Patel praised her experience in competition, administrative and constitutional law.
“Ms Doris Tshepe has wide experience on matters relating to the mandate of the Competition Commission and has been active in the competition field for many years. She brings deep insights from her work in advising government on reforms to competition law and as a practitioner representing clients on competition cases,” Patel said.
Patel thanked Bonakele for his 18 years of service to the Competition Commission in multiple positions. Patel noted Bonakele’s work in adjudicating mergers and competition settlements affecting companies like the Coca-Cola Company, ABInbev, Glencore, Old Mutual, and Mondi.
“His work to strengthen the commission’s capacity in cartel and merger investigations has resulted in more competitive markets, substantial numbers of jobs retained, development programmes for small and medium business, and greater levels of investment,” said Patel.
Patel said Bonakele would continue in his position until Tshepe takes office. All appointments considered and approved by Cabinet are subject to the verification of qualifications and other clearance procedures.