Labour Law | Dispute Resolution | Arbitration Advocate of the High Court of South Africa

Adv. Sipho Dlamini

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Sipho Dlamini is a labour law practitioner, arbitrator and former senior public sector labour relations executive, now practising as an advocate following the completion of pupillage.

He brings over two decades of experience in labour law, dispute resolution and institutional governance. His career spans senior roles within government departments, national institutions and professional bodies, where he was responsible for labour relations frameworks, dispute resolution processes and stakeholder engagement within formal institutional settings.

Sipho has acted extensively as a commissioner and panellist across bargaining councils and dispute resolution forums, including the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and dispute resolution structures associated with major national infrastructure projects. These roles have involved the resolution of labour disputes within regulated environments, requiring engagement across multiple stakeholders and established institutional processes.

His transition to the Bar reflects a considered progression towards specialised legal advocacy, building on an established career in labour law and dispute resolution within structured and regulated contexts.

His practice is grounded in legal principle and informed by practical experience within institutional and regulatory frameworks.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION EXPERIENCE AND APPOINTMENTS

Sipho Dlamini has extensive experience in dispute resolution, having served as a commissioner and panellist across a range of bargaining councils and institutional forums.

He has presided over and contributed to the resolution of labour disputes involving both public and private sector stakeholders, within formal structures where legal, operational and organisational considerations intersect.

His appointments have included roles within:

  • Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) – Johannesburg

  • Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC)

  • Transnet Bargaining Council

  • South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council

  • Panel of Court Annexed Mediators

  • Gautrain Dispute Resolution Panel

  • Medupi and Kusile Power Station Dispute Resolution Panels

These roles reflect experience in the application of dispute resolution processes within established institutional and regulatory frameworks.

KEY STRENGTHS

  • Labour law and dispute resolution 

  • Conciliation, mediation and arbitration processes 

  • Collective bargaining and negotiation 

  • Regulatory and institutional frameworks 

  • Stakeholder engagement within structured environments 

  • Governance and policy-related matters 

LANGUAGES

English | Afrikaans | isiZulu | isiXhosa | Setswana | Sepedi | Sesotho | isiNdebele | siSwati | Tshivenda

Experience

  1. Dlamini & Associates Founder and Managing Director

    2007 — Present

    • Served as a Commissioner at the CCMA (Johannesburg)

    • Acted as a panellist across bargaining councils and institutional forums

    • Provided dispute resolution services within institutional environments, including Transnet, Eskom and Nedbank

    • Advised on labour disputes, regulatory compliance and governance frameworks

  2. Development Bank of Southern Africa Labour Law Specialist

    2004 — 2007

    • Managed labour relations within the structures of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)

    • Provided labour law advisory services within institutional and regulatory environments

    • Completed commissioner training through the CCMA

  3. Government (Mpumalanga & North West) Provincial Head of Labour Relations

    1995 — 2004

    • Led labour relations functions within provincial government departments

    • Acted as lead negotiator in formal bargaining council structures

    • Participated in national labour relations forums and institutional processes

    • Managed labour disputes within public sector environments

  4. National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Legal Education Officer

    1993 — 1995

    • Contributed to labour legislation and policy development processes

    • Participated in national education and institutional initiatives

    • Engaged with government stakeholders on legislative matters

Court Admissions

  • High Court of South Africa
  • Supreme Court of Appeal
  • Constitutional Court