Maisels Group Members

Deborah Mutemwa was called to the Johannesburg Bar in December 2023. Her practice is focused on constitutional and administrative law, as well as general commercial litigation and arbitration. She holds both LLB and LLM degrees from the University of Johannesburg.
Prior to joining the Bar, Deborah built a diverse and impressive legal career. She began her professional journey at Webber Wentzel, where she completed her articles and practiced as a corporate associate. She subsequently clerked at the Constitutional Court for Justice Sisi Khampepe, gaining invaluable insight into the workings of South Africa’s apex court. Thereafter, she joined Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr as a dispute resolution associate, with a particular emphasis on public and regulatory law.

In 2018, Deborah co-founded Tumbo Scott Incorporated, a boutique commercial and corporate law firm, which she co-managed for several years. Through this venture, she advised a wide range of clients, including multinational corporations, non-profits, state entities, and international and regional bodies. During this time Deborah was recognised in the Mail and Guardian’s top 200 young South Africans, Forbes Africa 30 under 30, and was a recipient of the Gauteng Premier’s Youth Excellence and Service award for her contributions to justice and law. She has also served in governance roles, including as a trustee and board member of prominent organisations, contributing to the broader legal and civic landscape.

Deborah has appeared in various superior courts, including the High Courts, the Supreme Court of Appeal, and the Constitutional Court.

Reported and notable judgments
• Mamasedi v Chief of South African Defence Force and Others (CCT 359/22) [2024] ZACC 17; 2024 (11) BCLR 1345 (CC); (2024) 45 ILJ 2475 (CC); [2024] 12 BLLR 1207 (CC); 2025 (2) SA 354 (CC) (21 August 2024).
• Botha v Smuts and Another (CCT 40/22) [2024] ZACC 22; 2024 (12) BCLR 1477 (CC); 2025 (1) SA 581 (CC).
• President of the Republic of South Africa v Sigcau and Others (CCT 282/22) [2024] ZACC 21; 2025 (1) BCLR 26 (CC).
• SA Heritage Resources Agency and Others v Mandela and Others (15867/2022) [2024] ZAGPPHC 278.
• Native Child Africa (Pty) Ltd v Akinwale and Another (125850/2023) [2024] ZAGPPHC 71.
• Native Child Africa (Pty) Ltd v Akinwale (2023-125850) [2023] ZAGPPHC 2007.
• Democratic Alliance v City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and Others (2023-041913) [2023] ZAGPJHC 1375 (27 November 2023).
• Democratic Alliance v City of Johannesburg and Others (2024/024479) [2024] ZAGPJHC 1232.