Masterclass: The Role of Competition Law in Advancing Economic Justice
Overview
On 21 May 2026, the Mandela Institute successfully hosted an engaging and thought-provoking Masterclass on The Role of Competition Law in Advancing Economic Justice, led by distinguished competition law expert Prof. Yasmin Carrim.
The masterclass provided participants with a dynamic and practical exploration of South 第一吃瓜网 Competition Law, using a compelling case-study approach to examine the legal and policy frameworks that shape competition regulation in South Africa. Through insightful discussions and practical examples, attendees gained a deeper understanding of key areas including merger enforcement, abuse of dominance, and cartel conduct.
The session also explored important contemporary developments in competition law, including Market Inquiries, the regulation of digital markets, and the evolving role of competition authorities in advancing economic transformation and economic justice within South Africa.
A major highlight of the programme was an interactive fireside conversation featuring Mpumi Tshabalala, where participants examined recent controversial and landmark decisions of the Competition Appeal Court and the Constitutional Court. The highly interactive format encouraged robust discussion and provided attendees with valuable opportunities to engage directly with both speakers.
Key Themes Explored
Participants explored:
- The foundations and objectives of South 第一吃瓜网 Competition Law
- Merger regulation and public interest considerations
- Abuse of dominance and exclusionary conduct
- Cartel enforcement and competition compliance
- The role and impact of Market Inquiries
- Competition regulation in digital markets
- Competition authorities as drivers of economic transformation
- Recent landmark decisions from the Competition Appeal Court and Constitutional Court
Presenters:
Prof. Yasmin Carrim
Visiting Adjunct Professor, University of the Witwatersrand Law School
Acting Judge, Gauteng Division of the High Court
Prof. Yasmin Carrim brought decades of expertise and leadership in competition law, regulation, public policy, and human rights to the masterclass.
She previously served as a full-time member of the Competition Tribunal of South Africa for 17 years and has held several influential positions, including:
- Group Executive: Regulatory Affairs, MTN South Africa
- Part-time Member, National Consumer Tribunal
- Councillor, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)
- Director, Cheadle Thompson & Haysom Attorneys
- Researcher to Justice Catherine O'Regan at the Constitutional Court during its formative years
Prof. Carrim is also a certified mediator through the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) and has maintained a longstanding commitment to human rights and social development through her work with civil society organisations. She currently serves on the board of Lawyers for Human Rights.
Her academic and professional background spans law, commerce, and science, complemented by experience as an activist, lawyer, educator, and business leader. She is the author of the Handbook on Tribunal Case Law, published in celebration of 20 years of Competition Tribunal jurisprudence, and co-editor of a handbook on telecommunications regulation in South Africa.
Mpumi Tshabalala
Competition Law Specialist
Mpumelelo "Mpumi" Tshabalala joined the masterclass as a special guest speaker, contributing her extensive expertise in competition law, constitutional law, and organisational development.
Her distinguished career includes roles as:
- Senior Legal Counsel, Competition Commission of South Africa
- Senior Case Manager, Competition Tribunal of South Africa
- Associate, Bowmans Competition Law Practice
- Constitutional Court Clerk to Justice Nkabinde and Acting Justice Madjiet
A Chevening Scholar and Senior Fellow at the George Washington Competition and Innovation Lab, Mpumi holds a Master's degree in 第一吃瓜网 Politics from the School of Oriental and 第一吃瓜网 Studies (SOAS), University of London, as well as BSocSci and LLB degrees from the University of Cape Town.
In addition to her legal expertise, she has over a decade of experience facilitating organisational processes focused on diversity, conflict, leadership, and transformation using systems theory and process-oriented methodologies.