Admission to the Bar:

2015

Professional qualifications

LLB, University of Pretoria (2012)

Areas of practice:

Contractual, Construction and Commercial Law
Constitutional and Public Law
Administrative Law
Medical Negligence
Defamation Law
General Litigation in the Superior, High and Magistrates’ Courts

Practice Address:

Tshwane Society of Advocates
Suite 244
2nd Floor Park Lane West Building
Menlyn Maine
194 Bancor Avenue
Waterkloof Glen Ext 2
0010

Biography:

Advocate Michael Thabang Matlapeng is an accomplished member of the Tshwane Society of Advocates and the Bridge Group of Advocates. He was admitted to the Bar in 2015 after obtaining his LLB degree from the University of Pretoria in 2012.


Before joining the Bar, Adv. Matlapeng worked within the Group Internal Audit Function at Nedbank Group (2013–2015), where he gained valuable experience in company law, anti-money laundering compliance, forensic fraud investigations, and corporate auditing. This foundation strengthened his understanding of commercial and regulatory frameworks, which now informs much of his legal practice.


Since his admission, he has built a respected practice focusing on constitutional, administrative, commercial, and defamation law, and has appeared in several notable matters before the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, and the High Court. His involvement in high-profile cases such as Mlungwana and Others v S and Another (2018) and South African Council for Educators v Deon Scheepers and Others (2023) demonstrates his litigation skill and commitment to advancing constitutional principles.


His most recent matter, was a copyright infringement civil claim involving the unauthorised commercial use of an image based on section 21(1)(e) of the Copyright Act 98 of 1978 Pixel Kollective (Pty) Ltd v Mtombeni and Others (52684/2021) [2025] ZAGPJHC 1004 (16 September 2025).


Beyond courtroom advocacy, Adv. Matlapeng plays a significant role in the profession’s transformation and mentorship initiatives. He currently serves as Deputy Secretary of Advocates for Transformation (Pretoria) and has mentored numerous pupil advocates since 2019.


He has also contributed to public legal education through opinion pieces and analyses published on News24, addressing key issues such as bail rights, defamation on social media, and ethical conduct in public discourse.


Furthermore, Adv. Matlapeng regularly acts on a pro bono basis as an Acting Judge of the Labour Court as well as the High Court of South Africa, Pretoria Division.


Adv. Matlapeng continues to be recognised for his integrity, analytical precision, and dedication to upholding justice within South Africa’s evolving legal landscape.