Who’s Speaking at HR Retail Africa 2026

Melissa Cogger

Melissa Cogger is a partner at Bowmans in the Employment and Benefits practice. She specialises in employment law and data protection, advising on complex matters such as employment equity, restraints of trade, retrenchments, collective bargaining, and cross-border employment issues. Melissa has extensive experience in dispute resolution and regularly represents clients before the CCMA and Labour Court, as well as chairing internal disciplinary proceedings.

Her expertise includes advising on compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), cross-border data transfers, and drafting data processing agreements. Melissa also conducts investigations into serious misconduct, harassment, and regulatory breaches, and assists clients with recovery actions for employee fraud and misconduct.

Recognised as one of International Employment Lawyers’ “Tomorrow’s Leaders” for South Africa (2023), Melissa brings deep insight into employment law, governance, and data protection for multinational and local clients.