Tokyo Ndlela is the Managing Partner of Tokyo Ndlela Attorneys Inc, where he advises mining, energy and investment businesses on regulatory strategy, transactions, governance and stakeholder risk across Southern Africa.

He is trusted by clients operating in highly regulated and capital-intensive environments to structure, protect and advance commercial objectives where law, policy, capital and operations intersect. His work spans the full minerals value chain, including mining companies, commodity traders, plant hire businesses, investment vehicles and private family enterprises.

Tokyo has extensive experience advising on mining and energy regulatory frameworks, environmental compliance, ESG governance, and transactional matters. He has led engagements involving regulatory objections, appeals and Section 54 processes, and regularly interfaces with regulators, industry bodies and stakeholders to unlock projects and mitigate operational risk.

His transactional experience includes advising on joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, mining rights acquisitions and Section 11 transfers, as well as the strategic diversification of investment portfolios within the private equity and alternative investment space. He has acted as lead legal and strategic advisor on transactions generating revenues in excess of R500 million.

In addition to advisory and transactional work, Tokyo has advised on corporate governance, compliance architecture and operational frameworks for mining and investment businesses, including the establishment of SOPs, subsidiary governance structures and labour-related risk management, ranging from employment frameworks to CCMA and Section 189 processes.

Tokyo is actively involved in industry policy and advocacy and currently serves as Vice Chairperson of the SAIMM Young Professionals Council, a globally recognised body within the Southern African mining industry. He also serves on policy and advocacy platforms contributing to legislative commentary and reform affecting the mining and energy sectors.

His practice is defined by a pragmatic, commercially focused approach—providing senior-level legal and strategic support to clients navigating complex regulatory landscapes while pursuing growth, capital deployment and long-term sustainability.