Gabriela is a construction and engineering law specialist, currently the Head of Legal & Contracting for the Infrastructure Delivery Division at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, where she joined in March 2020. Gabriela was previously a Director of Claims and Consultancy at HKA in South Africa. Gabriela gained invaluable experience in the construction and engineering field not only at HKA as a Director Consultant but principally having worked on both the Kusile and Medupi Power Stations as a Specialist Legal Advisor for Eskom, the Owner and Developer of both mega projects. As Gabriela was dedicated to these projects, she had the opportunity to be involved from “cradle to grave” in the procurement and negotiation of contracts as well as legal support in contract management, dispute avoidance and dispute resolution.

Besides managing the collective efforts of the construction experts, external lawyers, counsel and project management staff in the dispute environment, Gabriela has provided much in the way of sound strategic and commercial direction for the benefit of Eskom and other external clients. Her technical knowledge and practical approach assist greatly in finding solutions to complex legal issues that are ever present in construction disputes.

At the 2014 African Legal Awards, Gabriela was nominated in the category of ‘Legal Counsel of the Year’. The Eskom Legal Construction team, that Gabriela was part of, was also nominated for the ‘Legal Department of the Year’ Award.

Gabriela continues to grow her experience in this field by now leading a legal and contracts team which is integral to the grow of the DBSA as the implementing agent of choice by many of the municipalities, governmental departments, and State-Owned Enterprises in Southern Africa.