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ARTICLE · 03 JUNE 2026

Civil Law Update Seminar 2026 - Key Developments Affecting Civil Litigation In Gauteng

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Discussions at the Civil Law Update Seminar held on 22 May 2026, hosted by the Pretoria Attorneys Association, provided important insight into the continued implementation of the Gauteng Division’s mandatory mediation framework and court operations affecting civil litigation in the division.

South AfricaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Mpumelelo Ndlela
Mpumelelo Ndlela
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Discussions at the Civil Law Update Seminar held on 22 May 2026, hosted by the Pretoria Attorneys Association, provided important insight into the continued implementation of the Gauteng Division’s mandatory mediation framework and court operations affecting civil litigation in the division.

The mediation directive has significantly reduced congestion on the civil trial roll and shortened trial lead times. However, much of the pressure now appears to have shifted to the Special Interlocutory Court (“SIC”), where approximately 16,000 matters are reportedly pending. In Pretoria alone, hundreds of compel applications and default judgment matters are being dealt with each week.

A number of the implementation challenges expand on themes previously discussed in an earlier article titled Compulsory Mediation in the Gauteng Division: A 10-Month Implementation Review. That article is available at Compulsory Mediation in the Gauteng Division: A 10-Month Implementation Review - Adams & Adams.

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