Tag: CivilLitigation
Mandatory mediation – rule reaffirmed by High Court
With effect from 22 April 2025, the Gauteng Division of the High Court introduced mandatory mediation before civil trials. As a result, parties must first undergo mediation before applying for a trial date. In practical terms, mediation is not optional in civil litigation within this division.
Withdrawal of admissions and compromise – SCA confirms limits
In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) reaffirmed the principles governing pleadings and settlement finality. The court focused on the withdrawal of admissions and compromise. In Road Accident Fund vs Sarah Wilson Lewis ([2025] ZASCA 174), the SCA confirmed the strict standards courts apply when parties seek to reopen settled issues. These standards protect the integrity of the litigation process.
