AFSA Launches National Campaign to Expand Access to Mediation
Written by: Megan van Wyngaardt Save to Instapaper
2 September 2025, Johannesburg – The Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) today launched its Justice Through Mediation campaign, an initiative designed to provide free* mediation services to individuals and small businesses across South Africa.
The campaign aims to reduce court case backlogs and to empower a new generation of AFSA-trained mediators under the mentorship and guidance of retired judges and lawyers.
AFSA’s transformative mediation model is anchored in quality mentorship and inclusivity, and at its core, plans to:
- Offer free* mediation services for disputes within a defined financial threshold, subject to the discretion of retired judges and lawyers.
- Support and develop young, trained mediators by giving them opportunities to mediate real cases under supervision.
- Ensure high standards of professionalism, ethics, and educational value are embedded in the judicial and legal mentorship.
“Justice Through Mediation – it’s a call to action,” says Andile Nikani, CEO of AFSA. “We have asked retired judges, advocates, and attorneys to continue their lifelong commitment to justice by mentoring young AFSA-trained mediators. Their experience matters, not only to those they mentor, but to every South African who will gain faster, fairer access to justice.”
All participating mentors receive comprehensive training at no cost to align with mediation principles and are formally recognised on AFSA’s Panel of Mediators – a public acknowledgement of their role.
The Justice Through Mediation campaign showcases AFSA’s commitment to driving innovation in alternative dispute resolution, nurturing tomorrow’s mediators, and expanding access to justice through mediation.
Disclaimer
*Free mediation services are provided within a defined financial threshold and are subject to eligibility criteria and the discretion of participating retired judges and lawyers. Not all disputes may qualify. AFSA reserves the right to assess each case individually.For broadcast interviews, please contact:
Megan van Wyngaardt
SWM Communications
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WhatsApp: 074 33 66 77 2
Submitted on behalf of
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