25 July 2025 Volume :13 Issue :22
Law School Hosts Alternative Dispute Resolution Seminar
Alternate Dispute Resolution seminar delegates.Formalising online dispute resolution/alternative dispute resolution mechanisms within the African Regional Communities was the focus of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Seminar hosted by UKZN’s School of Law.
The seminar, championed by Law academics Professor Darren Subramanien, Dr Lindiwe Maqutu and Dr Clydenia Stevens, saw legal scholars and practitioners gather online and in person to critically analyse and debate the effectiveness of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)/ADR within the African legal and socio-economic context in resolving disputes.
The seminar was divided into three sessions with the first chaired by Stevens and titled: ‘Online Dispute Resolution/Alternative Dispute Resolution Analysis of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement Protocol on Rules and Procedures on the Settlement of Disputes’. It explored the legal and institutional infrastructure needed to ensure cross border commercial justice and reflected on how ADR could support regional economic integration in Africa.
The session featured a presentation by Dr Samuel Olugbenga Ojo of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti’s Department of Peace and Conflict Studies in Nigeria, who spoke on ‘Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), an Analysis of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area Protocol on Rules and Procedures on the Settlement of Disputes’.
There was also a presentation by Dr Victoria Banke Olagbegi-Oloba, a postdoctoral research fellow at Stellenbosch University, who spoke on: ‘Bridging Barriers: Fostering Alternative Dispute Resolution through Online Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Africa’.
The second session was chaired by Maqutu and themed: ‘Online Dispute Resolution/Alternative Dispute Resolution within Divorce Proceedings and Family Mediation’, which considered the role of artificial intelligence in family law, the integration of ADR in customary court systems and mediation within the context of assisted reproductive technologies.
UKZN Law academic Dr Juanita Easthorpe presented on: ‘An Examination of the Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence in Family Law Mediation’.
Senior Legal Officer at Ola Dan Ola & Co, Ms Esther Abosede Aladetimethin, spoke on ‘Reimaging Family Justice in Africa: Integration ODR/ADR within Customary Court Systems for Divorce and Family-related Disputes’.
UKZN Law academic Ms Nomfundo Mthembu’s address was on: ‘Navigating Conception and Conflict: Exploring Mediation in South Africa’s Assisted Reproductive Technologies’.
The final session was chaired by Dr Bernard and themed: ‘Online Dispute Resolution/Alternative Dispute Resolution and delved into ADR’s growing impact in the consumer protection landscape and within the Companies Tribunal where legal compliance, accessibility and efficiency are essential for resolving disputes outside of the courtroom.
It featured presentations from Mr Lee Soobrathi, Consumer Goods and Service Ombudsman, who spoke on the ‘Effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Consumer Protection’, followed by a presentation from Mr Mesuli Mpeta, Manager Legal Compliance and Secretarial at the Companies Tribunal who spoke about the Tribunal and its work within the ADR landscape.
Commenting on the importance of the seminar, Subramanien said UKZN was proud to be at the forefront of such thought-provoking discussions which reflect the evolving legal terrain where dispute resolution is moving beyond traditional litigation into collaborative, flexible and increasingly digital spaces. “As legal academics and practitioners, it is incumbent upon us to integrate these developments and to consider how to best integrate them into legal education, legal policy and professional practice,” he said.
“We hope that this seminar will not only spark critical insights but also encourage partnerships that will help shape the justice system so it becomes more inclusive, responsive and fit for the 21st century.”
The event attracted interest from across the globe and drew well over 100 online attendees from all over the world, further affirming the relevance and timeliness of the topics discussed.
• Watch the ADR Seminar here.
Words: Thandi Jumo
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
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