In South Africa, the growing number of divorce cases has placed enormous pressure on the courts. In Gauteng, civil trial rolls are now backed up as far as 2031, creating years of delay for families seeking closure. Recognizing this, the judiciary has taken a bold and necessary step forward.

As of 22 April 2025, the Gauteng Division of the High Court has implemented a revised directive and mediation protocol that makes mediation a prerequisite for trial enrolment.