The newly established Western Cape Society of Mediators (WCSM) has officially launched, bringing together accredited mediation professionals committed to promoting mediation as an effective, accessible and ethical method of dispute resolution across the Western Cape. Established in October 2025, the Society serves as a professional body representing mediators working in commercial, labour and community disputes.
The launch and inaugural Annual General Meeting, held in March 2026, highlighted the growing importance of mediation in South Africa’s legal and business landscape. Addressing attendees, Labour Court Judge Robert Lagrange drew attention to the increasing pressure on court rolls and the vital role that mediation can play in resolving disputes more efficiently, cost-effectively and collaboratively.
The WCSM aims to promote high ethical standards within the profession, facilitate collaboration amongst mediators, provide ongoing professional development opportunities, and serve as a collective voice for practitioners in engagements with stakeholders and authorities.
Members benefit from networking opportunities, industry events, enhanced professional visibility and access to a supportive community dedicated to advancing the practice of mediation.
Leading the Society as the inaugural Chairman is PJ Veldhuizen, Managing Director of Gillan & Veldhuizen Inc. and an internationally accredited commercial mediator with extensive experience in dispute resolution.
Commenting on his appointment, Veldhuizen said: “I am both honoured and excited to serve as Chairman of the Western Cape Society of Mediators. Mediation has the unique ability to transform conflict into constructive dialogue, allowing parties to retain control over outcomes while preserving relationships that litigation often destroys. The establishment of the Society represents a major step in further professionalising mediation in the Western Cape and creating a platform where mediators can collaborate, share knowledge and promote best practice.”
He added: “As our courts continue to face increasing pressure, mediation offers businesses, employers, communities and individuals a practical alternative that is often faster, more cost-effective and less adversarial. My hope is that the Society will play a meaningful role in raising awareness of mediation and helping to entrench it as a first-choice dispute resolution mechanism rather than a last resort.”
The Society welcomes applications from accredited mediators across the Western Cape and looks forward to contributing to the continued growth and recognition of mediation as a valuable component of South Africa’s dispute resolution framework.