Before we begin the heavy lifting of resolving your dispute, there is one essential step: Signing the Agreement to Mediate. Think of this as the “Rules of Engagement” that ensures the process is safe, fair, and private for everyone involved.

Why do we need to sign this?

Mediation is different from a courtroom. To make it work, everyone needs to agree to a specific set of values. Signing this document protects you in three ways:

• Confidentiality: It creates a “legal vault.” Everything said in mediation stays in mediation and cannot be used against you in court later.
• Neutrality: It confirms that your mediator is a neutral guide, not a judge or an advocate for one side.
• Voluntary Control: it acknowledges that you are here by choice and that you—not the mediator—have the final say on any settlement.

What exactly am I signing?

It isn’t a final settlement of your dispute. Instead, it is a short contract that covers:

1. Privacy: Agreements not to record sessions or share discussions with outside parties.
2. Costs: Clarity on how the mediation fees are shared.
3. Termination: Your right to pause or stop the mediation at any time if you feel it isn’t working.

✍️ About the E-Signature Process

We use secure, legally binding e-signature technology to make this process as fast and painless as possible.

• Legally Valid: In South Africa, electronic signatures on mediation agreements are fully recognized under the ECT Act. They carry the same weight as a pen-and-paper signature.
• Convenience: You don’t need a printer, a scanner, or a witness. You can sign from your phone, tablet, or computer in seconds.
• Audit Trail: Every signature is timestamped and tracked, providing a digital “certificate of completion” for your records.

Next Step: Once both parties have signed, the “vault” is officially active, and we can begin our first session.

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