Women in Sectional Title Launch Mediation Platform During South Africa's Women’s Month

Women in Sectional Title (WiST) has partnered with ADR Ubuntu to introduce a new mediation platform designed to help resolve disputes in sectional title properties quickly, confidentially, and with minimal stress and expense. This collaboration coincides with Women’s Month in South Africa and aims to provide a practical alternative to costly and time-consuming court proceedings.

Marina Constas, WiST founder and director at BBM Law, highlights the importance of mediation in the sectional title context, where disputes are common due to the close living quarters and shared facilities. ADR Ubuntu offers a user-friendly, efficient, and confidential solution, allowing property owners, tenants, trustees, bodies corporate, and managing agents to easily register disputes online and begin the mediation process.

Mediation is particularly suited to sectional title disputes because it fosters communication and helps maintain peace among parties who are likely to continue interacting after the dispute is resolved. Constas notes that the informal atmosphere of mediation can ease tensions and improve relations, making it an ideal solution for this setting.

While ADR Ubuntu’s services are open to everyone, the platform features an all-women team of mediators, supporting WiST’s mission to promote gender balance in the South African property sector. A portion of the mediation fees will be used to support WiST’s initiatives, further empowering women in this traditionally male-dominated industry. With women comprising 60% of new property buyers in South Africa, this platform offers a safe space for them to resolve disputes and ensure their voices are heard.

Constas emphasises the platform's suitability for common disputes like arrear levies, where mediation can often prevent escalation to court. The platform complements the mediation services offered by the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS), providing an avenue for internal resolution before parties approach CSOS.

Advocate Frank Stanley, founder of ADR Ubuntu, expresses enthusiasm for the partnership, recognizing its potential to alleviate the burden on sectional title management while empowering women in the property sector. The platform offers a simple and affordable way to resolve disputes, benefiting all stakeholders in the sectional title environment.

Caption: Women in Sectional Title (WiST) founder and BBM Law director Marina Constas.

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT Marina Constas: marina@bbmlaw.co.za

MORE INFO ABOUT Women in Sectional Title or Join WiST Visit: https://womeninsectionaltitle.co.za/