By DELPHINE ZULU –
CHIEF Justice Irene Mambilima has said she is optimistic that the re-launch of mediation will enhance the reduction on the backlog of cases in the High and Industrial Relations courts because it will provide speedy dispensation of justice.

. Mambilima

Ms Justice Mambilima said more than 300 matters had already been referred for mediation from various courtrooms, an indication that such cases would be disposed of quickly than the normal hearing.
She said mediators would be re-trained to sharpen their skills in the discharge of their functions before unleashing them on public members.
Justice Mambilima the Judiciary would also put in place a code of conduct for them to regulate their conduct.
The Chief Justice was speaking yesterday at the High Court premises when she re-launched a week-long mediation settlement.
“My main mission as Chief Justice is to reduce the backlog and, as such, there is need to revitalise the use of mediation as one of the means of reducing the backlog, this relaunch,” she said.
Justice Mambilima said the Judiciary was also exploring possibilities of introducing the mediation settlement sessions in the subordinate courts after noting its importance in reducing the backlog of cases in both the High Court and Industrial Relations Court.
The Chief Justice said the process had been unpopular to many members of the Bar who were major stakeholders in the justice delivery system on grounds that there was a perception that the legal fraternity held mediation as a process that reduced their high fees.
“I am confident that this settlement week, and indeed mediation in general, will be a success this time because all stakeholders in the justice delivery system have been brought on board, mediation results in high turnover of cases which means that lawyers can bill frequently,” she said.
Mediation chairperson, Gertrude Chawatama said the annexed mediation week was a period to consider setting aside resolutions of their disputes with the help of a third party.
She hoped that mediators appointed and assistant parties and their advocates would reach an amicable settlement to their disputes.
“What we hope to come out of this settlement week will be to see a large number of cases settled, fully or partially, in some cases and issues narrowed down. We will use this opportunity to educate about mediation and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders,” Justice Chawatama said.
She said all stakeholders had an obligation to own the process and support the Judiciary in its quest to find a solution to public outcry about the length of time from filing a civil suit to the trial date.
Justice Chawatama said annually, bi-annually or quarterly settlement weeks typically disposed of large numbers of cases in a short period of time.