Key Lessons that Divorce Teams Learned During their 100-Day Challenge.
As the clock started ticking on the first day of the 100-Day Challenge, the air was charged with anticipation and determination. Stakeholders within the Divorce Teams rallied together, each bringing their unique expertise and perspective to the table. Their mission was clear: to streamline the divorce process, minimise conflict, and prioritise the well-being of all parties involved.
The result: Collectively among all the divorce teams that participated in the 100-Day Challenges, the backlog was reduced by 38.6% A total of 3913 cases were finalised in 100-Days.
How did the teams achieve this? Let’s take a look:
New interventions to address the backlog of cases.
Regional courts, once limited by a shortage of sitting days, have extended their schedules to handle the increased number of cases. Magistrates have swiftly assigned trial dates, and collaborations with Legal Aid have aided in resolving pending cases that had previously stagnated.
Going beyond technical innovation.
The teams’ innovations went beyond just technological solutions. Divorce mediation sessions were conducted at six courts, not only facilitating resolutions but also providing invaluable skills development opportunities for new mediators and legal pupils. Time slots were allocated to deal with unopposed cases swiftly, and virtual testifying was utilised to streamline proceedings.
Addressing the obstacles
Private practitioners, often reluctant to settle matters, posed a significant hurdle. Many attorneys closed files without notifying the court, exacerbating the backlog of cases. Undeterred, the team persisted, following up and engaging practitioners to review and finalise cases. They also enlisted the help of candidate attorneys, harnessing their energy to clear backlogs as part of their community service, while simultaneously undertaking the arduous task of cleaning up the Integrated Case Management System (ICMS).
Nkowankowa and Malamulele Courts Leading by example.
In Nkowankowa Regional Court, opposed cases generally took 1 month to finalise before the 100 days. By the end of the 100-Days, the turnaround time for unopposed cases was reduced to just 3 days!
In Malamulele Regional Court it often took more than 6 months to finalise a case. During the 100-Days Challenge, they were able to finalise cases in one month.
Looking ahead
Teams drew strength from each other, forging bonds of camaraderieship and trust. The 100-Day Challenge became more than just an advocacy campaign — it became a journey of self-discovery and collective empowerment. As different Teams navigated the obstacles of the Challenge, they uncovered valuable lessons that would shape future endeavours.
Perhaps the most profound lesson they learned was the importance of expanding their program and engaging more stakeholders. As they looked to the future, they recognized that true progress could only be achieved through inclusive collaboration, involving all members of society, even those not directly employed by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ).