On March 13, 2025, the Department of Procedural Law hosted a book launch at the SRC Chambers on the University of Pretoria's Hatfield campus. Professor Rashri Baboolal-Frank and her postgraduate students collaborated to launch the book Dispute Resolution in Africa, A Journey Forward, providing them with a unique opportunity to contribute to academic scholarship and have their study published.

Prof Rashri Baboolal-Frank, the book's editor and author, welcomed attendees, stating, "It is a tremendous honour to be here and celebrate this milestone with you all. This book is the culmination of three years of hard work, dedication, and passion for alternative dispute resolution. The speaker announced that Springer is offering a 20% discount on the publication starting in May 2025.

The study focusses on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in BRICS countries, a topic that has received less academic attention. Africa is uniquely positioned to contribute to global dispute resolution activities due to its immense natural resources and evolving legal systems. There is a growing awareness of the importance of ADR, and African scholars must use their skills to better implementation. Prof. Baboolal-Frank emphasises the importance of Artificial Intelligence in conflict resolution, particularly in consumer disputes. The book explores its possible applications in ADR.

Prof. Schoeman, Dean of the Faculty of Law, noted that the book is both urgent and vital, filling a large vacuum in existing conflict resolution research. She thanked the contributors for creating high-quality content worthy of Springer's publication. The book demonstrates the high quality of research conducted at the Faculty of Law. The Dean expressed gratitude to the contributors and congratulated Prof. Baboolal-Frank on his outstanding performance, highlighting the high calibre of UP Law graduates.

Prof Baboolal-Frank expressed sadness over the death of a contributing author. "In her memory, we metaphorically light a candle to honour her contribution and dedication," added the woman. She stated that the book launch is not intended to be a lecture, but rather a stimulating discussion, presenting examples of some significant concepts discussed in the book. The title, Dispute Resolution in Africa: A Journey Forward, captures the heart of the work.

Mrs. Khanyise Mgwenyana expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the book's Chapter 2, An Overview of ADR in Africa. She added that Professor Baboolal-Frank provided her with the opportunity to further her education. Her chapter presents a comprehensive overview of ADR in Africa and assesses its implementation throughout the continent. She implores readers to contemplate what Africa has to offer in terms of dispute resolution and how its inherent values may be incorporated into ADR frameworks.

Followed by Mr Malatsi, the author of Chapter 4: Indigenous Methods of Dispute Resolution, who began his lecture by greeting all notable attendees. He went into detail: "This book is a rare and invaluable contribution to ADR research, and I am honoured to be part of it". His chapter emphasises indigenous African conflict resolution methods, which he believes are "cost-effective, efficient, and community-based" rather than punishing, in contrast to Western techniques. African dispute resolution focuses on reconciliation, with Ubuntu serving as its guiding philosophy. His chapter promotes the adoption of these ideas into typical ADR frameworks.

Finally, Mrs. Ndebele, who contributed Chapter 6: The Role of Legal Counselling in Effective Mediation, remarked that Prof. Baboolal-Frank "has instilled in me a passion for research that continues to grow." I am currently in my second year of LLD, and this book reflects what I have studied. Her chapter looks into the role of legal counselling in mediation, specifically in family law, and how it might improve professional autonomy models.

The personal tales that drive these chapters enrich the study and emphasise the significance of African voices in global academic discourse. Voices from the Global South are frequently disregarded, therefore this book makes an important contribution to conflict resolution literature." The authors' efforts to promote ADR throughout the African continent are admirable.Prof. Babool-Frank and her students should be commended for their efforts to put Africa on the map of contributors to furthering Alternative Dispute Resolution, which is rapidly gaining prominence in practice around the world.