International arbitration in South Africa has experienced a surge in recent years, especially after the introduction of the International Arbitration Act (IAA) in 2017, making South Africa a real “regional arbitration hub with considerable success.”[1] Historically, arbitration in South Africa was governed by the Arbitration Act 42 of 1965, which primarily dealt with domestic arbitration. […]
Provisional Measures Through the Lens of the ICJ’s Decision in South Africa v. Israel
Provisional measures are a temporary remedy granted by courts and tribunals in exceptional circumstances. Provisional measures aim to preserve the respective rights of the parties pending the decision of the court or tribunal.[1] While it is generally accepted that provisional measures can be granted in international arbitration, as before the ICJ, the circumstances under which […]
Fixed Deadlines in Arbitration Agreements: Pros and Cons
Arbitration, as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, has gained broad acceptance due to its flexibility, efficiency, and ability to provide a simplified method for resolving disputes. Time management is crucial to the efficiency of arbitration, as prolonged disputes can result in higher costs and reduce its advantages. The question of whether fixed deadlines in arbitration […]
Navigating LNG Price Arbitrations
The global energy sector is changing significantly as liquefied natural gas (LNG) becomes increasingly important in meeting growing energy demands and addressing environmental concerns. Even before COVID-19, the natural gas markets underwent such rapid evolution that they disrupted established long-term supply contracts, leading to waves of LNG price arbitrations. While LNG price arbitrations may harbour […]
Environmental Concerns in Investment Arbitration
Traditionally, investment arbitration and environmental protection existed in separate spheres, with the former primarily focused on protecting the rights of investors and the latter concerned with safeguarding the environment. However, this separation has blurred as environmental issues have gained prominence on the international stage. In recent years, the intersection of environmental concerns and investment arbitration […]