These practice directives herald the beginning of the period of assimilating the guiding principles and procedures that would uniquely befit the Companies tribunal.

These practice directives engender a sense of responsibility in as far as the adjudicatory functions of the Companies Tribunal are concerned, given its unique statutory mandate as an alternative dispute forum.

It is worth noting with alacrity that these practice directives echo the values and principles of independence, impartiality, accessibility, effectiveness, fearlessness including adjudication without favour and prejudice delineated by Chapter 8 of the Constitution Act 108 of 1996 dealing with Courts and the administration of justice.

I take the liberty to thank the sterling effort(s) of the team headed by Mr Khashane Manamela, ie, the convener of the rules and directives committee composed of Ms Khatija Tootla, Ms Tebogo Mputle, Ms Agnes Maseloanyane and Mr Randal Williams for the seminal job of formalising these practice directives.