Mediation in South Africa, like in many jurisdictions, is often misunderstood, despite its growing prominence—especially with the introduction of rules like High Court Rule 41A, which encourages its use, and the Gauteng High Court Mediation Protocol, which requires its use. Some lawyers and parties think that the mediator makes recommendations for settlement or even decides the outcome. Others consider that mediation is only for small, simple disputes. Parties fear that they will have to sit in the same room as the other party.