Resolving a dispute with Verca is a guided process, run by the institution from start to finish. In plain terms, this is what happens.
You begin a matter through this website, or your arbitration agreement refers the dispute to Verca. You do not file anything complex yourself; you simply tell the institution you have a matter.
A dedicated case manager reviews the dispute, confirms the procedure it will follow and the all inclusive fee in writing, and opens the matter.
The case manager sets up the parties and their representatives on the Verca Case Accord, the secure role based environment on which the matter is run, hosted in South Africa. Each authorised user receives a secure login and can see their matters, documents, workflow steps, deadlines and reporting, but only the information and functions their assigned role has been given access to.
The dispute proceeds on its procedure, within a fixed timeframe set by the rules, with the institution managing the timetable and holding each step to time.
The arbitrator delivers a reasoned award that is final and binding. Where the parties have elected an appeal, a limited internal appeal is available.
The five procedures below, which the rules call tracks, set the shape and timing of the matter. Each is suited to a different kind of dispute.
You need an answer now, and there is no main arbitration behind it.
A standalone urgent determination by a sole arbitrator appointed by Verca within 24 hours, for matters that cannot await the institution's ordinary procedure. The reference is constituted on an expedited footing and concluded as a self contained matter.
You need to stop something happening while the real arbitration gets going.
An urgent procedure for interim and preservation relief in support of a pending or intended main arbitration, directed at preserving rights and the status quo until the substantive dispute is determined.
A straightforward commercial dispute, usually under R5 million. Done inside four months.
A streamlined institutional procedure for clearly defined commercial matters, with limited interlocutory steps and a focused evidentiary phase before a sole arbitrator.
Higher value, more issues, more parties. Done inside five months.
The institution's full procedure for substantial or technically intricate commercial disputes, with the procedural latitude required for multiple parties, multiple issues, and expert evidence.
One internal appeal on the merits, only if both sides chose it in the clause.
An internal appellate reconsideration of an award on the merits by a fresh tribunal drawn from the panel, available where the parties have elected to make their award appealable under the rules.
At Verca the timetable is part of the institution, not left to the parties to chase. Each track runs within a defined timeframe set by the Rules: the urgent tracks in about eight days from commencement, Expedited within 120 days, Complex within 150 days and Appeal within 90 days. An extension is granted only through Verca, is capped at 30 days, and may go beyond 30 days only in exceptional circumstances.
These periods are set by the Verca Rules and apply to every matter on the track.
The timetable is held by the institution, not left to the parties to chase. Verca holds each matter to its timeframe. Where a party misses a prescribed step, the default is brought to the parties and the defaulting party is given a short, defined period to remedy it, after which the arbitration proceeds. A party that knows of a failure to comply and does not raise it promptly is treated as having waived the objection. Representatives are held to standards of conduct, enforceable by the arbitrator.
The institution's enforcement of the timetable is carried on the Verca Case Accord, where the Rule aligned workflow records each required step, identifies non compliance and supports the case manager in taking the prescribed action.
Where a party misses a step, Verca brings the default to the attention of the parties and of the arbitrator. The defaulting party then has two days to remedy it, or longer if the arbitrator allows, having regard to the nature and consequences of the default. Failing that, the arbitrator may proceed in its absence, dismiss or limit a claim or defence, refuse to admit evidence, determine issues summarily or grant default relief.
The procedure adapts to the nature of the dispute. For certain types of commercial dispute, the institution applies a specialised rule treatment within the Expedited or Complex procedure, so that the process fits the subject matter and is overseen by an arbitrator with expertise in it.
Specialised treatments currently include:
These treatments apply within the Expedited and Complex procedures. The institution matches both the procedure and the arbitrator to the dispute at intake.
No. You may make contact yourself. Parties may be represented or may appear in person.
One all inclusive fee, fixed and confirmed in writing before the arbitration begins. See Fees.
Yes. Arbitration at Verca is private and confidential.
Each track runs within a defined timeframe set by the rules: the urgent tracks in hours, Expedited within 120 days, Complex within 150 days, and Appeal within 90 days, extendable by up to 30 days only in exceptional circumstances. The timeframe applies to every matter on the track.
Yes. The award is final and binding, with a limited internal appeal available only where the parties have elected it.