Professional background and experience:

Hilda brings 35 years’ specialist experience to presiding over employment, insurance, and tender law disputes. While admitted to the Bar, she does not practice as an advocate. With a background in the Industrial Court (1990 – 1999), Hilda is currently an accredited mediator with Conflict Dynamics, the South African Medico-Legal Association and Legal Education and Development (LEAD) – Court Annexed Mediation. She is also an accredited arbitrator with the Association of Arbitrators and senior commissioner at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and various bargaining councils. Additionally, Hilda holds the position as a chairperson in treasury tender appeal hearings in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

In terms of academic qualifications, Hilda's educational journey includes a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Natal, a Bachelor of Arts Honors from UNISA, a Master of Arts from the University of Pretoria, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Natal, and a Doctorate in Law, also from the University of Natal. Furthermore, she holds a Senior Teacher’s Diploma from Durban Teachers Training College.

Operating extensively on a virtual platform since March 2020, Hilda handles matters nationally and contributes labour law articles at www.aequitate.co.za, published by LexisNexis.

Mediation experience and style:

Hilda's mediation approach focuses on gaining parties' confidence and trust, understanding emotional issues, and fostering a friendly and relaxed environment. She engages informally to ease parties unfamiliar with the mediation process, quickly grasping the essence of disputes. Hilda maintains focus through visual aids like flipcharts and offers a reality check when needed, showcasing independence and creative thinking while remaining objective.

Facilitation experience and style:

Hilda facilitated RBO’s at municipalities and Transnet, overseeing the KZN Conditions of Service Collective Agreement in 2018 and 2023. She handled Divisional Conditions of Service at the eThekwini Municipality in 2016 and conducted numerous investigations for private entities. Currently, she serves as the senior commissioner at the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) responsible for facilitating picketing rules.

Chairing enquiries and investigations experience:

As a senior dispute resolution practitioner, investigator, facilitator, and trainer, Hilda specializes in employment, tender, and construction law. She has chaired numerous hearings of varying complexity, maintaining a reputation as a fair, objective, and experienced disciplinary hearing chairperson. Accredited to determine section 188A Inquiry by Arbitrator disputes, she has handled complex matters involving senior management and provided training at various levels in labour law.

Comments from clients:

"Remains smooth as glass."

"Grasp issues quickly and effectively."

"Creative thinker."

"Very patient."