With mediation now mandatory in Gauteng High Courts, legal professionals are scrambling to upskill. But not all training is equal—and getting it wrong can cost you more than just money.
Judge President Mlambo's directive is clear: mediators must be accredited. That means your training must meet the standards of South Africa's organised mediation industry, which is represented by ADRP-SA and its two pillars: DiSAC (civil/commercial mediation) and NABFAM (family mediation). These bodies align with the International Mediation Institute (IMI) and enforce global standards locally.
Here's what to look for in credible mediation training:
Accreditation: Is the provider affiliated with NABFAM or DiSAC? If not, you're not eligible for accreditation—regardless of international claims.
Trainers' credentials: Trainers should have qualifications in law, mediation, psychology, or social services—and active, demonstrable experience in the field.
Method of training: Mediation is practical. Training must be real-time—either face-to-face or live online with group participation. Pre-recorded or solo online learning is not sufficient.
Materials and support: A good course includes comprehensive manuals, assignments, roleplays, and access to CPD resources.
The Social Justice Foundation (SJF) stands out as a leader in this space. With 19 years in the mediation industry and offices in both Cape Town and Pretoria, it is the largest NABFAM-accredited organisation in South Africa. SJF offers:
Accredited training through NABFAM and SARJAB
Weekly CPD sessions
Updated course materials and access to a 100+ video CPD library
Trainers who are respected legal academics and practitioners
SJF's lead trainer brings nearly four decades of combined litigation and mediation experience and has pioneered South Africa's first NABFAM-accredited Master Mediator course.
Enquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Anneke: 084 5136464
More info: www.socialjustice.org.za
