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The South African
Association
of Mediators
Empowering Families to Find
Peaceful Resolutions
Our Expertise
What Sets Us Apart
SAAM was established to foster the use of mediation as an effective means of resolving disputes across various contexts, including family, workplace, commercial, and RAF disputes. As a professional body, SAAM sets and maintains standards for mediator accreditation, provides training and education, and promotes the adoption of mediation as a preferred method for conflict resolution. The organisation aligns its standards with international best practices, notably those of the International Mediation Institute (IMI), ensuring that its accredited mediators meet globally recognised benchmarks.
SAAM is also a founding member of the National Accreditation Board for Family Mediators (NABFAM) and holds two seats on its Executive Board. This affiliation underscores SAAM’s commitment to upholding rigorous standards, particularly in family mediation, and contributing to the development of mediation practices in South Africa.
30 +
Years of Mediation Experience
124 +
Accredited Mediators & Parenting Coordinators
100 %
Guided by Ethics
Mediation is a Better Path Through Divorce
Divorce is often one of the most emotionally and financially challenging experiences in a person’s life. It disrupts families, affects children, and brings uncertainty into every aspect of daily living. While separation may be necessary, the process of working through the details doesn’t have to add to the trauma.
Litigation can be adversarial and costly, often leaving families with outcomes that feel imposed and impersonal. Mediation offers a respectful alternative, one that prioritises constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, and long-term cooperation. It allows both parties to retain control over the decisions that affect their lives. Once agreements are reached, they will be made legally binding through the courts, offering both certainty and enforceability.
Mediation is especially well suited for matters involving children, where ongoing communication and cooperation are essential. At SAAM, our accredited mediators and parenting coordinators provide guidance throughout the process. These professionals assist families in implementing parenting plans and managing future challenges, always with the best interests of the child at heart.
If you are considering divorce, mediation may offer a more effective, private, and emotionally supportive path forward.
Mediation Questions Answered
Family Divorce Mediation Questions
Do you need a Mediator?
The South African Association of Mediators (SAAM) is dedicated to promoting peaceful, structured, and effective dispute resolution. Our accredited mediators specialise in a range of conflict areas, including family law, divorce settlements, child custody, workplace disputes, RAF matters, and commercial disagreements.
As a Recognised Mediation Organisation (RMO) under the Revised Mediation Directive and Protocol for the Gauteng Division of the High Court (effective June 2025), SAAM provides Qualified Mediators specifically certified for mandatory court-annexed mediations in civil trials, such as those involving commercial disputes, delictual claims, family matters, personal injury claims (including RAF-related actions), and other cases where mediation is required prior to trial allocation.
This aligns with Rule 41A of the Uniform Rules of Court, ensuring efficient, cost-effective resolutions while promoting access to justice and reducing court congestion.
At SAAM, we believe in empowering individuals and families to resolve their differences through respectful and constructive dialogue, helping to reduce tension and avoid prolonged conflict.
Parenting Coordinators
SAAM’s accredited parenting coordinators play a vital role in supporting families after divorce or separation, especially in high-conflict situations. These professionals are trained to help parents implement parenting plans, resolve day-to-day disputes, and maintain communication that is focused on the well-being of the children.
Their involvement helps reduce tension and avoid unnecessary legal processes.
With the child’s best interests at heart, parenting coordinators offer guidance that encourages stability and cooperation between parents. They act as neutral third parties, helping families deal with challenges in a way that promotes emotional well-being and a more peaceful co-parenting journey.
Our Commitment
Core Principles
At The South African Association of Mediators, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, innovation, and empathy in mediation. Our tailored mediation solutions are designed to protect the interests of all parties involved, ensuring peaceful resolutions and minimising conflict.