Welcome to SAAM
The South African Association of Mediators, also known as SAAM, is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) that acts as a professional regulatory body for its members.
SAAM is a Member Organisation for Family Mediators
Proudly, SAAM is a founding member of the National Accreditation Board for Family Mediators (NABFAM). In accordance with this, SAAM occupies two seats on the NABFAM Executive Board. As part of the process of defining and adopting sound standards, the executive committee sought to align South African Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) standards with international best practices.
As such SAAM accreditation aims at supporting standards consistent with that of the International Mediation Institute (IMI). Fundamentally SAAM’s contribution to the complex and valued function of the practice of mediation in South Africa is based on solid foundations. These foundations are upheld by sound education and the training of mediators. Driven to transform as a current and up-to-date organisation continually.
Introducing the
SAAM-Kaelo
Referral Project
Are you a SAAM Accredited Mediator passionate about helping families navigate conflict towards peaceful solutions? Are you eager to expand your practice and make a lasting impact?
​
SAAM would like to introduce our newest initiative, the SAAM-Kaelo Referral Project.
This initiative connects SAAM Accredited Mediators with family dispute referrals through the esteemed Kaelo Employee Assistance Program, providing exclusive referrals to expand your practice and make a lasting impact.
​
Why Choose
SAAM Accreditation?
Expertise: Gain access to cutting-edge mediation techniques and training resources.
Recognition: Showcase your commitment to excellence in family law mediation.
Network: Connect with a dynamic network of like-minded professionals.
Impact: Empower families to find peaceful resolutions and minimise conflict.
Protection: Safeguard yourself and your clients by adhering to SAAM’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility for Accredited Mediators.
Book our Latest Webinar
About our Webinar
Join us for our 1st Webinar of 2025!
Refine Your Mediation Practice and Financial Expertise
​
Join us on January 31, 2025, for an engaging professional development webinar tailored for mediators, legal practitioners, and family law specialists. Led by Advocate Etiene van Wyk, this session will equip you with practical tools and strategies to enhance your expertise in divorce mediation and financial disclosure.
​
This webinar will focus on three key areas:
​
1) Efficient Mediation Resolution
Learn how to effectively conclude mediation processes in the shortest time possible, even in high-conflict or adversarial situations. Avoiding prolonged mediations that often fail to reach a resolution is essential for maintaining the credibility of divorce mediation as an alternative to litigation.
2) Mastering Financial Disclosure
Gain insights into handling the complexities of financial disclosure, a critical yet challenging aspect of the mediation process.
3) Navigating Challenging Mediations
Discover strategies to manage mediations that are strained, adversarial, or characterised by low client participation, ensuring successful outcomes even in difficult circumstances.
Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your skills and elevate your mediation practice!
​
​
​
About Our Host:
Advocate Etiene van Wyk is a highly regarded legal professional with extensive expertise in family law, mediation, and contract law. With an LLB, a Master’s degree in Human Resources, and an Accounting qualification from the University of Cape Town, he is both an admitted advocate and an accredited mediator. Known for his meticulous attention to human behaviour and transparent communication, Advocate van Wyk excels in handling complex financial disclosures and navigating high-profile, high-conflict mediation cases. As a passionate educator, he is committed to equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in family law and mediation.