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About the Conference

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Family dispute resolution in South Africa is changing, and this year's SAAM Annual Conference puts you at the centre of that change.

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From landmark legislative reform to the rise of artificial intelligence in mediation rooms, the profession is at a pivotal moment. The 2026 conference has been designed to meet that moment directly: bringing together some of the most respected voices in mediation, parenting coordination, and family law to offer clarity, direction, and practical tools you can apply immediately in your practice.

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What to Expect

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Ten exceptional speakers. One carefully curated day. 

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The 2026 programme addresses the issues reshaping the profession right now, from the practical implications of the Draft Family Dispute Resolution Bill and the Gauteng High Court Mediation Directive, to the growing influence of AI, the challenge of unconscious bias, and the everyday realities of managing legal representatives and building rapport in the mediation room.

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Whether you are an experienced practitioner or newer to the field, you will leave with a clearer picture of where the profession is heading and a stronger foundation for the work ahead.

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Key Focus Areas

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• The Gauteng High Court Mediation Directive and Rule 41A in practice

• ADRP-SA registration requirements and what they mean for practitioners

• The Draft Family Dispute Resolution Bill, 2024, mediation and parenting coordination

• Artificial intelligence and its growing role in family mediation

• Managing the attorney in the room

• Unconscious bias in mediation practice

• Pro bono initiatives and expanding access to justice

 

Our Distinguised Guest Speakers

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Programme Director:

Chantal Kur

 

Welcome and Introduction:

Prof John Faris

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Keynote Address : 

Honourable Judge Norman Davis:

"An Update on the Application of Rule 41A and the Gauteng High Court Mediation Directive"

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Mr Mervyn Vermeulen:

"Bridging Protocol and Practice: Frameworks, Agreements, and Reporting in Gauteng's Court-Annexed Mediation System"

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Ms Ishara Bodasing:

"Requirements for Mediators and the Necessity of Registration with ADRP-SA"

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Ms Orné Louw:

"The SAAM-Endorsed Pro Bono Mediation Projects"

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Dr Juanita Easthorpe:

"The Growing Importance of Artificial Intelligence in Family Mediation"

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Ms Veerash Srikison:

"Unconscious Bias"

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Ms Barbara Malan:

"Managing the Role of Legal Representatives in the Mediation Process: Addressing the Attorney in the Room"

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Dr Lynette Roux:

"Parenting Coordination within the Framework of the Draft Family Dispute Resolution Bill, 2024, and Other New Developments"

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Prof Leentjie de Jong:

"Family Mediation within the Framework of the Draft Family Dispute Resolution Bill, 2024: Practical Implications and Best-Practice Guidelines for Mediators"

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Closing Remarks:

Ms Stella Coetsee

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Registration Fees

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Attendance in Midrand

SAAM Members - R1,650.00

Non-Members - R1,950.00

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Online Attendance

SAAM Members - R500.00

Non-Members - R700.00

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Meals & Dietary Requirements

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Delegate comfort is important to us. The day includes a mid-morning tea and networking break, a sit-down lunch, and closes with a Networking and Social Gathering from 16:00 to 18:00, all providing welcome opportunities to connect with fellow professionals in a relaxed setting.

 

When booking, in-person delegates are asked to indicate their dietary requirements by selecting one of the following: None, Halaal, or Vegetarian.

 

Please also confirm at the time of booking whether you will be joining us for the Networking and Social Gathering so that we can plan accordingly. We want every delegate to feel welcome and well looked after throughout the day.

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We look forward to welcoming you to a conference that addresses the current realities of family dispute resolution and equips you with practical knowledge, legal clarity, and tools you can use directly in your work.

 

Questions? Contact us at admin@saam.org.za

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