South African Association of Mediators

Parties may mediate on their own or with the assistance of a lawyer of their choice. If a party uses a lawyer, he or she will have to pay the lawyer’s costs.

Accredited attorneys, advocates, traditional leaders, religious leaders, members of existing mediation forums and any fit and proper person who has undergone appropriate prescribed training.

All civil disputes, including family matters, claims for payment of money, claims arising from contracts, motor vehicle accident claims, claims for damages, claims involving all state organs, claims arising from customary law and tradition as well as claims relating to religious disputes, amongst others.

You need to comply with the National Accreditation Board for Family Mediators (NABFAM) Standards, which is:-

a) Provide proof of having met the following training requirements:

i) Training in an accredited mediation training course, with assessment and certification of his /her attendance and competence;
ii) Completion of NABFAM prescribed additional training;

b) Provide proof of having met the following practice requirements:

Participation in a minimum of at least 3 supervised mediation sessions; each session must be a minimum of 1 hour.

c) Be an accredited and paid up member with one or more member organisations of NABFAM.

d) In writing confirm that he/she:

i) Has not been convicted of any criminal offence against children and any othercriminal offence in the past 2 years;
ii) Subjects him/herself to the Code of Conduct and Ethics, the complaints and disciplinary procedures of the accredited NABFAM member organisation(s) with which he/she is affiliated.

With training providers that has been accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Family Mediators (NABFAM).

Note that SAAM does not provide foundation mediation training.

A mediator is a professional who assists your husband and yourself in reaching resolutions with regards to disagreements, and following this assists in drawing up a settlement agreement. While in the process of mediation there is a level of confidentiality and transparency which applies to the three people (parties and mediator). Once the settlement agreement has been finalised, both parties can discuss with other relevant people. The settlement agreement is a reflection of your and your husbands thoughts, decisions and wishes. The mediator merely assists you in reaching a point of settlement.

The mediator will assist parties in reaching agreements and resolutions. The role of the mediator is not to impose decisions on the parties. As the mediator’s role is objective, the mediator does not view the parties as antagonists but rather as two people wishing to moderate an agreement under often challenging circumstances.