We warmly invite you to the South African Association of Mediators (SAAM) Annual Conference, scheduled for the 29th of August 2024 at the Premier Hotel in Midrand. This year’s conference, themed "Updates on Mediation, Parenting Coordination, and Other ADR Methods in South Africa", offers crucial discussions regarding the latest developments and practices within the field.
Special Announcements:
Venue: Premier Hotel Midrand, Gauteng
Conference Timing: Join us from 8:30 AM to 16:30 PM for a full day of enriching discussions and networking opportunities.
Limited Seats Available: Please register early as seating is limited.
Hospitality: Attendees will enjoy refreshments and snacks throughout the conference, courtesy of the venue. Additionally, SAAM will provide a welcome pack to all participants.
Dietary Requirements: We aim to accommodate all dietary needs. Kindly inform us of any specific requirements to ensure we can provide for you adequately during the conference.
Online Participation Available: Ensuring broad access, the conference will be available online.
Introducing Our Esteemed Speakers and Host:
Prof. John Faris: SAAM Chairperson and Emeritus Professor at Unisa, will grace us as the conference host, bringing his vast experience and leadership in mediation and ADR to the forefront of our discussions.
Mr. Magwayi Mabena: Serving as the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Mabena is a distinguished SAAM EXCO member and a well-known labour law consultant and facilitator with Farisanani & Associates. His expertise in public relations brings a dynamic presence to our conference.
Judge Norman Davis: A key figure in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, Pretoria, Judge Davis is our keynote speaker. His insights into Rule 41A of the Uniform Rules of Court promise to enlighten and provoke thoughtful discussion.
Regional Court President Jakkie Wessels: Representing Limpopo as a keynote speaker, Ms Wessels will explore the new Chapter 2 mediation rules in the Magistrates’ Courts, providing valuable legal perspectives.
Dr. Dellene Clark and Ms. Karabo Ozah: Dr. Clark, the SALRC researcher on Project 100A, and Ms. Ozah, a member of the Advisory Committee on Project 100A and Director of the Centre for Child Law at UP, will jointly present on the latest developments on Project 100D and the Family Dispute Resolution Bill.
Mr. Pierre van Wyk: The SALRC researcher on Project 94, Mr. van Wyk, and possibly another member of the Advisory Committee on this project will share his/their perspectives on the advancement of Project 94 and the generic Mediation Bill.
Dr. Astrid Martalas and Mr. Craig Schneider: Dr. Martalas, a counselling psychologist, mediator, and parenting coordinator at Pomegranate Therapy and Beyond, along with Mr. Schneider, co-chair of FAMAC and a respected lawyer, mediator, and parenting coordinator, will host a collaborative session with practical perspectives on mediation and parenting coordination.
Ms. Zenobia du Toit: An attorney and family law arbitrator with Miller du Toit Cloete Inc, Ms. du Toit, will update us on the status of family-law arbitration in South Africa, highlighting key developments in this area.
Dr. Lynette Roux: Representing SAAM on the new ADRP-SA, Dr. Roux, a clinical psychologist, will offer insights into the inception and future directions of this overarching body for ADR professionals.
Prof. Leentjie de Jong: With updates on the new NABFAM guidelines for hearing the voice of the child in ADR and court processes, Prof. De Jong, SAAM EXCO member and NABFAM chairperson, will discuss innovative approaches in child-informed mediation.
This conference is an invaluable opportunity for professionals to network, learn from leading experts, and contribute to the evolution of mediation and ADR in South Africa.
We encourage your participation, whether in-person or online, to gain insights and be part of this significant dialogue.