Short Learning Programme in Mediation: Principles and Processes of Mediation

The Department of Public Law has been offering the Principles and Processes of Mediation Short Learning Programme (SLP) for the past 7 years. This is an SLP for training mediators, at NQF Level 5, in various areas including family mediation, employment and labour mediation, community mediation, commercial mediation, educational mediation, medico-legal mediation, as well as mediation within other fields in. The minimum notional hours for the programme are 40 hours.

Why a short learning programme in mediation.

Becoming a mediator in South Africa offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a society marked by diversity and complex social dynamics. As a mediator, you can play a pivotal role in fostering peaceful resolutions to conflicts, promoting understanding, and building bridges between individuals, communities, and organisations. South Africa's history of division and reconciliation has highlighted the value of dialogue and restorative justice, making mediation a vital tool in addressing disputes. The profession also provides a chance to contribute to the development of fair and equitable solutions in areas such as family law, workplace conflicts, and community disputes, while reducing the burden on the formal legal system. Additionally, mediation offers personal growth, as it enhances skills in communication, problem-solving, and empathy. For those passionate about creating harmony and driving positive change, a career in mediation is both impactful and deeply rewarding.

Participants will acquire various conflict resolution skills such as identifying various conflict contexts and alternative solutions. Mediation can contribute significantly to alternative dispute resolution within the legal environment in South Africa, and lighten the caseload burden within the South African courts. The access to justice will also be improved by having more qualified mediators. Completing a mediation programme will contribute to the participants employability. This programme also advances social awareness, emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills. 

This SLP is aligned with the requirements for accredited court-annexed mediator as published by the national Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (Government Gazette No. 38163 of 31 October 2014). Although court-annexed mediation have not been successfully implemented within the national court system, the Mediation SLP of the UFS is recognized by the Mediation Society of South Africa (MSSA), and other professional bodies, as a credible training programme for mediators in South Africa. The MSSA is a Recognised Mediation Organisation (RMO) in terms of the Revised Directive: Introducing Mandatory Mediation in The Gauteng Division of The High Court.

The UFS programme is an online course which covers the following topics:

• Introduction to mediation
• Basic civil procedure and the role of mediation within the legal field in South Africa
• Role and function of the mediator and the principles, stages and methodology of mediation
• Ethics and professional conduct
• Confidentiality, privacy, neutrality and impartiality and reporting obligations
• Interpersonal relations
  
• Social-context and diversity awareness
• Decision making
• Communication and diplomacy
• Conflict management
• Negotiation and influence
• One of the following electives:

     - Introduction to family mediation (Dependent on the number of participants choosing this elective)
     - Introduction to mediation in labour/employment relations (Dependent on the number of participants choosing this elective)
     - Introduction to commercial mediation and/or construction mediation (Dependent on the number of participants choosing this elective)
     - Introduction to medico-legal mediation (Dependent on the number of participants choosing this elective)
     - Introduction to educational mediation (Dependent on the number of participants choosing this elective)

Participants will complete assessments online for each of the topics, as well as a final assessment either online or face-to-face.

Requirements for admission:

• Option 1:Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate);or
• Option 2: Where the applicant does not possess a Senior Certificate:

     - Minimum age of 23;
     - Grade 10 with language proficiency in English (any language level) of at least 50%;
     - Proof of five (5) years of relevant uninterrupted work experience; and
     - Recommendation letter from a current employer/supervisor/manager.

For further information, please contact us on:

E: ErasmusJHP@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 83 443 7741

Or visit https://www.ufs.ac.za/kpa