The 40-hour family mediation course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the mediation process, particularly in the context of family disputes. Throughout the course, students will explore key concepts such as communication techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and the legal frameworks that govern family mediation in the South Africa. Participants will engage in practical exercises, role-playing scenarios, and case studies to develop their skills in facilitating discussions between parties, managing emotions, and facilitating collaborative solutions. The curriculum also emphasises ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of family dynamics.

By the end of the course, students will have gained essential competencies in mediation, including the ability to effectively assess conflicts, guide parties through negotiation processes, and implement strategies that promote mutual understanding and agreement. They will be equipped with the tools necessary to create a safe and respectful environment for dialogue, enabling them to support families in reaching amicable resolutions. Additionally, participants will understand how to recognise when mediation is appropriate and when referral to other services may be necessary, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness as mediators in family settings.

Below is an outline of the course curriculum for the 40 hour Mediation training.

Training dates:

The 40 hour mediation course is presented bi-annually.

First intake:

   6 – 8 March 2025 and 14 – 15 March 2025

Second intake:

   14 – 16 August 2025 and 22 – 23 August 2025

Note:

■ This training course is conducted in Cape Town (venue to be announced) and is for the greatest part an in-person event, although a hybrid method of training could be conducted.

■ Trainees will receive a comprehensive training manual before the training commences

■ A certificate will be issued to successful participants after the training

   This training is aimed at professionals wanting to become accredited mediators in family mediation. The training extends to legal practitioners, candidate attorneys, mental health practitioners, social workers, parenting coordinators and other professionals.

   Upon successful completion trainees will receive an official FAMAC certificate which is recognised and accredited with National Accreditation Board for Family Mediators (NABFAM) and recognised by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for CPD points.

The 12-hour applied law training for family mediators is designed to equip participants with a thorough understanding of the legal aspects relevant to family mediation. This training covers essential topics such as the legal framework governing family disputes, the role of mediation in the context of family law, and the implications of various legal statutes and case law on mediation practices.

Students will explore issues such as child care and contact, financial settlements, and domestic abuse, gaining insights into how these factors influence mediation processes. Through case studies and practical exercises, participants will learn to navigate legal documents and understand the importance of compliance with relevant laws.

By the end of the course, students will have developed a solid foundation in the legal principles that underpin family mediation, enabling them to effectively advise clients on their rights and responsibilities. They will be proficient in identifying legal issues that may arise during mediation and understanding when it is necessary to involve legal professionals. Furthermore, participants will be able to integrate legal knowledge into their mediation practice, ensuring that they facilitate discussions that are not only constructive but also legally sound. This course ultimately aims to enhance the effectiveness of mediators by providing them with the tools to operate confidently within the legal sphere of family disputes.

Below is an outline of the course curriculum for the 12 hour Applied Law training.

Training dates:

The 12 hour Applied Law course is presented bi-annually.

First intake:

   16 May 2025

Second intake:

   13 September 2025

Note:

■ This training course is conducted in Cape Town (venue to be announced) and is for the greatest part an in-person event, although a hybrid method of training could be conducted.

■ Trainees will receive a comprehensive training manual before the training commences

■ A certificate will be issued to successful participants after the training

   This training is aimed at mediators that have already completed the 40 hour Mediation training by enhancing their mediation skills from a legal perspective. The training extends to legal practitioners, candidate attorneys, mental health practitioners, social workers, parenting coordinators and other professionals.

   Upon successful completion trainees will receive an official FAMAC certificate which is recognised and accredited with National Accreditation Board for Family Mediators (NABFAM).

The 12-hour applied psychology course for family mediators is designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of the psychological principles that influence family dynamics and conflict resolution. This course covers essential topics such as the impact of emotions on decision-making, the role of cognitive biases in conflict, and the psychological effects of separation and divorce on individuals and families.

Through interactive discussions, case studies, and role-playing exercises, students will learn to recognise and address the emotional needs of clients during mediation, fostering a supportive environment that promotes effective communication and resolution. By the end of the course, students will have developed key competencies in applying psychological concepts to their mediation practice. They will be adept at identifying emotional triggers and underlying issues that may affect negotiations, enabling them to facilitate discussions that are empathetic and constructive.

Participants will also gain skills in managing high-conflict situations and enhancing their ability to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds. Ultimately, this course aims to empower mediators with the psychological insights necessary to navigate the complexities of family disputes, ensuring they can support families in achieving meaningful and lasting resolutions.

Below is an outline of the course curriculum for the 12 hour Applied Psychology training.

Training dates:

The 12 hour Applied Psychology training is presented bi-annually.

First intake:

   24 – 27 March 2025

Second intake:

   1 – 4 September 2025

Note:

■ This training course is conducted online via Zoom / Teams and a hybrid method of training is used

■ Trainees will receive a comprehensive training manual before the training commences

■ A certificate will be issued to successful participants after the training

   This training is aimed at mediators that have already completed the 40 hour Mediation training by enhancing their mediation skills from a psychological perspective. The training extends to legal practitioners, candidate attorneys, mental health practitioners, social workers, parenting coordinators and other professionals.

   Upon successful completion trainees will receive an official FAMAC certificate which is recognised and accredited with National Accreditation Board for Family Mediators (NABFAM).

The 6-hour course on mediating child maintenance matters in South Africa is designed for mediators and legal practitioners who seek to enhance their understanding of the complexities surrounding child maintenance disputes. This course covers essential aspects such as the legal framework governing child maintenance, arrear maintenance, the factors influencing maintenance calculations, and the rights and responsibilities of both parents.

Participants will engage in practical scenarios and case studies that illustrate common challenges faced in maintenance negotiations, equipping them with the skills needed to facilitate productive discussions and reach fair agreements that prioritise the best interests of the child. By the end of the training, students will have developed a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in mediating child maintenance matters.

They will be able to effectively assess financial situations, guide clients through the negotiation process, and address emotional dynamics that may arise during discussions. Additionally, participants will learn to identify when legal intervention may be necessary and how to navigate the court system if disputes cannot be resolved through mediation. 

Below is an outline of the course curriculum for the 6 hour Child Maintenance Mediation training.

Training dates:

The 6 hour Child Maintenance Mediation training is presented once a year.

   27 June 2025

Note:

■ This training course is conducted in person in Cape Town (venue to be announced)

■ Trainees will receive a comprehensive training manual before the training commences

■ A certificate will be issued to successful participants after the training

   This training is aimed at mediators that have already completed the 40 hour Mediation training by enhancing their mediation skills to deal with all issues of child maintenance. The training extends to legal practitioners, candidate attorneys, mental health practitioners, social workers, parenting coordinators and other professionals.

   Upon successful completion trainees will receive an official FAMAC certificate which is recognised and accredited with National Accreditation Board for Family Mediators (NABFAM).

The 12-hour refresher mediation course for family mediators is designed to enhance and update the skills and knowledge of practitioners who have already completed their initial mediation training. This course provides an opportunity for mediators to revisit core concepts, explore recent developments in family law and mediation practices, and engage in advanced techniques for managing complex family dynamics. Participants will engage in interactive discussions, role-playing exercises, and case studies that encourage the application of their existing knowledge while addressing contemporary challenges faced in family mediation.

By the end of the course, students will have strengthened their mediation competencies, including effective communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and ethical considerations specific to family mediation. They will also gain insights into the FAMAC accreditation process, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the standards required for recognition.

Furthermore, participants will leave with enhanced confidence in their ability to facilitate discussions that promote collaboration and understanding among parties, ultimately improving outcomes for families navigating disputes. This refresher course not only revitalises essential skills but also serves as a vital bridge for mediators seeking to align their practice with FAMAC’s accreditation criteria.

Below is an outline of the course curriculum for the full day mediation Refresher training.

Training dates:

The full day Mediation Refresher course training is presented twice a year.

First intake:

   10 May 2025

Second intake:

   11 October 2025

Note:

■ This training course is conducted in person in Cape Town (venue to be announced)

■ Trainees will receive the latest and updated FAMAC training manual during the training

■ A certificate will be issued to successful participants after the training

   This training is aimed at any mediator that have completed mediation training (at FAMAC or any other institution) to refresh their mediation skills.

   Upon successful completion trainees will receive an official FAMAC certificate which is recognised and accredited with National Accreditation Board for Family Mediators (NABFAM).

The trauma-informed mediation practice workshop is designed for family mediators, legal practitioners, psychologists, and social workers seeking to deepen their understanding of how trauma impacts individuals involved in family disputes. This workshop will cover essential concepts related to trauma, including its psychological effects and how it can influence communication and decision-making during mediation. By the end of the workshop, students will have developed the skills to recognise signs of trauma, implement strategies that promote healing and resilience, and facilitate mediation processes that respect the emotional needs of all parties involved. This training aims to enhance participants’ effectiveness in supporting families through challenging situations while cultivating a more compassionate and understanding mediation practice.

Below is an outline of the half day Traum-informed Mediation Practice training.

Training dates:

The full day Trauma-informed Mediation Practice workshop is presented once a year.

   7 June 2025

Note:

■ This training course is conducted in person in Cape Town (venue to be announced)

■ Trainees will receive a complete training manual on Trauma-informed Mediation Practice at the workshop

■ A certificate will be issued to successful participants after the training

   This training is aimed at any mediator, psychologist, legal practitioner or social worker to enhance their mediation practice by becoming a trauma-informed mediation practitioner.

   Upon successful completion trainees will receive an official FAMAC certificate.

The workshop on navigating domestic abuse matters in mediation, proudly presented by the Saartjie Baartman Centre, aims to equip family mediators, legal practitioners, psychologists, and social workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complexities of domestic abuse within mediation settings. Participants will explore critical topics such as identifying signs of domestic violence, understanding power dynamics, and implementing practices that ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved.

Additionally, participants will gain insights into collaborative approaches that can be employed alongside mediation to address underlying issues related to domestic violence, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in supporting families through challenging situations.

Below is an outline of workshop on navigating domestic abuse in mediation.

Training dates:

The workshop on navigating domestic abuse in mediation is proudly presented by the Saartjie Baartman Centre and is presented twice a year.

First intake:

   28 March 2025

Second intake:

   19 September 2025

Note:

■ This workshop is conducted in person at the Saartjie Baartman Centre

■ A certificate will be issued to successful participants after the workshop

   This training is aimed at any mediator wanting to enhance their mediation skills when navigating domestic abuse matters during mediation.

   Upon successful attendance, participants will receive an official FAMAC certificate.