Adv. Charlene Labuschagne

Mediator | ADVOCATE (non-practising) 

Charlene Labuschagne is an non-practising lawyer and mediator. She has practiced as a communication specialist and has a multidisciplinary background spanning law, mediation, public sector communications, and medical sciences. She brings nearly 18 years of legal practice and over 14 years of mediation experience to her work, offering clients a rare combination of legal insight, interpersonal skills development, and cross-sector insight.

Charlene holds a BA in English and Communication Science (UNISA), a LLB, and earlier degrees in the sciences – a BSc and MSc in Nuclear Medicine from the University of Pretoria. This unique academic foundation enables her to bridge the gap between law, medicine, and communication, making her particularly skilled in medico-legal matters. She also holds international qualifications in English language teaching (CELTA – Cambridge accredited, and TEFL) and has taught in culturally diverse contexts, including Hong Kong.

Her career includes significant contributions in strategic communication, change management, crisis response, and inter-governmental relations, notably serving as media liaison during the 1994 Stilfontein mining disaster. She has held senior roles in the South African civil service and has extensive experience fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration among stakeholders.

Charlene is accredited as a commercial mediator by both Conflict Dynamics and the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), and has been a member of the South African Association of Mediators (SAAM), serving as its Vice-Chairperson (2019–2020). She has completed the SAMLA Foundational Medico-Legal Training course and has served on the SAMLA board. She completed the Law Society’s Certificate in Medical Law, and has extensively trained in Family Law Mediation.

In addition to her professional practice, Charlene is the founding member and a Director of Mediation Pan African, a training organisation dedicated to advancing mediation standards and skills across the continent. Her vision is to strengthen conflict resolution capacity, promote dialogue, and foster peaceful solutions in diverse sectors throughout Africa.

Areas of Expertise:

• Commercial mediation
• Medico-legal mediation
• Workplace conflict resolution and intervention
• Strategic communication & crisis management
• Family law mediation

Jané Nash

Arts TheraPist (Drama Therapy) | Facilitator | SEO Specialist | Workshop Developer

Jané Nash is a multi-skilled drama therapist, educator, facilitator, and SEO strategist with over two decades of combined experience in counselling, creative arts therapy, teaching, and digital media. Holding a Master’s in Drama Therapy from Wits University, she has worked with children, teens, and adults in individual and group therapy settings, combining psychological insight with expressive arts to support mental health and personal growth.

As an HPCSA registered Arts Therapist, Jané often acts as a mediator between children and parents, as well as between school administration and learners, using mediation informally during feedback and negotiation sessions to foster healthier communication and understanding. Formally,  she is accredited as a Civil & Commercial Mediator (DiSAC) as well as a Family Law Mediator (NABFAM).

Alongside her therapeutic practice, Jané brings 24 years’ experience in web design, SEO, and digital strategy, helping organisations craft an impactful online presence that aligns with their mission. She has led teams, coordinated large-scale events, managed a medico-legal practice, and developed innovative systems to improve operational efficiency. Driven by a passion for human rights, education, and creativity, Jané thrives in roles that merge empathy, communication, and strategic thinking.

Areas of Expertise:

• Drama & Arts-Based Therapy

• Teaching & Facilitation

• SEO & Digital Strategy

• Organisational Development

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