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Accredited Mediator Training

Become an Accredited Mediator

40-Hour Foundational Civil Mediator Training Course

Summary

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DiSAC Accreditation.

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A strong foundation to start your career as a mediator

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Guidance from leading professional mediators

Foundational Civil Mediator Course Overview

This intensive 40-hour civil mediator course equips trainees with essential mediation skills, ethical frameworks, and practical techniques. The course provides access to court-related mediation processes and official accreditation systems, enabling mediators and legal practitioners to participate in formal mediation programs. It is recognized by leading institutions in alternative dispute resolution, such as the arbitration foundation, which administers both arbitration and mediation processes. The mediation society plays a key role in accrediting courses, supporting professional development, and facilitating court-related appointments.

Designed for professionals seeking to enhance conflict resolution competencies, the program integrates theoretical foundations with hands-on exercises. Real-world practice is essential for building actual competence, so the course includes a high ratio of role-play simulations. Participants will engage in practical exercises, case studies, and role-playing scenarios that mimic real-life conflicts, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience. The training is intensive and demanding, requiring hard work and dedication.

We offer an online course as well as in person. The online course makes mediation practice accessible to those who cannot travel to the Gauteng Division (i.e. Cape Town, Durban, across South Africa and Pan Africa).

This training course is ideal for:

Lawyers and Legal practitioners looking to expand their professional skills to mediate or assist clients that attend a mediation process

Business leaders aiming to improve negotiation and conduct better dispute resolutions

Medical and mental health practitioners wanting to expand their practice and expand service offering to clients

HR and labour relations specialists handling workplace mediation and disputes

Community leaders or individuals seeking to assist with civil and interpersonal conflicts

Mediators who need experience with the online mediation process and want to qualify for the court annexed mediation process.

By the end of this mediator training, you will have a deeper understanding of mediation principles, the ability to facilitate productive discussions, and the tools to craft meaningful agreements. For qualifying mediators, this accredited mediator course also provides access to the court annexed mediation process, enabling participation in formal court-related mediation programs.

This 40-hour Civil Mediation Course is accredited by DiSAC (The South African Dispute Settlement Accreditation Council).

Available Training dates 2026

Mediator Training Modules & Schedule

This is a 5-day course broken up into:
Day 1 to 3 – Theory and training,
Day 4 – Coaching and practice
Day 5 – Practical Assessment Recording

Written assessment due within 21 days of practical.

Fees include training and assessment. No hidden costs.

Role play is a core component of the training methodology, allowing participants to simulate real-life mediation scenarios. The course includes mandated practical role-plays of 10 to 16 hours, and final role-plays will be filmed for evaluation and peer-learning purposes. The course also includes a practical roleplay assessment, a structured interview, and requires meeting professional and ethical criteria as per international standards.

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Module 1: Introduction to Mediation 

– Overview of mediation in modern dispute resolution 

– Core principles: neutrality, confidentiality, voluntary participation 

– Comparing mediation to litigation and arbitration 

– The role of the mediator in facilitating discussions 

Module 2: Legal & Ethical Considerations 

– South African legal framework surrounding mediation 

– Confidentiality and privileged communication in mediation 

– Ethical dilemmas mediators may face and best practices 

– Cross-border mediation and international dispute resolution principles 

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Module 3: Communication & Negotiation Skills

– Active listening: Building rapport and trust 

– Emotional intelligence and managing conflict dynamics 

– Techniques for reframing and guiding discussions toward solutions 

– Non-verbal communication and how it impacts mediation 

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Module 4: Mediation Process & Techniques

– Overview of mediation in modern dispute resolution 

– Core principles: neutrality, confidentiality, voluntary participation 

– Comparing mediation to litigation and arbitration 

– The role of the mediator in facilitating discussions 

Module 5: Practical Application & Case Studies

– Role-playing mediation scenarios for real-world application 

– Case studies on mediation success stories in workplace and commercial disputes 

– Simulation exercises to enhance problem-solving and adaptability 

– Peer and instructor feedback to refine mediation techniques 

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Certification & Evaluation

Participants will undergo both theoretical assessment and live mediation simulations to earn their Mediation Pan African certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible to enroll in the Accredited Civil Mediator Course?

Professionals with at least a three-year tertiary qualification and who are in good standing with their respective professional bodies are eligible to apply. Typical participants include attorneys, advocates, psychologists, and other professionals seeking to expand their skills into mediation.

What is a mediator?

A mediator is a neutral, trained professional who facilitates communication and negotiation between disputing parties—helping them reach voluntary, confidential agreements without resorting to litigation.

How can I become a mediator?

Begin by enrolling in an accredited mediator training course like the 40‑hour foundational civil mediator program offered by MPA here. This will provide you with DiSAC accreditation in South Africa. 

How can I be certified as a Court Annexed Mediator?

Mediation training should align with High Court Rule 41A, which covers court-annexed mediation in South Africa. To be certified as a Court Annexed Mediator in South Africa (specifically under the Gauteng High Court rules), you must complete the following steps:

1. Hold a Relevant Qualification: You must have at least a three-year tertiary qualification and be in good standing with your professional body (e.g., attorneys, advocates, psychologists, social workers).

2. Complete Accredited Training: Successfully complete a mediation skills training course that is accredited by a recognized body such as DiSAC and NABFAM, or an international mediation institute like IMI, or CEDR. Our Civil Mediation course is DiSAC-accredited and meets this requirement. Completing accredited training provides access to court-related mediation processes, including registration and participation in official mediation programs. For example, the Mediation in Motion courses at the University of Cape Town are offered in partnership with Mediation in Motion Training Pty Ltd, and are recognized as quality training.

3. Demonstrate Practical Competence:Gain practical experience by observing and co-mediating real cases under supervision. You will need to complete a minimum number of observed and co-mediated cases, as required by the accrediting organization.

4. Join an Approved RMO Panel: Become a member of the panel of an approved provider (such as a Recognized Mediation Organization – RMO) that is a member of ADRP-SA or accredited by DiSAC/NABFAM. Mediation Pan African is a recognised mediation organisation (RMO). Qualified mediators can apply here.

5. List as a Mediator: Prepare and submit a detailed application to the court, including proof of your accredited training, mediation experience, panel membership.

6. Ongoing Professional Development:Maintain your accreditation by participating in ongoing advanced training, ethics workshops, and a minimum number of mediations each year. Experienced practitioners continue learning and maintain their CPD points.

Please note: Requirements may vary slightly depending on the province or court. We recommend contacting your local court or the Department of Justice for the latest guidelines.

What is the structure and duration of the training?

The course includes a pre-course quiz, five days of live classes (delivered online via Zoom), and a post-course assessment. The total training duration is 40 hours, followed by opportunities for observation and co-mediation with experienced mentors (including our founding member).

What does the 40‑hour Civil Mediator Training Course include?

This intensive foundational training course includes key components such as mediation theory, ethical frameworks, dynamic role-playing, interactive discussions, and real cases to build confidence, provide practice opportunities to become competent with the process.

What does this training cost?

The Foundations of Civil Mediation training course currently costs R 15 200.00 for the full course.

What are the requirements to receive a certificate?

To qualify for certification, participants must attend all training sessions, complete the pre-course quiz, participate in practical assessments (including mock mediations), and demonstrate competency in key mediation skills such as listening, questioning, and MOU drafting.

What happens if I miss a session?

If you miss a session, you will not be able to complete the training or receive certification for that cohort. Please contact our administrator as soon as possible to arrange to be included in the next available class. Additional fees may apply.

Are there payment options?

Only if you book at least 2 months in advance. A deposit of 50% is required to book your place and the remaining 50% will be due in before the course starts.

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

For DiSAC trainings refund requests must be submitted at least 14 days before the training starts. We will issue a refund minus R1000 admin charge.  

How many participants are in each cohort?

Each training cohort is limited to a maximum of 12 participants to ensure a high-quality, interactive learning experience.

Larger groups can be arranged by special arrangement for organisations but the ratio per trainer will remain the same to ensure quality. 

Is training required to become a mediator?

Absolutely. Completing a structured, accredited training—usually at least 40—is essential to develop both theoretical understanding and practical mediation skills. This is also a requirement to be considered in Court Annexed mediation. 

What makes your training different from other providers?

We offer smaller group sizes, competitive pricing, and a well-structured schedule designed to support new mediators. Our training is Africa-centric, led by experienced mediators, and includes ongoing mentorship and support.

What kind of support does the course offer?

This program features small group settings, expert guidance from seasoned mediators, and practical exercises—ensuring personalized attention and real-world readiness.

MPA also offers an ongoing mentorship programme of online events that is available to our trainees.

Why should I pursue mediator training and certification?

Mediator training equips you with conflict resolution tools and credibility. In South Africa, the growing adoption of court‑annexed mediation (Rule 41A) means certified mediators are increasingly in demand across legal, business, and community settings.

Will this course make me a family law mediator?

No, this is accredited mediator course will qualify you as a Commercial and civil mediator. To become accredited as FL Mediator you will need to do a NABFAM accredited training and do supervision after successful completion therof. Although the basic principles of mediation are the same, you will need to gain awareness and application of the Children’s Act and a different set of civil procedure laws applicable.

Have any further questions?

Please contact us and we’ll gladly assist you.

Training enquiry

This training program is designed to develop confident, ethical, and effective mediators, empowering participants to handle disputes with professionalism and impartiality.

 

Upon successful completion, graduates will receive: 

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Official Mediation Pan African Certification

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Comprehensive Mediation Toolkit with templates, guides, and best practices

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Access to Mediation Pan African’s Professional Network for mentorship and continued learning

Meet Our Expert Team

Our team of seasoned professionals is dedicated to guiding you through every step of your mediation journey. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, our mediators are here to support your growth and success. Here is a sampling of some of our team of mediators.

For a detailed list visit Find A Mediator.

Charlene Labuschagne

Charlene Labuschagne

Facilitator & Training Director

Jané Nash

Jané Nash

Assistant Facilitator & Admin 

Dr Herman Edeling

Dr Herman Edeling

Assessor & Coach

Adv. Johannes J. Venter

Adv. Johannes J. Venter

Assessor & Coach

Michelle Posemann

Michelle Posemann

Assessor & Coach