Foundations of Civil & Commercial Mediation Course - Online
The Online 40-hour Foundations of Civil & Commercial Mediation Course blends the flexibility of online learning with the power practical role-play experience, offering a practical course that emphasizes hands-on skills.
- Online : Five days of live, interactive online classes covering core mediation theory, ethics, and essential skills—including focused development of negotiation skills—where you’ll participate in live role-plays and simulations to build real-world confidence.
Whether you work in law, HR, business, or community leadership, this programme delivers a practice-focused, South African-aligned foundation in mediation—grounded in international best practice.
Upon successful completion of the theoretical assessments and live simulations, you’ll earn a credential that demonstrates your expertise. Graduates can immediately apply their new mediation skills in professional settings.
You’ll also receive access to Mediation Pan African’s professional network for ongoing mentorship and development opportunities.
Register today to secure your place in the online mediation course
Certification & Professional Benefits
- Professionals who want to become accredited civil & commercial mediators
- Attorneys and advocates seeking a deeper, skills-based understanding of mediation
- HR and labour relations practitioners managing workplace and organisational disputes
- Business leaders and managers who negotiate regularly or handle internal conflict
- Community leaders and professionals who support civil or interpersonal dispute resolution
Training Overview
Dates
Friday, 28 August 2026
Saturday, 29 August 2026
Monday, 31 August 2026
Tuesday, 1 September 2026
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
TIMES
08:30 – 17:00 daily
Entry Requirements
Be a “Graduate Professional”
- Hold at least one tertiary qualification (min 3 years)
- Be a graduate professional in good standing within their field
Structure
- Pre-course online assessment
- 5 full training days (Live online)
- Practical assessment
- Post-course written assignment
Venue
Online via Zoom
COST
R 15 400.00
Payment plans available until July 2026.
Seats Available
Minimum 3 trainees
Maximum 6 participants per group
We believe in small groups and high interaction
Mediation Course Online Foundations Programme (August 2026)
Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution
Dispute resolution is the umbrella term for the various methods used to resolve conflicts between individuals, businesses, or organizations. In South Africa, dispute resolution has become an integral part of the justice system, with both the High Court Rules and Magistrates Court Rules encouraging the use of alternative dispute resolution methods to ease the burden on courts and provide faster, more cost-effective outcomes. The mediation process stands out as a preferred approach, allowing parties to resolve disputes collaboratively with the help of a trained mediator.
Accredited mediation skills training is essential for anyone looking to play a role in this evolving field. Our foundations training offers participants the theory and opportunity to practice mediation skills needed to guide parties through the process of resolving disputes. These training programs are designed to meet the standards set by the courts, ensuring that mediators are well-versed in both the legal framework and the practical techniques required for effective mediation. As mediation continues to gain traction in South Africa, professionals with accredited mediation skills are increasingly sought after to help parties find common ground and avoid lengthy litigation.
Who Should Attend
The Mediation Skills Training Course is tailored for a broad spectrum of professionals eager to enhance their mediation skills and deepen their understanding of the mediation process. Whether you are a legal practitioner aiming to expand your expertise in alternative dispute resolution, a human resource manager handling workplace disputes, or a business leader seeking effective mediation techniques for commercial challenges, this course is designed for you.
What you'll learn
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Master the core principles of mediation: neutrality, confidentiality, and voluntary participation
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Discover how mediation stands apart from litigation and arbitration
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Gain a clear understanding of the mediator’s role and professional boundaries, including facilitating communication between parties involved in disputes
- Explore essential South African legal frameworks for mediation
- Navigate ethical responsibilities, confidentiality, and real-world dilemmas
- Broaden your perspective with an overview of international mediation standards
- Develop active listening and effective questioning techniques
- Build emotional intelligence, trust, and manage power dynamics
- Learn to reframe issues, de-escalate conflict, and interpret non-verbal cues
- Follow a step-by-step mediation process from intake to agreement
- Apply techniques for joint sessions and private caucuses
- Use practical tools for structuring and documenting MOUs and agreements
- Participate in live role-plays and realistic case simulations
- Receive detailed feedback from experienced trainers and assessors
- Integrate theory into real-world mediation scenarios
Learning Outcomes
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Develop professional skills relevant to mediation and dispute resolution
Why now?
Court-annexed mediation and structured dispute resolution are rapidly becoming standard practice in South Africa’s legal and business sectors. By completing this online mediation course, which provides accredited mediation training and prepares participants to become an accredited mediator, you will:
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Become qualified and begin building your observer and mediator log for RMO certification, with official accreditation by the Dispute Settlement Accreditation Council
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Gain foundational knowledge of court expectations and professional mediation standards, including High Court protocols, High Court Rules, and specific procedures for the Gauteng Division
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Offer credible, structured mediation services in South Africa, especially for legal practitioners seeking to expand their expertise
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Enhance your conflict-resolution, negotiation, and communication skills for diverse professional settings through a challenging but rewarding program delivered in partnership with leading professional organizations and taught by a team of trainers with extensive experience in mediation
Secure One of Only 6 Seats
Places are intentionally limited to ensure personal attention and meaningful practice time.
What's Included
40 hour Live Instruction
Role play and case study
Document examples and templates
Why Now?
With the growing adoption of court-annexed mediation under Rule 41A in South Africa, certified mediators are in demand. Empower your conflict-resolution practice with credibility and confidence through formal training.
Reserve your seat now and begin 2026 as a professionally trained civil & commercial mediator.
Mediation Fundamental Principles
At its core, mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party—the mediator—assists disputing parties in reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement. The mediation process is built on core principles such as impartiality, confidentiality, and respect for each party’s autonomy. The mediator’s role is not to impose a solution, but to facilitate open communication, clarify issues, and guide the parties toward their own resolution.
Understanding mediation fundamentals is crucial for anyone entering the field. This includes a thorough grasp of the mediation process, the responsibilities of the mediator, and the essential skills required to foster productive dialogue and negotiation. In South Africa, the Dispute Settlement Accreditation Council (DiSAC) and the International Mediation Institute (IMI) play a key role in accrediting mediation training programs, ensuring that mediators adhere to high standards of competence and professionalism. By completing accredited mediation training, aspiring mediators gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to support disputing parties effectively and ethically.
Expert Online Mediation Training and Certification
Transform your career with professional mediation skills through our comprehensive 40-hour foundations training.
Join our August 2026 Civil and Commercial Mediation course accredited by the Dispute Settlement Accreditation Council.
Why Online Mediation Training is Perfect for Your Career
Mediation has become essential to modern dispute resolution across South Africa and beyond. As courts and organisations increasingly adopt mediation proceedings to resolve conflicts efficiently, trained mediators are in growing demand across legal, commercial, and community sectors.
When you complete accredited mediation skills training, you unlock significant professional advantages:
- Professional Growth: Expand your skill set with mediation techniques recognised by legal practitioners, business leaders, and HR specialists alike.
- Flexible Learning: Complete your training program from anywhere in South Africa—whether you’re based in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, or the Western Cape—with full online course delivery and case studies you can do anywhere.
- Industry Recognition: DiSAC accreditation ensures your certification meets professional standards aligned with high court rules and magistrates court rules for court annexed mediation.
- Career Opportunities: Open doors to mediation practice across multiple sectors, from commercial mediation to RAF disputes. This is the foundation needed to move on to other civil disputes types like personal injury mediation.
Professional mediation training ensures you develop the communication skills and problem solving negotiation techniques needed for effective mediation practice.
Types of Mediation
Mediation is a versatile tool that can be adapted to a wide range of disputes. In South Africa, several types of mediation are commonly practiced, each tailored to specific contexts. Court annexed mediation is integrated into the judicial system, allowing cases to be referred to mediation as part of the court process. This approach is increasingly used to streamline case management and promote settlement before trial.
Commercial mediation focuses on resolving disputes between businesses, such as contract disagreements or partnership issues, while family mediation addresses sensitive matters like divorce, child custody, and maintenance. Each type of mediation requires specialized knowledge and skills, which are developed through targeted mediation training programs. This course is the DiSAC route that will equipped you with the Foundations for Civil and Commercial Mediation. Family Law (NABFAM) accreditation requires further Psychology and family law modules applicable to Divorce, Care and Contact, Maintenance and the Children's Act.
Professional bodies such as the ADRPA SA, The South African Dispute Settlement Accreditation Council (DiSAC) provide guidance, support, and standards for mediators working in these areas. By choosing the right training, mediators can build a skill set that allows them to effectively mediate disputes across a variety of sectors.
Our Mediation Training Programs
Civil and Commercial Mediation Course
Our comprehensive 40-hour foundations training equips you with everything needed for resolving disputes across civil and commercial sectors. This training program complies with Dispute Settlement Accreditation Council requirements, ensuring you receive industry-recognised certification.
August 2026 Training Dates: 27 August, 28 August, 29 August, 31 August, and 1 September 2026.
All five days feature full-day live sessions with interactive learning, practical exercises, and assessment role play scenarios.
Our Top 10 Essential Mediation Skills You’ll Practice in this Course
- Active Listening: Master non verbal communication and the core principles of hearing what disputing parties truly need.
- Conflict Analysis: Understand dispute dynamics, underlying interests, and conduct thorough risk analysis before each mediator session.
- Neutral Facilitation: Guide parties toward resolution through fair practice without bias or judgement.
- Communication Techniques: Use reframing, reality testing, and questioning methods to shift perspectives during the exploration phase.
- Opening Statements: Set the framework for successful mediation with clear structure during the preparation phase.
- Breaking Deadlock: Navigate impasse situations with proven strategies developed through practical scenarios and case studies.
- Settlement Negotiation: Facilitate mutually beneficial agreements that satisfy all parties involved in the mediation process.
- Ethical Practice: Maintain confidentiality and professional standards aligned with civil mediation council expectations.
- Process Management: Structure each mediation session for optimal outcomes using time management and clear agendas.
- Closure Techniques: Finalize agreements with proper documentation and ensure lasting resolution through follow-up protocols.
Your Next Steps
Step 1: Registration
Complete our online registration form and submit required documentation. Secure your place before the closing date with course fee payment. Register below here
Step 3: Pre-Course Preparation
Receive all course materials and technical setup instructions through our pre preparation process. Access the online learning environment and orientation resources to prepare for live sessions.
Step 4: Certification
Successfully complete all five training days, participate in practical coaching sessions, and pass your final assessment including written assignment components. Upon successful completion, receive your DiSAC accredited mediator certificate.
“I enjoyed the very practical learning experience where I got a chance to really practice the skills. I loved that we did not go through a 100 page manual, but were provided with that material for our own reference in our own time.The pace was great! Never a dull moment - with role plays interspersed with commentary and feedback from facilitators. The balance of personalities, and the range of voices within the training team was also most enjoyable.”
“The Workshop was intense but well organised”
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Civil and Commercial Mediation course?
Our August 2026 training runs across five full days: 27 August, 28 August, 29 August, 31 August, and 1 September. Mediation Pan African offers this foundations course twice yearly, with key learning delivered through intensive online mediation sessions.
What accreditation does the course provide?
Upon successful completion, you receive certification accredited by the Dispute Settlement Accreditation Council (DiSAC). This 40-hour foundations training meets the requirements for commercial mediators in South Africa, covering theory, extensive role play, and competency assessment. The accreditation is recognised for court roster eligibility and aligns with standards comparable to the International Mediation Institute and arbitration foundation requirements.
Is the training completely online?
Yes. All five days are delivered through live sessions in a fully online format. You’ll participate in practical exercises, conflict session simulations, and assessment role play through breakout rooms and interactive platforms. You’ll need stable internet access and a device capable of video conferencing to participate in this mediation advocacy training.
Have a question? Contact Mediation Pan African
Start Your Mediation Career Today!
Join the growing community of accredited mediators making a difference in dispute resolution across South Africa. Our expert trainers bring professional experience from civil procedure, high court practice, and commercial mediation to help you develop the skills needed for success.
Secure your place in August 2026 training before spaces fill.
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