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Mediation and Conciliation

Application Form
Complete Online Application Form at
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Apply By
There are two registration periods:
1st Semester - 4 September 2023 to 31 December 2023
2nd Semester - 4 March 2024 to 31 May 2024

Cost
R13,900.00

Duration & Format
This is a block release course where participants attend daily lectures from 08:30 to 16:30 during the period 8 to 15 June 2024. It will also be offered during the period 14 to 21 September 2024. Courses might be delivered through blended learning. Students are required to have basic computer skills and stable internet connection.

Overview
The Mediation and Conciliation postgraduate certificate course examines alternative dispute resolution mechanisms with a particular focus on conciliation. Conciliation within various sectors is reflected on within a global context, the Constitution and relevant legislation. The course covers the most recent policy and jurisprudential developments in dispute resolution. The course concludes by affording students the opportunity to learn how conciliation works in practice through simulation exercises.  This course can be taken on its own or as part of the Labour Dispute Resolution practice certificate course.

Course Outcomes
At the end of the course participants should be able to:

  • Discuss the different dispute resolution processes
  • Define the conciliation processes
  • Explain conciliation within the global context, the Constitution and the legislative framework
  • Differentiate between rights verses interest disputes, and rights verses position
  • Discuss, analyse and evaluate the principles of ethics involved in conciliation
  • Conduct an effective conciliation process and draft settlement agreements, and
  • Prepare the necessary reports and settlement agreements.

Course Content
The course consists of the following modules:

  • Defining dispute resolution
  • Defining conciliation and an overview of its various models
  • Conciliation compared to facilitation, mediation, arbitration and litigation
  • Conciliation within a global context
  • Conciliation, the Constitution and access to justice
  • Conciliation and the legislative framework
  • Distinguishing between conflicts and disputes
  • Rights verses interests disputes
  • Interest verses positions (getting to ‘yes’ negotiation skills)
  • Ethics in conciliation (conflicts of interest, confidentiality, mediator liability)
  • Social justice
  • Diversity and multiculturalism
  • Conducting an effective conciliation process
  • Closure of the process
  • Drafting certificate and outcome reports
  • Drafting settlement agreements, and
  • Each participant will be individually coached in the role of conciliator through simulated exercises by an experienced CCMA commissioner.

Target Audience
Mediators, legal professionals, and individuals interested in alternative dispute resolution.

Application Process
A relevant Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Commerce in Law or Bachelor of Arts in Law or equivalent qualification is a prerequisite for admission to the postgraduate certificate courses; OR

Applicants interested in applying to study Labour Dispute Resolution Practice who have any other undergraduate qualifications outside the field of law or labour work experience must complete the free compulsory skills development course Foundations of Commercial Law Practice.  

Kindly note that basic computer literacy skills are compulsory for all courses.

You will be required to submit:

  • Certified copies of Qualifications and Academic Records
  • Certified copy of Identity Document or Passport.
  • A detailed Curriculum Vitae

Kindly note that all foreign qualifications must be submitted with a SAQA Evaluation Letter.

Additional Information
The following certificates can be obtained:

  • Certificate of Competence: To obtain a certificate of competence, students are required to attend and participate in 75% of the lectures and to complete the assessments as required in the course.
  • Please note that a Certificate of Attendance is not available for this course.

This postgraduate certificate course is accredited by the university in accordance with its statutory mandate.  It does not lead to a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework.

Enquiries 
Mahlatse Masemola Tel No: +27 11 717 8438; Email mahlatse.masemola@wits.ac.za 
Ursula Dillner-Dangor Tel No: +27 11 717 8435; Email: ursula.dillner-dangor@wits.ac.za 
Website www.wits.ac.za/mandelainstitute/short-courses/

 

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