Start main page content

Mediator Skills Training

Application Form
Complete Online Application Form at
/zahrah/display/external/public/163/AabSAeQlpQ#section-intro

Start Date
26 August 2024

Apply By
21 June 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 26 to 30 August 2024. Courses might be delivered through blended learning. Students are required to have basic computer skills and stable internet connection.

Overview
The aim of the course is to provide the required knowledge and skills to conduct mediations, to deal with conflict situations and to formulate a settlement agreement.

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

  • Describe the differences and characteristics between mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and litigation;
  • Explain the advantages of mediation compared to other forms of dispute resolution;
  • Explain the qualities and characteristics of a good mediator as well as appropriate mediator behaviours;
  • Identify how, as a mediator, to build trust, empathy, and rapport with clients while remaining impartial and neutral;
  • Differentiate the stages of mediation and the structure and appropriate content of each stage;
  • Define the common obstacles to a successful mediation and how to overcome them;
  • Discuss the ethical obligations of a mediator;
  • Explain when and how to refer parties to outside resources;
  • Draft a settlement agreement.

Course Content
The course will cover the following topics:

  • Conflict- understanding and effective management: The theory of conflict, conflict management, approaches to conflict management as developed through practical exercises;
  • Negotiation- understanding, needs based approach and effective skills: The experience of negotiation is developed from a negotiators point of view, best practice on negotiation is touched on;
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes: The various ADR processes are unpacked, and a common understanding developed;
  • Mediation – understanding and context: A clear focus is provided on mediation- what is it, where it plays a role, advantages and disadvantages, the nature of mediation and where is it best used;
  • Mediator Skills: The various skills required to mediate a matter is developed;
  • Self- awareness: This critical area appreciates the need for mediators to be more aware of their personality and role in resolving conflict;
  • Ethics: Mediator Ethics is developed with a guideline and practical scenarios to ensure that the mindset is one of responsibility.

Target Audience
This generic and/or vocational learning programme is intended for all persons who want to become mediators. This is not limited to the legal profession. It includes those who work with conflict.

Application Process
It is open to anyone with a tertiary qualification or relevant mediation experience. This includes lawyers, HR managers, Trade unionist etc.

You will be required to submit a copy of your qualifications and academic record as well as a copy of your identity document or passport.

A detailed Curriculum Vitae will be required if your application is based on work experience.

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

Additional Information
The following certificate 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.

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/

Share