Accredited Mediation Training Courses & Events 2026/27

Family mediators increasingly encounter matters where Islamic law and cultural considerations play an important role in resolving parenting and family disputes. This insightful workshop, presented by Prof Muneer Abduroaf, will explore the intersection of Islamic law and South African family mediation, with a particular focus on the practical considerations that arise when mediating disputes and drafting parenting plans involving Muslim families.

Drawing on his extensive academic expertise, legal practice, and community leadership, Prof Abduroaf will provide mediators with valuable guidance on navigating religious and legal considerations in a culturally sensitive and legally informed manner. This session will equip practitioners with a deeper understanding of the issues that may influence parenting arrangements, enabling them to facilitate more effective, respectful, and sustainable outcomes for families.

What if you could use language more deliberately to help parties move beyond conflict? Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) gives mediators practical techniques for understanding how parties structure their thinking through language.

In this practical evening workshop over 2 evenings, you will learn how to use:

• Rapport & pacing – build connection and trust (a different approach)
• Meta Model questioning – uncover assumptions, generalisations, omissions and distortions
• A different take on reframing – turn blame and accusations into constructive dialogue
• Perceptual positions – help parties see the dispute from different perspectives
• Language patterns – recognise the words that keep parties stuck and how to deal with it during mediation
• Powerful questioning – uncover interests, needs and possibilities and move beyond vague or emotionally loaded statements

FAMAC’s PC training is designed for qualified mediators who are ready to deepen their practice and expand into one of the most impactful areas of family dispute resolution. This intensive training equips participants with the specialised knowledge, tools, and frameworks needed to effectively support high-conflict families navigating post-separation parenting. Covering key areas such as child development, parental alienation, trauma-informed practice, legal frameworks, and decision-making authority, the course bridges the gap between mediation and parenting coordination — preparing you to step confidently into this dual role.

The programme is facilitated by a team of seasoned parenting coordinators who bring a wealth of real-world experience to every session. Rather than theory alone, participants benefit from practical insights drawn from years of frontline work with complex family dynamics, court-referred cases, and multi-disciplinary collaboration. Through a blend of case studies, role-play scenarios, group discussion, and mentored reflection, facilitators ensure that learning is grounded, applied, and immediately transferable to practice. Whether you are newly exploring this specialisation or looking to formalise existing experience, this training offers the depth and credibility to distinguish your work in the field.

Training dates: 12 September 2026 from 09:00 – 13:00 (In person training)
14-18 September 2026 from 17:30 – 20:00 (Online)
19 September 2026 from 09:00 – 13:00 (In person training and roleplay assessment)

*Members that have completed a PC course previously and would like to attend this course as a refresher would be afforded a 50% discount.

Family mediators play an important role in helping couples reach fair and sustainable settlement agreements—but a sound understanding of matrimonial property law is essential to facilitate informed discussions. This practical workshop will unpack the principles of matrimonial property law, with a particular focus on the accrual system, giving mediators the confidence to identify key legal considerations that can significantly impact settlement outcomes.

Whether you are new to family mediation or looking to strengthen your expertise, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge to navigate accrual-related issues more effectively, ask the right questions, and support parties in reaching legally informed and durable agreements.

The 6-hour workshop (4 hours online and 2 hours reading) on mediating child maintenance matters in South Africa is designed for mediators and legal practitioners who seek to enhance their understanding of the complexities surrounding child maintenance disputes. This course covers essential aspects such as the legal framework governing child maintenance, arrear maintenance, the factors influencing maintenance calculations, and the rights and responsibilities of both parents.

Participants will engage in practical scenarios and case studies that illustrate common challenges faced in maintenance negotiations, equipping them with the skills needed to facilitate productive discussions and reach fair agreements that prioritise the best interests of the child. By the end of the training, participants will have developed a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in mediating child maintenance matters.

They will be able to effectively assess financial situations, guide clients through the negotiation process, and address emotional dynamics that may arise during discussions. Additionally, participants will learn to identify when legal intervention may be necessary and how to navigate the court system if disputes cannot be resolved through mediation. 

(Participants will receive a training manual and a case law bundle electronically. Pre-reading and a pre-workshop assignment is compulsory)

Mediators don’t need more business cards. They need more people who know when to call them.

This practical workshop focuses on what actually helps build a family mediation practice. You will leave with practical strategies for:

• Your mediator brand and professional profile
• Choosing and communicating your niche
• Creating a website that speaks to clients and generates enquiries
• Google visibility and online searches
• Social media content that builds credibility and exploring marketing ideas
• Building a professional referral network
• Networking with attorneys and other professionals
• Turning professional connections into referrals
• How to cost your mediation services
• Ethical and professional marketing
• Creating a 30-day marketing strategy

Practical. Focused. Immediately useful in your mediation practice.

FAMAC regularly hosts General Meetings that serve as valuable educational and networking opportunities for members and other interested professionals in the family mediation field. These meetings, offered at no cost, feature focused discussions on critical topics in family mediation and related legal matters.

The sessions cover a diverse range of subjects including ethical considerations in mediation practice, strengthening collaboration between various stakeholders.

FAMAC will host its Annual General Meeting in 2026 as an in-person gathering, providing members with both essential organisational updates and valuable networking opportunities. This significant event in FAMAC’s calendar will allow members to engage directly with the organisation’s progress, future plans, and fellow mediators in a professional yet sociable setting. The venue for this important meeting will be announced in due course.

All members are invited and encouraged to attend the AGM.

Pricing and venue to be confirmed.

The 40-hour family mediation course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the mediation process, particularly in the context of family disputes. Throughout the course, students will explore key concepts such as communication techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and the legal frameworks that govern family mediation in the South Africa. Participants will engage in practical exercises, role-playing scenarios, and case studies to develop their skills in facilitating discussions between parties, managing emotions, and facilitating collaborative solutions. The curriculum also emphasises ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of family dynamics.

By the end of the course, participants will have gained essential competencies in mediation, including the ability to effectively assess conflicts, guide parties through negotiation processes, and implement strategies that promote mutual understanding and agreement. They will be equipped with the tools necessary to create a safe and respectful environment for dialogue, enabling them to support families in reaching amicable resolutions. Additionally, participants will understand how to recognise when mediation is appropriate and when referral to other services may be necessary, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness as mediators in family settings.

This 40 hour mediation course is presented over 5 days:

18 February 2027 (in person – venue to be confirmed) (times to be confirmed)

19 February 2027 (online) (times to be confirmed)

20 February 2027 (online) (times to be confirmed)

26 February 2027 (online) (times to be confirmed)

27 February 2027 (in person – venue to be confirmed) (times to be confirmed)

Price: R12500.   (R2500 deposit to secure your spot)

(23 SACSSP CPD Points awarded)