Welcome to SAAM
The South African Association of Mediators, also known as SAAM, is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) that acts as a professional regulatory body for its members.
SAAM is a Member Organisation for Family Mediators
Proudly, SAAM is a founding member of the National Accreditation Board for Family Mediators (NABFAM). In accordance with this, SAAM occupies two seats on the NABFAM Executive Board. As part of the process of defining and adopting sound standards, the executive committee sought to align South African Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) standards with international best practices.
As such SAAM accreditation aims at supporting standards consistent with that of the International Mediation Institute (IMI). Fundamentally SAAM’s contribution to the complex and valued function of the practice of mediation in South Africa is based on solid foundations. These foundations are upheld by sound education and the training of mediators. Driven to transform as a current and up-to-date organisation continually.
Introducing the
SAAM-Kaelo
Referral Project
Are you a SAAM Accredited Mediator passionate about helping families navigate conflict towards peaceful solutions? Are you eager to expand your practice and make a lasting impact?
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SAAM would like to introduce our newest initiative, the SAAM-Kaelo Referral Project.
This initiative connects SAAM Accredited Mediators with family dispute referrals through the esteemed Kaelo Employee Assistance Program, providing exclusive referrals to expand your practice and make a lasting impact.
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Why Choose
SAAM Accreditation?
Expertise: Gain access to cutting-edge mediation techniques and training resources.
Recognition: Showcase your commitment to excellence in family law mediation.
Network: Connect with a dynamic network of like-minded professionals.
Impact: Empower families to find peaceful resolutions and minimise conflict.
Protection: Safeguard yourself and your clients by adhering to SAAM’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility for Accredited Mediators.
Book our Latest Webinar
About our Webinar
Parental Rights and Responsibilities – Lessons from the South African Courts
Join us on 6 June 2025 for a focused and practical webinar examining how recent South African court decisions are influencing the interpretation of parental rights and responsibilities, including care, contact, guardianship, co-parenting, and relocation.
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We are proud to welcome back Mervyn Vermeulen, a returning guest speaker and trusted voice in family law. Mervyn is a dual-qualified lawyer (South Africa and Scotland), NABFAM-accredited mediator, Managing Director of Vermeulen Attorneys, and a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. His work spans both legal practice and mediation, making him uniquely positioned to translate court decisions into practical tools for mediators.
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This session is tailored for family law mediators and legal professionals, offering real-world strategies grounded in case law and judicial reasoning.
What You Will Learn:
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A review of notable and emerging case law
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Practical guidance for applying legal principles in mediation
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Insights into evolving judicial attitudes on parenting arrangements
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A deeper understanding of how to structure effective, child-centered agreements​
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Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable legal and practical knowledge from one of the most respected voices in family law mediation.