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
The Family-Law Attorney’s Role in Mediation – Hindrance or Help?
The South African Association of Mediators (SAAM) invites you to an engaging two-hour webinar on 16 May 2025, that explores an important question: Is the presence of attorneys in mediation a help or a hindrance?
As mediation becomes increasingly embedded within family law practice, it is vital for legal professionals—both attorneys and advocates—to understand the process, its strengths and limitations, and how they can contribute meaningfully to it.
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Why Attend?
The legal profession is often rooted in an adversarial approach, which may lead to the perception that attorneys hinder rather than help in mediation. This webinar aims to dispel that myth by showcasing the critical and constructive role attorneys can play across three key phases of the mediation process:
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Pre-mediation referral and preparation
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Active participation during mediation
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Post-mediation implementation and finalisation
Whether acting as mediators or representing clients, attorneys have a valuable contribution to make in fostering collaboration, resolution, and long-term family stability.
Presented by:
Barbara Malan, Director at B-Malan Attorneys Inc
With over a decade of experience in family and commercial law, Barbara is a seasoned litigation attorney, mediator, and legal consultant. Her extensive work across high-conflict matters has reinforced her belief in mediation as a powerful alternative to adversarial litigation. She brings both practical experience and strategic insight to this discussion.
Prof. Madelene (Leentjie) de Jong
A distinguished academic and authority on family law, Prof. de Jong is an admitted attorney, accredited mediator, and parenting coordinator. Her involvement with the South African Law Reform Commission, her academic leadership over the years at UNISA and currently at the University of Limpopo, and her practical experience as a mediator and parenting coordinator make her uniquely positioned to discuss the evolving intersection between legal practice and mediation.
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