Mediation in Transition: Advancing Access to Justice and Dispute Resolution in Contemporary South Africa

 

What role can mediation play in building a more accessible, responsive and participatory justice system in South Africa?

As courts face increasing pressure, mediation is becoming an increasingly important means of improving access to justice through more constructive and efficient dispute resolution. This shift is reflected in court-annexed mediation and case-management reforms, a growing emphasis on restorative and participatory justice, and the increasing use of mediation in commercial, labour, family and community disputes.

Against this evolving backdrop, the Social Justice Foundation and STADIO Higher Education’s School of Law are proud to present the Mediation in Transition Conference, taking place on 21 October 2026 at STADIO Higher Education’s Durbanville Campus.

Presented under the theme Mediation in Transition: Advancing Access to Justice and Dispute Resolution in Contemporary South Africa, the conference will bring together mediators, legal practitioners, members of the judiciary, academics, students and other stakeholders to examine current developments, practical challenges and emerging opportunities in the field.

Through thematic streams exploring different dimensions of mediation, participants will exchange perspectives on its evolving place within South Africa’s justice system. The programme will also consider how mediation can respond to contemporary legal and social needs while supporting fair, participatory and context-sensitive outcomes.

The conference will be presented in a hybrid format, enabling participants to attend either in person at the Durbanville Campus or online.

 

Conference Details

• Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
• Venue: STADIO Higher Education, Durbanville Campus
• Format: In person and online

 

Whether you work in mediation, legal practice or research, or are simply interested in the future of conflict resolution in South Africa, the conference offers a timely opportunity to participate in this important conversation.

Further details, including the confirmed programme, speakers, registration information and opportunities to participate, will be announced in the coming weeks. Follow the Social Justice Foundation and STADIO School of Law on social media, and visit our websites regularly, to stay informed as the conference takes shape.

The conversation about the future of mediation in South Africa is only beginning. Stay tuned and be part of what comes next.

 

BOOK YOUR SPACE

 

For more information and registration, email: [email protected]

- Taydren van Vuren: School of Law Lecturer -

DATE: July 2026 | DISCLAIMER: The content of this blog is accurate at the time of publication. STADIO reserves the right to change the content due to changes in legislation, as well as for market requirements and other reasons.