Society Programme: 2026
The Western Cape Society of Mediators has been planning a programme of short events for the remainder of 2026. Your Executive Committee has engaged relevant and knowledgeable speakers on topics that we believe will enrich our work and experience as mediators.
Event Format and Access
We have aimed to offer one event each month and to make the programme accessible to all members. Unless otherwise indicated, events will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams, will be free of charge for members, and will be open to non-members who attend as guests of members. Please note that the programme may change if circumstances beyond our control require it.
| Date | Starting Time | Subject | Speaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 August 2026 | 17:00 to 18:00 | Building a Mediation Practice | Joshua Hearne of Aloe Mediation |
| 22 September 2026 | 17:00 to 18:00 | Challenges experienced with court annexed mediation | Marion Shaer, Conflict Dynamics |
| 28 October 2026 | 17:00 to 18:00 | When mediation fails | Adv Andre Oosthuizen, SC |
| 17 November 2026 | 17:30 | End of Year Function. Please note that this will be an “in person” function. Venue TBC. | TBC |
Reminders will be sent out before the events and links will be sent to all our members. Please diarize all these events and make every attempt to attend, work activity permitting.
About our first speaker, Joshua Hearne:
Joshua is a qualified Family Law Mediator with an Honours degree in Psychology and a background in software automation. As Founder and Managing Director of Aloe Mediation, he is building South Africa’s first dedicated practice management platform for family law and other mediators. Aloe Mediation helps practitioners reduce administrative burdens through tools such as split-billing, digital onboarding, POPIA-conscious workflows, and a national mediator directory—allowing mediators to spend less time on paperwork and more time supporting families through resolution.
We always appreciate constructive comments and would be grateful if our members would comment on both the events and suggest subjects that would be of interest for future events.
Comments and suggestions may be sent to our administrator at john@justinedelmonte.co.za
What started off as a conversation over lunch about a group of like-minded mediators collaborating, has grown relatively quickly into the Western Cape Society of Mediators.
At the launch on 25 March 2026, our inaugural AGM, we were honoured to have His Lordship Mr Justice Lagrange give the opening address. He emphasised the importance of litigants being advised about the various options available and the fact that the formation of the Society is indicative of a tide that is turning.
The Society provides a central platform for mediators in the Western Cape to connect, collaborate, and contribute to how mediation is understood and applied in practice.
It creates a clear opportunity to promote mediation more actively, strengthen ethical and professional standards, and engage more effectively with organisations, legal professionals, and other stakeholders.
