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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Conduct mediation in situations that require advanced skills 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117848  Conduct mediation in situations that require advanced skills 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Democracy, Human Rights, Peace and Elections 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 07 - Human and Social Studies Public Policy, Politics and Democratic Citizenship 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for people who serve as mediators of conflicts.

A learner credited with this standard will be capable of:
  • Preparing for mediation
  • Engaging in mediation
  • Evaluating mediation processes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners starting to learn towards this unit standard are proficient in Language, Literacy and Communication, particularly intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, at NQF level 4 or equivalent.

    It is also recommended that learners are proficient in the unit standard 'Conduct an in-depth analysis and interpret conflict situations' before accessing this unit standard. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    To include conflict mapping, conflict analysis, shuttle diplomacy, co-mediation, emotion-handling skills and creative thinking.

    Advanced situations refer to complex multiparty conflicts, deep-rooted value conflicts, and escalated conflicts involving violence. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare for mediation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of mediation is identified and agreed to by parties involved. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pre-mediation consultations, including empowering and encouraging parties to get together, are appropriately conducted. Pre-mediation consultations include dealing with acceptance of process and ground rules for process; acceptance of mediators; getting parties together, convincing, encouraging, educating, identification of stakeholders; gathering necessary information and familiarisation with relevant codes of conduct; jurisdictional questions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Relevant background information is analysed and pertinent issues are identified that could have a bearing on mediation process outcomes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The feasibility of mediation is sensitively evaluated and commitment is consensually secured. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This may include mediation that takes place in a voluntary context.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Administrative arrangements relating to the mediation process are identified and dealt with effectively. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Arrangements include confirmation of dates, times, venue, transport, documents, interpretation, safety and expenses.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Process design options are identified and considered on the basis of best practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process options include joint and side meetings,and caucusing.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Engage in mediation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Jurisdictional questions are used to prepare for mediation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Mediation processes are suitably initiated and explained to those involved and/or affected. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Initiation includes welcoming; introductions; language issues; housekeeping issues; terms of reference; explaining process; establishing ground rules for process including confidentiality, off-the-record and without prejudice; building trust and confidence; overcoming hostility and dealing with resistance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Mediation processes are facilitated and conducted using effective communication and interpersonal skills. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes respect, empathy, authenticity, integrity and openness as well as due recognition of emotions, social context, culture, race, gender issues, power and other relationships, and context specific professional values and ethics.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Exchange of information between parties and stakeholders is constructively facilitated, according to accepted techniques and best practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Exchange of information includes opening statements; identification of issues, needs and interests and search for common ground.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Appropriate resources are identified and secured depending on the context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Resources include counselling, training, advocacy; mentoring; and/or seeking expert advice.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Parties are effectively assisted to generate options for settlement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Assistance includes guidance with regard to problem-solving, lateral thinking; brainstorming and reality testing, evaluation against objective criteria, considering the best-alternative-to-a-negotiated-agreement.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Mediation processes are concluded to the satisfaction of all parties. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Concluding includes recording and validating the agreement, reporting back and establishing monitoring systems established if contextually appropriate, publicising the agreement and dealing with the situation where agreement is not reached.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Evaluate mediation processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Mediation processes are evaluated in terms of strengths and weaknesses and the extent to which the brief was achieved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Opportunities and mechanisms to improve upon the process are identified and recorded for integration into future processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Participant's reactions to the process are sought and analysed in line with the mediation purposes. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures.
  • Registered assessors must have a qualification in Conflict at NQF level 6 or higher or equivalent.
  • Moderators must be registered as assessors with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Mediation including different types of mediation
  • Mediation in relation to other dispute resolution processes.
  • Relevant legislation 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems during the mediation process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively as team member is achieved through mediation participation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself effectively and ones actions responsible and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect and organise and critically evaluate information during a preparation process for mediation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using presentation techniques during mediation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use technology effectively in the recording and reporting of mediation outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Systemic thinking is achieved through evaluating a mediation process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Be culturally and aesthetic sensitivities ac cross a range of social context during the mediation process. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49257   National Certificate: Conflict Management and Transformation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  PSETA 
    Elective  50265   National Certificate: Family Law Practice  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  93993   National Certificate: Labour Relations Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Conflict Dynamics (Pty)Ltd 
    2. Lusa Social Enterprenueship Institute (PTY)LTD 
    3. South Africa School of Diplomacy, Protocol and Public Administration 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.