ALFRED WOLPE

 

MEMBER: SOUTH AFRICAN MEDIATORS CC

 

                      DIRECTOR: DIVORCE & FAMILY MEDIATORS (PTY) LTD

 

CAREER SYNOPSIS, TRAINING AND CV

 

 

Mission Statement

 

Mediation Before Litigation ©2011

 

 

“WE CAN’T SOLVE PROBLEMS USING THE SAME TYPE OF LANGUAGE WE USED WHEN WE CREATED THEM” Albert Einstein

 

 

I have the distinction of having being awarded the first Court ordered commercial mediation matter during November 2010, the case had been in the judicial system attracting legal fees running into the hundreds of thousand Rands for a number of years with no results, I succeeded in mediating a settlement in under 2 days with substantial savings to the parties.

 

CURRICULUM VITAE

 

I held the SAAM chair in 2007 and 2008 and was selected by vote to act as vice chairman on the executive committee of SANCOM – the South African National Council of Mediators. This organisation was established to deal directly with the Department of Justice and with the formulation of various laws and regulations on a national basis. I held a position on the SAAM executive until November 2011 at which time I tendered my resignation.

 

I was appointed in 2006 as a Commissioner of Oaths in the Republic of South Africa by the Department of Justice. I attended the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development round table discussions as a representative stakeholder during October 2005 and made representation thereto.

 

During October 2009 I was lucky enough to be asked to co-host an Australian/USA based  delegation of 16 family law specialists in Johannesburg, South Africa under ‘People to People’s ambassadorial program the delegation were interested in the quality of mediation and mediation training available in South Africa, I was part of the presentation which was really well received and the entire delegation expressed surprise at the quality of our mediation and the training which was available and presented by Divorce & Family Mediators.

 

These overseas professionals practiced as mediators, attorneys, Assessors, Counselors, Family forensic trainers, Lawyers, Psychologists, Barristers, Solicitors and included a sitting Judge.

 

For a period of approximately 3 years from April 2003 I trained with Mrs. Anne-Marie Rencken Wenzel, a well known counseling & educational psychologist and forensic social worker in the field of family law and divorce mediation. This gave me a good grounding in all aspects of mediation.

 

I am comfortable to conduct mediations using a sole or co-mediation model and I mostly practice a facilitative mediation style.

 

At present I contribute to the community by undertaking probono mediations and conduct training for Pro-Bono.Org.

 

I have been involved in all aspects of the mediation profession and I have a profound understanding of the operation and the workings thereof.

 

I have appeared both, on television and Radio, alongside my esteemed legal colleagues in discussions regarding mediation.

 

I am currently a member of South African Mediators cc and a director of Divorce and Family Mediators (Pty) Ltd whom act as complete resolution centers. I’m active in all aspects of mediation and training of their mediators.

 

I am currently one of the only two PSETA (Public Sector Education and Training Authority – South Africa) accredited facilitators, assessors and moderators in South Africa who may train under the unit standard “Conduct mediation in situations that require advanced skills” Unit standard 117848. I was co-author of the learning material which was approved by the SETA for this training module and was instrumental in getting DFM’s course aligned and accredited with the abovementioned unit standard, this was required by PSETA in order for Divorce and family mediators to become the first organisation to be granted full accreditation as a provider of education and training by PSETA.

 

At the same time I was also intrinsically involved in the negotiation and facilitation between DFM and NWU University (Potchefstroom University) which led to their decision to collaborate with us in order to write and present courses in Commercial Mediation.

 

In 2010 I was invited by the International Chamber of Commerce to participate in their annual international mediation competition which attracted entrants from over 58 different Universities, originating from many different countries throughout the world I accepted the invitation and attended the competition which took place during February 2011.

 

During November 2010 I was honored to be one of the first 4 mediators to be accredited as a mediator by SAAM and National Accreditation Board for Family Mediation (NABFAM) under the new SAAM/NABFAM accreditation policy in South Africa.

 

 

At some stage in 2010 I realised that I was limiting my career potential by, mainly, concentrating on Divorce & Family mediation as I have so much more to contribute to my fellow professionals, the Judicial system and public at large. I formed an organisation called South African Mediators cc and will carry on training and conduct all aspects of mediation under that umbrella. I obviously will still remain a Director of DFM and DFM will still enjoy my continued and unequivocal support.

 

During February 2011 I attended a training session conducted by the top commercial facilitators and mediators currently in practice, the training session entitled “Win-Win Strategies: Tools for Corporate Dispute Management”, was attended by the top management in some of the largest corporations in the world, Shell, Eurocopter and Bombardier to name a few. The training introduced me to the latest thinking in corporate dispute management techniques and the new corporate philosophy and thinking when dealing with commercial disputes in the world market place.

 

I have also lectured a number of honors and graduate students with the focus on commercial and workplace mediation – these students will compete in the International Chamber of Commerce mediation competition during 2012.

 

At the South African Association of Mediators (SAAM) 2011 Annual General Meeting I resigned and decided not to stand for re-election for the SAAM Executive Committee as I felt that I was being stifled in that position. I also sensed that I could be a far more representative member of mediation community if I no longer held this position and I could be more active in representing mediators, I could voice my opinions without fear of any threats that I was acting in bad faith, being in conflict of interest or being disloyal to SAAM, to name but a few of my concerns if I was still actively involved on the SAAM committee.

 

In November 2011 I entered into an affiliate facilitator agreement with Workplace Benefits, LLC and Workplace Options, Inc. who operate from Raleigh, North Carolina in order to tender mediation and non-exclusive, independent advisory services for their clients in South Africa under their auspices.

 

I again, acted as a Judge at the 2012 International Chamber of Commercial international mediation competition in Paris, France, as a professional and a Judge and attended training there at the same time.

Qualifications, training and achievements

 

ORT JET Intellectual Property Strategy workshop – Mr. Anthony Van Zantwijk - Patent Attorney – 25th July 2012

 

–          Attended an ORT JET* Training Program in Intellectual Property Strategy Presented By Mr. Anthony Van Zantwijk – Patent Attorney - Sibanda & Zantwijk (An Intellectual Property (IP) Commercial Law Firm).

 

*(ORT SA is a multi-faceted, proactive and reputable NPO that has been in existence for over 75 years. It thrives on developing individuals, businesses and communities by improving education, living standards and conditions so that all can choose a better life.)

 

International Chamber Of Commerce – Paris, France – 17th June 2012

 

–         Invitation To Act As A Judge (3rd Consecutive Year) In The 2013 International Mediation Competition In Paris, France - The Organizing Committee Of The 8th ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition, Organised By The International Chamber Of Commerce (ICC).

 

South African Association of Mediators (SAAM) – Training Program – The Art of Dealing With Difficult Cases And Finding Ways To Breaking Deadlock In Child Related Mediations – Mr. Charles Mendelow - Attorney – 18th June 2012

 

–          Attended a NABFAM/SAAM CPD training program on the art of dealing with difficult cases and finding ways to breaking deadlock in child related mediations presented by Mr. Charles Mendelow – Charles Mendelow Attorney’s.

FAMSA 2004

 

South African Association of Mediators (SAAM) – Training Program – The Skills Of Involving Children in Mediation – M/s Sheetal Valaab – 25th April 2012

 

–         Attended a NABFAM/SAAM CPD training program on the skills of involving children in Mediation presented by M/s Sheetal Valaab from FAMSA.

 

ProBono – Peer Review Mediators Session – 13th April 2012

 

–         Attended, chaired and contributed to a peer review mediator’s session attended by fellow mediators, psychologists, legal professionals and various other associated professionals at ProBono offices, Constitution Hill. Johannesburg

 

DiSAC Accreditation Standards – Launch – 10th April 2012

 

–          Invited and attended the launch of The Dispute Settlement Accreditation Council (DiSAC) Accreditation Standards at Tokiso, Johannesburg South Africa

 

Gauteng Restorative Justice Forum – Lower Courts Judiciary Workshop – 30th March 2012

 

–          Full day workshop with 30 minute presentation, question and answer session and debate by myself with delegates

 

Gauteng Restorative Justice Forum – 29th March 2012

 

–          Full day workshop with 30 minute presentation, question and answer session and debate by myself with delegates

 

 

 

 

 

Human Rights Day – Human Rights Issues – President Jacob Zuma – Kliptown – 21 March 2012

 

–          The President of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma - Walter Sisulu square, Kliptown on the 21st of March 2012 - Human Rights issues

 

International Chamber of Commercial 3rd Annual Mediation Conference training session – Paris, France - February 2012

 

–          Training - Make mediation happen - Getting Your Commercial Dispute To Successful Mediation -  Paris, France - February 2012

 

–          Training - IMI Intercultural Certification Workshop – Paris, France – February 2012

 

International Chamber Of Commerce – Paris, France - February 2012

 

–          Judge in the International Chamber of Commerce Commercial Mediation Moot Competition in France

 

Dispute Resolution with SARS and aspects of the Tax Administration Bill – Dr. Beric Croome – Tax Executive – Edwards Nathan and Sonnenbergs Inc. - November 2011

 

–          Aspects of mediation and dispute resolution with South African Receiver of Revenue - The tax Administration Bill

 

Family Induction Workshop – Equillore – November 2011

 

–          Divorce & Family Mediation workshop

 

Re-Visioning Justice – Dr. Martin Wright (School for Legal Studies – University of Sussex), Dr. Hema Hargovan (University of KZN – UNISA Department of Criminology and Security Science in collaboration with Khulisa Social Solutions - November 2011

 

–          Re-Visioning Justice in South Africa, bringing stakeholders and role-players together to review and reconsider justice

 

Restorative Justice Seminar – Reflection on Recent Developments in Restorative Justice Case Law – Professors Ann Skelton(Centre for Child Law, UP) and Annette van der Merwe (Faculty of Law, UP), Ms Erna Pieterse (Gauteng DHSD), Ms G. Nyundu Mpumalanga DSD, Dr. Martin Wright (School for Legal Studies – University of Sussex), Mike Batley (Restorative Justice Centre) - November 2011

 

The seminar provided an opportunity for practitioners in the fields of law, social, psychology and criminology to reflect on the judgments in the le Roux Vs Dey and Thabethe cases and to consider their significance and implications for practice. An international perspective will be provided by Martin Wright.

 

Martin is an early advocate for restorative justice in the UK and Europe, and continues to provide leadership there and abroad.

Various, very insightful reflections on Mediation, Amicable Dispute Resolution, Restorative Justice and litigation were expounded upon throughout the day

 

Interactional Analysis Workshop – IRMA SCHUTTE BA (MW); MA (MW) CUM LAUDE, Pret ¬- October 2011

 

–          Interactional Analysis Workshop – to Evaluate the Interactional Patterns between Parent-Child

 

SAAM Training - Guidelines on supervision - October 2011 - Anne-Marie Rencken-Wentzel Educational Psychologist

 

–          Guidelines on supervision

 

Equillore – September 2011

 

–          Officially appointed to the Equillore Dispute resolution panel with immediate effect

 

SAAM Training - Ascertaining patrimonial claims upon divorce - September 2011 - Professor Leentjie de Jong – Unisa

 

–          Ascertaining patrimonial claims upon divorce

 

SAAM Training - Drafting Memoranda of Understanding with a view to arriving at an effective settlement - Ceri von Ludwig - practising attorney and Melanie Wellmanns practising attorney- July 2011

 

–          Drafting Memoranda of Understanding with a view to arriving at an effective settlement

 

SAAM Training - CASE MANAGEMENT/FACILITATION (MED-ARB) – Anne-Marie Rencken-Wentzel Educational Psychologist May 2011

 

–          Drafting Memoranda case management (also known as facilitation and med-arb)

 

International Chamber Of Commerce – 2nd Annual Mediation Conference training session – Paris, France - February 2011

 

–          Training - “Win-Win Strategies: Tools for Corporate Dispute Management” Paris, France - February 2011

 

International Chamber Of Commerce – Paris, France - February 2011

 

–          Judge in the International Chamber of Commerce Commercial Mediation Moot Competition in France

 

International Chamber Of Commerce – Paris, France - November 2010

 

–          Selected to take part in the International Chamber of Commerce Commercial Mediation Moot Competition in France during 2011

 

SAAM & NABFAM – November 2010 - South African Association of Mediators (SAAM) & National Accreditation Board for Family Mediation (NABFAM)

 

–          One of the first 4 mediators to be accredited by SAAM and the National Accreditation Board for Family Mediation (NABFAM) under the new SAAM/NABFAM accreditation policy in South Africa

 

ENTREPRENEUR SA. TALK RADIO 702, FNB & AURIK BUSINESS INCUBATOR

 

–          Selected as a shortlisted entrepreneur in the Entrepreneur SA with First National Bank and Talk Radio 702 promotion, supported by Aurik Business Incubator

 

MEDIATION WORKSHOP – John Brand – Conflict Dynamics – November 2009

 

–          Preparing for and Presenting in Mediation (Commercial)

 

ETDP-SETA 2009/2010

 

–          Assessor Certification No: CE/2009/0092

–          Moderator Certification No: CE/2009/MO110

–          Design and Develop outcomes-based assessments Certification No: D/22-06-20/0022

–          Facilitator Certification  US 1178

 

SAAM Half-Day Workshop & Training - The Children’s Act for Mediators  –  October 2010 –  Ms Sarie Snyman – Magistrate/Commissioner of Child Welfare Pretoria

 

–          The Children’s Act for Mediators

 

SAAM Conference – March 2010

 

–          Guest Speaker at SAAM Conference – March 2010

 

CHAI FM 2008

 

–          Appeared as a guest on the Chai FM Legal radio show

 

Co-Hosted Delegation from “People to People” October 2009

 

–          Co-Hosted a delegation of 16 Family law specialists from USA and Australia

 

 

 

USIOP2006

 

–          United States Institute of Peace - Certificate in Conflict Analysis

 

UNISA/AFSA 2005

 

–          the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa – Certificate in Divorce Mediation

 

FAMSA 2004

 

–          Certificate in Divorce & Family Mediation

 

University of Pretoria 2003

 

–          Certificate Program in Child Law

 

Gold Inner Circle Club 2002

 

–          ABSA Absolute Winners Professional

 

Momentum life 1994

 

–          Phase I skills course