Centre for Mediation in Africa

Directions

Centre for Mediation in Africa The CMA is radically rethinking mediation in Africa and creates safe spaces for dialogue

The goal of the CMA is to help make mediation efforts throughout Africa more effective. We do so by offering academic and practical courses in mediation, researching new and current best practices, and offering support to organisations and governments involved in mediation processes. We do this by:
• Publishing research on mediation best practices
• Teaching postgraduate courses on mediation
• Hosting public and off-the-record seminars on mediation efforts in Africa
• Partnering with other universities to expand our research and teaching reach
• Assisting regional and sub-regional bodies and governments involved in mediation
• Expanding research into non-state actors in mediation processes
• Contributing to research on SDG16
• Training senior government officials in mediation skills

07/10/2026

We were honoured to have Queen Ndamase of the amaMpondo ase Nyandeni Kingdom welcome delegates on the first day of our mediation training in Libode, OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape.

During the training, traditional leaders, ward councillors and civil society leaders came together to explore the complex conflict dynamics and rich practices of conflict resolution that characterise rural South Africa.

We were honoured to have Queen Ndamase of the amaMpondo ase Nyandeni Kingdom welcome delegates on the first day of our m...
07/10/2026

We were honoured to have Queen Ndamase of the amaMpondo ase Nyandeni Kingdom welcome delegates on the first day of our mediation training in Libode, OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape.

During the training, traditional leaders, ward councillors and civil society leaders came together to explore the complex conflict dynamics and rich practices of conflict resolution that characterise rural South Africa.

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture

The CMA's mediation co-training workshop with Department of Sport, Arts and Culture kicks off today in Libode in the OR ...
05/10/2026

The CMA's mediation co-training workshop with Department of Sport, Arts and Culture kicks off today in Libode in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape.

We're excited to engage in this learning experience with traditional leaders, ward counsellors and civil society leaders.

CMA’s Kgomotso Komane presented her research on women in peacebuilding and mediation at the African Studies Association ...
30/09/2026

CMA’s Kgomotso Komane presented her research on women in peacebuilding and mediation at the African Studies Association of the United Kingdom (ASAUK) Conference, held in Durham, United Kingdom, from the 10–12 September 2026. Her presentation, under the stream “Contested Transitional Justice Narratives after Violence in Africa.”

Her research brought attention to women’s roles and experiences in peace processes, highlighting how women’s perspectives can inform more inclusive mediation, peacebuilding and transitional justice approaches in societies emerging from violence.

Earlier this month, CMA’s Tyne Williams, Bokani Motsu and Kgomotso Komane participated in the second NEAR-ER Internation...
29/09/2026

Earlier this month, CMA’s Tyne Williams, Bokani Motsu and Kgomotso Komane participated in the second NEAR-ER International Conference, “Africa-Europe Relations: Shared Prosperity in a World in Flux”, in Leuven, Belgium.

They contributed to discussions on the peace-development nexus; the geopolitical implications of green hydrogen; and relational agency and the sustainability of post-conflict development in Africa–Europe relations.

Together, these contributions highlighted the importance of understanding peacebuilding within broader political, economic and geopolitical relationships, while centring African agency and more equitable approaches to international partnerships.

The discussions further highlighted how political, economic and geopolitical dynamics shape conflict, mediation and the prospects for sustainable peace, while underscoring the importance of inclusive and context-sensitive approaches to peacebuilding and mediation.

In his latest article, "Camus and the Question of Su***de: Addressing Some Misconceptions," CMA’s Gideon Onah defends Al...
28/09/2026

In his latest article, "Camus and the Question of Su***de: Addressing Some Misconceptions," CMA’s Gideon Onah defends Albert Camus’s account of existential absurdity and its implications for su***de against two major criticisms.

Onah argues that Camus’s absurdism remains relevant today as modern secular society continues to grapple with the meaning of life and the propriety of su***de. Within a peacebuilding context, choosing life and embracing complex realities over rigid dogmatism can serve as a powerful foundation for resolving deep-rooted conflict.

Read more here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/02580136.2026.2638050

🕊️ International Peace WeekInternational Day of Peace was observed on 21 September, reminding us of the importance of bu...
25/09/2026

🕊️ International Peace Week

International Day of Peace was observed on 21 September, reminding us of the importance of building a world where dialogue, understanding and cooperation take precedence over conflict.

As we continue to mark International Peace Week, the Centre for Mediation in Africa at the University of Pretoria reflects on the role of mediation in bridging divides, fostering understanding and advancing sustainable peace.

Peace is not built in a day; it is a commitment we carry forward every day.

24/09/2026

Happy Heritage Day! 🇿🇦

Today, we celebrate the rich cultural diversity, histories and traditions that shape who we are. At the Centre for Mediation in Africa, University of Pretoria, we recognise that our diverse heritages are a source of strength, understanding and connection. May we continue to embrace our differences, build bridges across cultures and foster dialogue that brings us together.

Happy Heritage Day, South Africa! 🌍🤝

🔔 MEDIATION MONDAYThis Mediation Monday, we explore the role of power in mediation. Conflicts often involve unequal reso...
14/09/2026

🔔 MEDIATION MONDAY

This Mediation Monday, we explore the role of power in mediation. Conflicts often involve unequal resources, influence, or authority, making it essential for mediators to recognise and address power imbalances through fair and inclusive processes. By understanding the context and creating opportunities for meaningful participation, mediators can help foster more durable and legitimate outcomes.

Do you think mediation can be fair when there is a power imbalance between parties? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Be sure to look out for our monthly Mediation Monday posts.

Last week, the CMA was excited to partner with Avi Sooful from UP’s Visual Arts department and UPEnterprise on a seminal...
24/08/2026

Last week, the CMA was excited to partner with Avi Sooful from UP’s Visual Arts department and UPEnterprise on a seminal course on the restitution of cultural property. This course brought together leading professionals in the field of cultural heritage preservation to engage with UN and AU frameworks around how we take care of our heritage during times of crises.

A central aspect of the module was the tenet in times of crises, it is by drawing on our heritage (including our indigenous knowledge systems) that we can find sustainable solutions to crises (whether climate degradation, poverty, conflict etc.). Preserving, rediscovering and restituting our heritage is key to ensuring a thriving Africa.

A question we grappled with is how to engage peacefully with our counterparts in other parts of the world to ensure the rightful restitution of the hundreds of thousands of Africa artefacts in museums in the global north. Returning these artefacts to Africa often has deeply spiritual, healing, and ritualistic significance for communities across the continent. It also speaks to us healing and reconciling from our colonial legacy.

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University Of Pretoria
Pretoria

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