Equality Unit strengthens its mediation program

STELLENBOSCH – It is said that when you have people coming from diverse backgrounds coming together in one workplace, then conflict is going to be an inevitable part of that organization. However, according to the Equality Unit (EqU) at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development, this is manageable.

With this in mind, the Unit recently welcomed a group of 16 Stellenbosch University (SU) staff members as mediators. This follows their successful completion of the SU Workplace Mediation Course presented by Francois Botha, a well-known Mediator and Relations Strategist in the Office for Inclusivity & Change at UCT.

During the five day long course held in Stellenbosch from 25 to 29 June 2018, the group received extensive training in areas such as mediating two-party and group disputes involving faculties, staff and students.

The group also gained knowledge about the unique nature of conflict in an academic environment and how to resolve it. Coming from various faculties, divisions and departments, not only will these mediators be assisting the University community with addressing their conflicts in specific situations; but will also more importantly, promote sense of cohesion, and foster mutual respect through a facilitated process.

The unit says while there are many ways to manage conflict at the workplace, the SU Policy on Unfair Discrimination and Harassment places mediation as the preferred means of resolution in matters about unfair discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation. They mediation has proven to be quickly growing as one of the preferred alternative approaches to conflict resolution in the 21st Century, including in the Higher Education sector in South Africa. However, they do recognise that certain matters may not be resolved through mediation.

According to Head of the Equality Unit, Jaco Greeff Brink, since their inception in 2016, 100% of mediation sessions initiated by the unit were successful where both parties were able to reach an agreement or an amicable solution.

He adds that the Unit aims to strengthen its mediation programme in the 2018 Academic Year to enhance personal development, conflict resolution and interpersonal relationships.

“We are excited to welcome the group to our already existing pool of mediators and hope that moving forward they will be able to utilise some of the key aspects and tactics learned throughout the course”, said Jaco.

The Equality Unit, promotes collective action towards social justice, discourse regarding social asymmetries at SU, and implements a comprehensive HIV response. The Unit coordinates, educates and raises awareness around sexualities, gender non-violence, HIV/Aids and anti-discrimination. The Unit also formulates and oversees the implementation of SU's Unfair Discrimination and Harassment Policy, EndRapeCulture 2017 Report findings and the SU HIV/Aids Policy. We also serve as a centralised service for students and staff managing accounts of unfair discrimination and various forms of harassment at Huis Simon Nkoli House (at 39 Victoria Street).