The drama within South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) right now is like watching a messy divorce mediation unfold, except instead of fighting over who gets the couch, they’re arguing about VAT hikes and land expropriation. Let’s dive into this political soap opera and see how it hilariously mirrors the chaos of splitting up with your ex....
We can’t get enough of drama—on screen, that is. We love drama—when it’s happening to other people. Whether it’s Ross yelling “We were on a break!” for the hundredth time in Friends, or Monica and Chandler trying to hide their relationship while the gang obliviously debates conspiracy theories, TV disputes are hilarious, messy, and addictively entertaining. But when conflict happens in real life—at work, in relationships, or over who actually forgot to take the trash out—it’s suddenly not so fun. ...
Anger automatically triggers a whole grocery list of physiological responses that complicate effective communication – after all, you are preparing to fight or flee and not to negotiate the best outcome in a structured manner. ...
When you think about conflict resolution and cervical screening, you probably don't imagine they'd have much in common. Yet, surprisingly, getting a pap smear shares some uncanny similarities with sitting down at a mediation table to resolve disputes. For starters, both involve exposing yourself - albeit in very different ways. In mediation, you're laying bare your grievances and vulnerabilities, while a pap smear, well, that's self-explanatory. Both scenarios require a level of trust in professionals who've seen it all before, whether it's your deeply personal workplace drama or your cervix. ...
What if I told you that mediation is actually more like a pineapple – surprisingly complex, potentially sweet, and requiring some serious skill to crack open? First, let's talk about the exterior. A pineapple looks absolutely intimidating. Those spiky, armoured leaves are basically nature's "keep out" sign. Sound familiar? ...
I stumbled upon a technique (usually used in negotiation) that transformed seemingly deadlocked disputes into pathways of understanding. By deliberately crafting questions designed to invite a "no" response, I saw remarkable breakthroughs in even the most entrenched conflicts....
How many times have people frantically typed "meditation" when they desperately needed information about "mediation"? The internet is littered with confused souls seeking enlightenment when what they really want is someone to help them navigate a workplace dispute or family disagreement....
Mediation can play a vital role in the implementation of the Code of Good Practice on the Integration of Employment Equity into Human Resources Policies in South Africa. This Code, which is part of the Employment Equity Act (EEA), aims to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in the workplace while eliminating unfair discrimination. ...
Employers' legal responsibilities and recommended practices for protecting the health and safety of pregnant and breast-feeding employees. The code specifically addresses physical, ergonomic, chemical, and biological hazards in the workplace that could potentially harm pregnant employees or their children....
The Code outlines guidelines for structuring working time in a manner that considers employee health, safety, and family responsibilities. The Code emphasises the importance of communication, consultation, and collaboration between employers and employees in establishing and implementing working time arrangements. ...