Charlene Labuschagne

Mediator | ADVOCATE Charlene is accredited as a commercial mediator by both Conflict Dynamics and the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) and has been a member of the South African Association of Mediators (SAAM), serving as its Vice-Chairperson (2019–2020). She has completed the SAMLA Foundational Medico-Legal Training course and has served on the SAMLA board. She completed the Law Society’s Certificate in Medical Law and has extensively trained in Family Law Mediation. She is also an executive and leadership coach. In addition to her professional practice, Charlene is the founding member and a Director of Mediation Pan African, a training organisation dedicated to advancing mediation standards and skills across the continent. Her vision is to strengthen conflict resolution capacity, promote dialogue, and foster peaceful solutions in diverse sectors throughout Africa. Charlene holds a BA in English and Communication Science (UNISA), a LLB, and earlier degrees in the sciences – a BSc and MSc in Nuclear Medicine from the University of Pretoria. This unique academic foundation enables her to bridge the gap between law, medicine, and communication, making her particularly skilled in medico-legal matters. She also holds international qualifications in English language teaching (CELTA – Cambridge accredited, and TEFL) and has taught in culturally diverse contexts, including Hong Kong. Her career includes significant contributions in strategic communication, change management, crisis response, and inter-governmental relations, notably serving as media liaison during the 1994 Stilfontein mining disaster. She has held senior roles in the South African civil service and has extensive experience fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration among stakeholders. Areas of Expertise: • Commercial mediation • Medico-legal mediation • Workplace conflict resolution and intervention • Strategic communication & crisis management • Family law mediation