About the CMA
The CMA is hosted by the Department of Political Sciences, in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, at the University of Pretoria.
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
The Team
Prof Cori Wielenga
Acting Director
Dr Sokfa John
Programme Director: Mediation practice
Dr Quraysha Sooliman
Programme Director: Science and public engagement
Dr Sonja Theron
Programme Director: Research
Dr Marlie Holtzhausen
Researcher
Dr Chenai Matshaka
Researcher
Dr Ashleigh Shangare
Researcher
Ms Tyne Williams
Researcher
Mr Anthony Bizos
Researcher
Ms Nontando Ndhlovu
Researcher
Mr Samuel Igba
Researcher
Ms Mellissa Mlambo
Social media
Ms Makhethe Makamase
Researcher
Ms Gabe Vermeulen
Researcher
Ms Susanna Deetlefs
Project Coordinator
Ms Kirsty Nepomuceno
Project Assistant
Interns
Mr David Kubwa
Intern
Ms Tabitha Lavender Sagandira
Intern
Ms Tshenolo Matlala
Intern
Ms Kgomotso Komane
Intern
Ms Lerato Dube
Intern
Research Associates
Dr Jason Musyoka
CEO of The Frontline Group & Principle of The Frontline Training Institute
Dr Bosco Bae
University of Lynchburg, Department of Religious Studies
Dr Litlhare Rabele
Gender Programme Manager, Foundation for Human Rights