About FAMAC

Milestones in the development of family mediation in the Cape

FAMAC has its roots in the Family Life Centre (FAMSA) in the Western Cape, where an interest group was formed in 1988 to explore the possibility of offering divorce mediation services. After receiving training from Lisa Parkinson and Henry Brown of the Family Mediators’ Association in the UK, FAMAC adopted their training model and became an autonomous entity. This transition allowed FAMAC to establish itself as a recognised body for family mediation within South Africa, contributing significantly to the development of mediation practices in the region.

FAMAC is a core member of the National Accreditation Board for Family Mediators (NABFAM) and as such all accredited FAMAC members obtain accreditation status through NABFAM ensuring that the highest standards of mediation practice are upheld throughout South Africa,

Accredited FAMAC members compromise of professionals that are legal practitioners, mental health professionals and social workers that has a passion for family mediation.

The FAMAC team

Profiles of key members and their portfolios on the executive committee

Melanie Fourie

Co-Chair | Legal

Core Executive

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Ilze van der Merwe

Co-Chair | Mental Health

Core Executive

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Sunel Beeselaar

Core Executive | Finance | Legal

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Eugene Opperman

Core Executive | Secretary | Legal

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Esna Bruwer

Executive Committee | Mental Health

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Sandra van Staden

Executive Committee | Legal

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Elmari Du Plessis

Co-opted member | Legal

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Eunice Marais

Executive Committee | Mental Health

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George De Beer

Executive Committee | Legal

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FAMAC sub-committees

Responsible members:

Adv. Melanie Fourie

Dr. Ilze van der Merwe

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Responsible members:

Adv. Melanie Fourie

Elmarie du Plessis

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Responsible members:

Eunice Marais

Eugene Opperman

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Responsible members training:

Sandra Hitchcock

Sunel Beeselaar

John O’Leary

Eugene Opperman

Responsible members workshops:

Esna Bruwer

George de Beer

Sunel Beeselaar

Eugene Opperman

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Responsible members training:

Esna Bruwer

Craig Schneider

Dr Astrid Martalas

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Responsible members finance:

Sunel Beeselaar

Eugene Opperman

Melanie Fourie

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