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Public Sector Negotiation and Mediation Skills for Government Officials

This course builds the negotiation and mediation skills that public officials need when dealing with suppliers, communities, unions and other spheres of government. Participants practise preparing for negotiations, managing difficult conversations, and mediating disputes to durable settlements. The programme emphasises fair, transparent outcomes that protect the public interest and preserve working relationships.

What you will be able to do

  • Prepare thoroughly for a negotiation and set clear objectives.
  • Apply principled negotiation techniques to reach fair outcomes.
  • Manage emotion and pressure in difficult conversations.
  • Mediate disputes between parties toward a workable settlement.
  • Balance the public interest against the demands of stakeholders.
  • Document agreements clearly to prevent later disputes.

Course outline

  1. 01Preparing to Negotiate
  2. 02Principled Negotiation Techniques
  3. 03Managing Difficult Conversations
  4. 04Mediating Disputes
  5. 05Protecting the Public Interest
  6. 06Reaching and Recording Agreement
  7. 07Negotiation and Mediation Practice

Who should attend

This course suits managers, supply chain officers, community liaison staff and labour relations practitioners in the public sector who negotiate on behalf of their institution.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 18 Aug 2026Durban2R10,000
24 to 25 Aug 2026Johannesburg2R10,000
7 to 8 Sep 2026Mauritius2US$1,100
14 to 15 Sep 2026Dubai2US$1,100
21 to 22 Sep 2026Lagos2US$1,100
28 to 29 Sep 2026Harare2US$1,100
5 to 6 Oct 2026Kampala2US$1,100
12 to 13 Oct 2026Dar es Salaam2US$1,100
19 to 20 Oct 2026Pretoria2R10,000
26 to 27 Oct 2026Cape Town2R10,000
9 to 10 Nov 2026Online2US$900
16 to 17 Nov 2026Mozambique2US$1,100
23 to 24 Nov 2026Cairo2US$1,100
30 Nov to 1 Dec 2026Accra2US$1,100
7 to 8 Dec 2026Lusaka2US$1,100
14 to 15 Dec 2026Kigali2US$1,100
21 to 22 Dec 2026Nairobi2US$1,100

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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