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Our purpose
The Africa Centre for Dispute Settlement (ACDS) at the University of Stellenbosch Business School provides an African hub for academic research on, and the development and teaching of, alternative forms of dispute resolution. By promoting change in the dispute resolution paradigm and practice, the Centre strives to contribute to the transformation of conflict in business, society, commerce, legal practice and the administration of justice.
The Centre also has a particular focus on Africa to ensure that African heritage and values are incorporated in the development of solutions to disputes and conflicts that suit African conditions.
Overall, the Centre strives towards academic excellence in research and teaching on different forms of dispute settlement, e.g. negotiation and mediation, in order to contribute to the international development of this particular field.
Combining theory and practice
The Centre acts as a catalyst and thought leader in transforming the theory and practice of dispute resolution. Our focus falls mainly on negotiation, mediation and other forms of consensus-based dispute resolution. This requires an academic underpinning based on proper research, and close ties with the real world in which these practices are applied.
To stay in touch with the practice of dispute settlement, the Centre has connections with a number of organisations and service providers who are active in this field.
The combination of academic excellence with practical, real-world experience enables the Centre to adopt a change agent role and alter the way in which people think and act in relation to conflict and disputes.
Scope of activities
The Centre's activities include:
- Research and publications
- Teaching and training
- Development projects
- Conferences, workshops and symposia
- Establishment and maintenance of accreditation standards
- Consulting
- Disputes systems design
The ACDS and Stellenbosch University's HOPE Project
Stellenbosch University's HOPE Project is about using science to find solutions for South Africa and Africa's most pressing problems. In essence, this project is a front end for the research initiatives the University has selected to help build a better future for us all. The Africa Centre for Dispute Settlement at the USB been singled out by the HOPE Project as one of the key drivers of the University's social investment in this country and continent.
'If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies' - Moshe Dayan
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