Professional background and experience:

Hendrik Kotze is a full-time dispute resolution practitioner who works as a commercial mediator. Hendrik also facilitates processes in organisational and social and community dispute resolution. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, he operates locally, in Africa, Europe and online. Hendrik holds accreditation as a mediator with the Dispute Settlement Accreditation Council (DiSAC) and Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR). Additionally, he completed advanced training as a facilitator in complex company/community conflict at the Graduate School of Business (University of Cape Town) and Conflict Dynamics’ Workplace Mediation Skills training. A qualified lawyer, Hendrik practised as a barrister at the Cape Town Bar from 1992 to 1998. He obtained his LLB in 1986 (Stellenbosch) and holds LLM degrees from Cambridge University (1990) and the University of Stellenbosch (1991). 

Hendrik transitioned from the Bar to pursue a career in Dispute Resolution. He serves as the Chair of DiSAC and is a member of the ADR Advisory Committee of the South African Law Reform Commission.

Mediation experience and style:

With over 10 years of mediation practice, Hendrik regularly mediates commercial disputes across various fields, drawing on his experience as an advocate to understand complex legal disputes. His financial accounting qualifications enhance his comprehension of intricate financial matters and his business background aids in understanding the needs and interests of parties in commercial disputes. Hendrik adopts a facilitative mediation style, leaning towards dialogue over evaluation, yet addressing tough conversations when necessary.

Facilitation experience and style:

Hendrik has facilitated numerous complex conflict resolution processes, including intensive sessions within international organisations with stakeholders across multiple countries. His facilitation style involves active listening, analysis to understand the root causes of division, and the facilitation of transformative exercises and conversations around defined issues and impacted relationships. Particularly skilled in managing conflicts within management teams or workplaces, Hendrik's approach aims at understanding and resolving deep-seated conflicts.

Coaching experience and style:

Regularly coaching clients on conflict management, Hendrik focuses on emotional approaches to conflict within work environments. His coaching helps individuals become more observant of interest-based conflict resolution, emphasising the role of effective processes. Hendrik also provides coaching on more effective negotiation and mediation approaches.  

Comments from mediation clients:

"Hendrik you did a great job today. Pleasure working with you. This is the future for certain."

"Hendrik, I think I speak for everyone in thanking you for your efforts today. I don't think we would have reached a deal without your calm manner."