In 1981, several trade union officials and industrial relations practitioners met to discuss a different approach to relationships in the industrial sphere, using mediation as a basis to resolve disputes. At the time, a government institution could not lead this. From these discussions, the Independent Mediation Service of South Africa (IMSSA) was borne.
IMSSA was committed to the effective resolution of industrial and community disputes. For 15 years, IMSSA had a material impact in a society marked by conflict in the economic, political and social spheres in the 1980s and 1990s.
IMSSA was the founder of a sophisticated, independent and credible dispute resolution industry in South Africa.
The purpose of this initiative is to share a piece of history that demonstrates what South Africans can do to change the course of history through conversation, engagement, and commitment. IMSSA achieved this. And we believe that this experience must be shared to remind us of this.
Reviews
IMSSA On the front line 1984 1994 (PDF size 53Mb)
The IMSSA Review number 1 November 1984 full document
IMSSA Review Number 1 November 1984
IMSSA Review Number 10 May 1991
IMSSA Review Number 11 October 1991
IMSSA Review Number 12 June 1992 (PDF size 20Mb)
IMSSA Review Number 13 December 1992 (PDF size 44Mb)
IMSSA Review Number 14 May 1993 (PDF size 25Mb)
IMSSA Review Number 15 March 1994 (PDF size 30Mb)
Articles
RBO Research Project [Ace Magogodi]
Interviews & Questionnaires
Shopstewards at Consol interview
Felicity Steadman Interview notes
Questionaire Attie van Der Merwe
Questionaire David Mofimli Komako
Questionaire J Du T Badenhorst
Questionaire Loet Douwes Dekker
Questionaire Nigel Paul Willis
Completed Questionnaire unknown
Research findings
Summary of research findings from surveys done in the Western Cape the RBO exercise
We believe there is more IMSSA material amongst previous panellists, employees, trustees, clients, and friends of IMSSA. Please share this with us so that we can make it available on this site. This can be in the form of documents, photos, videos, even voice notes of your memories. We will attribute to you what you share.
We welcome any suggestions on how we can share the history of IMSSA.
For more information, contact Tanya Venter at tanya@tokiso.com or 011 853 6300.
Updated 18 February 2022
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