Dispute Navigator Certificate Programme:
Process and Procedures
The Dispute Navigator Certificate Programme is a practical, procedural, and substance-driven program designed to equip tax professionals and business owners with the skills required to accurately apply, manage, and control any tax dispute.
With the recent Supreme Court of Appeal (CSARS v Poulter) ruling that a non-legal practitioner may appear on behalf of the taxpayer in the Tax Court, and increased focus and scrutiny on audits, this program focuses on building robust, defensible disputes within the Tax Court framework.
Start Date:
31 August 2026
Course Duration:
16 Weeks
Platform
Moodle
CPD Points
18 Points
Course Fee
R 4,500.00 (INCL VAT)
15% discount for Package Holders: R3825.00 (INCL VAT)
What This Programme is Built Around:
-
From Audit to Appeal Stage
The course is built around dispute process flows – from the audit selection period, through to the dispute resolution framework including objection, appeal and ultimately litigating the dispute in the Tax Court. -
Practical, Case-Based Learning Approach
Participants gain hands-on exposure to procedural and substantive compliance issues related to the dispute resolution framework, enabling them to confidently challenge additional assessments and procedures up to the Tax Court. -
Who is this Program Designed for?
This certificate is ideal for professionals and business owners responsible for the tax compliance, reporting process ownership and for those seeking to strengthen their competence in handling disputes with SARS.
Course Episode Roll-out
Orientation and Introduction
Episode 1
Speaker: Michelle Hawkins
Introduction to Tax Dispute Resolution
Episode 2
Speaker: Michelle Hawkins
SARS Assessments and Decisions in Dispute Resolution
Episode 3
Speaker: Michelle Hawkins
Objection and Disallowance
Episode 3.1
Speaker: André Daniels and Richan Schwellnus
Objection and Disallowance – Let’s Get Practical
Episode 4
Speaker: Michelle Hawkins
Appeal
Episode 4.1
Speaker:
André Daniels and Richan Schwellnus
Appeal – Let’s Get Practical
Episode 5
Speaker:
Michelle Hawkins
Tax Board / Court
Episode 6
Speaker:
Michelle Hawkins
Application Procedures and Appeal
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Meet Your Expert Panel of Presenters:
Michelle Hawkins
Senior Tax Specialist
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With over a decade of dedicated service at the South African Revenue Service (SARS), as a Senior Specialist in Tax Court Litigation, Michelle’s expertise’s in tax law, honed through a Master of Laws degree and practical application, has been the backbone of her career.
Michelle joined PKF Johannesburg in March 2025, and has leveraged her analytical skills to navigate complex tax litigation, drafting technical tax opinions and advise clients on the intricacies of tax.
Qualifications:
Master of Laws – LLM, Tax Law/Taxation – University of Pretoria
Bachelor of Laws – LLB Law – University of South Africa
B.Proc, Law – University of South Africa
André Daniels
Head of Tax Controversy & Dispute Resolution
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André Daniels is the Head of Tax Controversy and Dispute Resolution. He holds an LLB degree from the University of Johannesburg and brings over six years of practical experience in South African law. As an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa, André has extensive expertise in litigation and consulting. He specializes in navigating the complexities of tax dispute resolution, with a strong focus on legal strategy. His responsibilities include managing tax disputes, overseeing voluntary disclosures, and leading his team in all matters related to SARS engagements.
Richan Schwellnus
Team Lead: Tax Controversy & International Tax
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Richan Schwellnus is well-versed in advising both individual and corporate clients on cross-border transactions, relocations and acquisitions. Having completed BCom Law, BCom Honours and LLB degrees, Richan is currently reading towards his LLM Tax Law degree from the University of Pretoria. Richan is also an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa, and a General Tax Practitioner registered with the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT). Richan specialises in individual tax planning, corporate restructuring, and tax dispute resolution with SARS, assisting clients to achieve optimal tax compliance.