About Kessai

What & Who is Kessai?

Kessai means settlement in Japanese, describing the core business of Kessai namely commercial mediation, conciliation and dispute resolution services.

Kessai is a young vibrant start up business inspiring to become an international player and provide supplementary services such as investigations etc.

We will establish in due course and grow a panel of qualified and accredited mediators.

What do our letters stand for?

K is for kindness, you always show
E is for enthusiasm, in even the most dire circumstances
S is for serious, not always joking
S is for scholar, the brilliant in you
A is for aware, of your surroundings
I is for ideals, no higher!

Nelius Snyman - CEO


Nelius Snyman, the owner of Kessai, a commercially astute CEO and senior director specialising in the management and successful transformation of multi-million/billion Rand programmes and companies in competitive technology sectors. Tenacious and strongly driven with expertise in implementing new processes, procedures and systems to streamline and optimise business operations. Combines a successful background in sales, account management, international contract negotiation, dispute resolution and mediation with an instinct for identifying and maximising opportunities for profitable growth. Renowned for an assertive and supportive leadership style and the ability to develop mutually beneficial relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

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  • As Senior Vice-President at a large Canadian Nuclear Engineering Corporation I came into contact with Mr. Nelius Snyman. Nelius was the lead negotiator for the South African entity and I was tasked to direct our negotiation for the Canadian firm. Nelius and I found ourselves facing each other on a very difficult and drawn out negotiation that took weeks due to the technical complexities of the engineering, of which the basic engineering had not been completed at the time, and the hurdles of the Canadian and South African cultures.
    Nelius showed a high level of adaptation, a quick understanding of the challenges facing the EPCM project company in a foreign land and the goal of the company he represented. His intimate understanding of his project requirements and objectives, his solid ethics and respect towards us meant that although sometimes very tense the negotiations were concluded as best to everyone’s interests as possible. Senior Vice-President and GM

  • Nelius successfully negotiated heavy equipment supply and services agreements globally, including a complex Engineering Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) agreement with an international Engineering consortium. He always ensured that he fully understood the detailed background and objectives of the commercial agreement to be negotiated, including the culture of the people of countries where negotiations had to be performed. He acted in a professional and ethical manner demonstrating a high level of emotional intelligence. He always successfully concluded negotiations of commercial agreements, striving for a win-win situation for all parties concerned. I would highly recommend Nelius for any commercial agreement negotiations or any type of mediation. CEO 2005 - 2010

  • I was the project manager for two major international projects where Nelius was the lead negotiator for the Engineering Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) contract in both instances. The work of these contracts addressed where very technical and complex and required insight and a sharp intellect to grasp and translate into acceptable contractual concepts and solutions for both parties. Nelius transcended the cultural differences with sensitivity and intuition, thereby earning the respect and trust of both parties. I would highly recommend Nelius as a negotiator, facilitator or mediator. Senior Project Manager: 2002-2010

  • Well done once again Nelius!! You did so well Nov 2020

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