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The CCMA — Free Help If You Were Fired Unfairly

The CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) is a government service that helps workers and employers resolve disputes. It is completely free and you do not need a lawyer. If you were fired and you think it was unfair, the CCMA is your first step.

Cost to you
Free
Apply within
30 days
Phone
0861 16 2616
Website
ccma.org.za
schedule

Important: You must apply to the CCMA within 30 days of being dismissed (fired). If you wait longer than 30 days, you can still apply, but you must explain why it was late and the CCMA may not accept it.

What can the CCMA help with?

check_circleUnfair dismissal — you were fired without a fair reason or without a proper disciplinary process
check_circleConstructive dismissal — your employer made your working conditions so bad that you had no choice but to resign
check_circleRetrenchment disputes — you were retrenched but the process was unfair
check_circleUnpaid wages — your employer owes you salary, leave pay, or severance pay
check_circleDiscrimination — you were treated unfairly because of race, gender, age, religion, or disability
check_circleWorkplace disputes — serious arguments between employer and employee that cannot be resolved internally

How to apply to the CCMA — step by step

1
Get the LRA 7.11 form

Download it from ccma.org.za or collect it from any CCMA office. You fill in your name, your employer's name, the date you were dismissed, and why you think it was unfair.

2
Submit the form within 30 days

You can hand it in at any CCMA office, fax it, or email it. If you are past 30 days, fill in a "condonation" form explaining why — submit both together.

3
CCMA will schedule a conciliation meeting

Within 30 days, both you and your employer will be called in to try to reach an agreement. This is informal — no lawyers, no court. A trained mediator helps you talk.

4
Try to reach an agreement

Most cases settle at conciliation. You might receive a settlement payment, be reinstated, or agree on a compromise. Get everything in writing.

5
If no agreement — go to arbitration

If you cannot agree, the CCMA can hold an arbitration hearing — more formal, but still free. A CCMA commissioner listens to both sides and makes a binding decision.

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You can represent yourself at CCMA. You do not need a lawyer. However, for complex cases, consider Legal Aid SA (free legal help on 0800 110 110) or a registered trade union if you belong to one.

What counts as unfair dismissal?

In South Africa, there are two types of fairness — the reason and the process:

block
Substantively unfair

Your employer fired you but did not have a good enough reason. For example, they fired you for being late once, or for complaining about unsafe working conditions, or because you are pregnant.

assignment
Procedurally unfair

Your employer had a reason to discipline you, but did not follow the correct process. You should have received a written warning first, been told the charges against you, had a chance to respond, and had a disciplinary hearing before being fired.

No. It is your legal right to apply to the CCMA. Your employer cannot threaten you, fire you, or penalise you for doing so.

You can submit your form by email or fax. Some CCMA offices also have mobile units. Call 0861 16 2616 and explain your situation — they will help you find a way.

You can receive: your job back (reinstatement), up to 12 months' salary as compensation, or backpay for the period you were unfairly dismissed. The CCMA commissioner decides what is appropriate.

At the conciliation stage, no lawyers are allowed unless both sides agree. At the arbitration stage, lawyers may be allowed depending on the complexity of the case.

Key contacts

CCMA (free): 0861 16 2616
Website: www.ccma.org.za
Legal Aid SA (free legal help): 0800 110 110
Department of Labour: 0800 030 007
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This guide provides general information only. Always verify at official government websites. Mzansi Money Guide is independent.