CCMA Help
CCMA referral deadlines, hearing preparation and typical timelines
A plain-language overview for employees and employers in South Africa dealing with a dispute at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
1. Referral deadlines
- Unfair dismissal: generally within 30 days of the dismissal date, or of the employer's final decision to dismiss.
- Unfair labour practice (e.g. promotion, demotion, suspension, benefits): generally within 90 days of the act or omission, or of when you became aware of it.
- Unfair discrimination: generally within six months of the act or omission.
- Missed the deadline? You can apply for condonation, explaining how late you are, why, and your prospects. Condonation is not automatic.
Referrals are made on LRA Form 7.11, and a copy must be served on the other party, with proof of service.
2. Preparing for your hearing
Conciliation is an informal meeting where a commissioner helps both sides try to settle. Arbitration follows if conciliation fails and works more like a hearing with evidence and witnesses.
- Write a short timeline of what happened, with dates.
- Gather documents: contract, payslips, warnings, disciplinary notices and minutes, emails and messages.
- Paginate and copy a document bundle for yourself, the other party and the commissioner.
- Identify witnesses early and confirm they can attend.
- Decide what outcome you want (reinstatement, compensation, a settlement figure) before conciliation.
- Arrive early with ID and your case number; request an interpreter in advance if needed.
3. Typical timelines
- Referral — within the deadlines above.
- Conciliation — intended within 30 days of referral.
- Certificate of outcome — issued if the dispute is not settled.
- Request for arbitration — generally within 90 days of the certificate.
- Arbitration hearing — often weeks to a few months later, depending on the office.
- Award — due within 14 days of the arbitration hearing.
Postponements, condonation applications and complex disputes can extend these timelines.
Common questions
How long do I have to refer a dispute to the CCMA?
Generally 30 days from the date of dismissal (or the date the employer made a final decision to dismiss) for unfair dismissal disputes, and 90 days from the act or omission for unfair labour practice disputes. Unfair discrimination disputes are generally six months. Late referrals need a condonation application explaining the delay.
How long does a CCMA case take?
Conciliation is meant to happen within 30 days of referral. If it fails, arbitration is usually scheduled some weeks to a few months later, and the commissioner must issue an award within 14 days of the arbitration hearing. Busy offices, postponements and complex matters can make it longer.
Can I win my CCMA case?
No one can promise an outcome. Results depend on the facts, the evidence and the commissioner's findings. Good preparation improves how clearly your side is presented, but it does not guarantee success.
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