How to open a CCMA case in South Africa (referral form, steps and time limits)
7 min read · Last updated 8 October 2026 · General information, not legal advice
Quick answer
You refer a dispute to the CCMA by completing the LRA 7.11 referral form, serving it on your employer, and lodging it with the CCMA — online, by email, by fax or in person. Unfair dismissal disputes must be referred within 30 days of the dismissal; unfair labour practice disputes within 90 days. Conciliation is free and usually happens within 30 days of referral.
Step 1: Check the CCMA is the right forum
The CCMA handles unfair dismissals, unfair labour practices, severance pay disputes and most BCEA claims. Discrimination disputes may go to the Labour Court instead, and unpaid salary under the threshold can also be claimed through the Department of Employment and Labour.
Step 2: Complete the LRA 7.11 form
The referral form asks for your details, your employer's details, the nature of the dispute, the date it arose and the outcome you want (for example reinstatement or compensation). Fill it in carefully — the date of dismissal drives the time limit.
Step 3: Serve it on your employer
You must deliver a copy of the completed form to your employer — by hand, registered post, fax or email — and keep proof. The CCMA will ask for proof of service.
Step 4: Lodge it with the CCMA
Submit the form with proof of service through the CCMA's online portal, at a provincial office, or by email or fax. You will receive a case number and a date for conciliation.
Step 5: Conciliation
A commissioner meets both sides, usually within 30 days, to try to settle. Many matters settle here. If it fails, the commissioner issues a certificate of non-resolution.
Step 6: Arbitration or Labour Court
After the certificate, you can request arbitration within 90 days for most dismissals. Automatically unfair dismissals (for example dismissal for pregnancy or union activity) go to the Labour Court.
If you miss the time limit
You can apply for condonation, explaining why the referral is late. The CCMA grants it only where there is a good explanation and reasonable prospects of success, so act quickly.
Before it gets this far
A paper trail matters: written warnings, a grievance letter and your employment contract are usually the first documents a commissioner asks for.
Free to fill in
Written Warning (Employee)
Fill it in online free, preview it as you go, then download Word + PDF from R199.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to go to the CCMA?
Nothing. CCMA conciliation and arbitration are free, and you don't need a lawyer — you can represent yourself or be represented by a union official or, in some cases, a legal practitioner.
What is the time limit to refer an unfair dismissal?
30 days from the date of dismissal. Unfair labour practice disputes have 90 days. If you're late, you must apply for condonation with a good explanation.
Can my employer's lawyer object to mine at the CCMA?
At conciliation, legal representation is generally not allowed. At arbitration it's limited for misconduct and incapacity dismissals, but the commissioner can allow it.
