Do not wait until the last minute. The moment you receive a dismissal letter, suspension notice, or charge sheet, start collecting documents. The earlier you have everything organised, the stronger your preparation will be.
CCMA referral documents
When referring a dispute to the CCMA, you need the following documents:
- LRA Form 7.11 — completed and signed. This is the official referral form. Available on the CCMA website or at a CCMA office.
- Dismissal letter or written outcome — the document that confirms your dismissal or the outcome you are challenging.
- Employment contract — your original contract or the most recent version. Shows your terms of employment, notice period and job description.
- Payslips — recent payslips showing your salary, benefits and employment history.
- Warnings — any written warnings you received. The employer may rely on these to justify the dismissal.
- Correspondence — emails, text messages, letters or notes of meetings related to the dispute. Include everything that shows what happened.
- Charge sheet — if you received a charge sheet before the disciplinary hearing, include it.
- Witness details — names and contact details of people who can support your version of events.
- Employer details — the full legal name and physical address of your employer. The CCMA needs this to issue the referral.
Additional documents for specific disputes
Unfair dismissal: The dismissal letter, any internal appeal outcome, and evidence showing the dismissal was unfair.
Unfair discrimination: Evidence of the discriminatory conduct, any grievance you lodged, and the employer's response.
Retrenchment: The Section 189 notice, consultation records, and any severance offer.
Unfair labour practice: Evidence of the conduct you are challenging, such as a denial of promotion, unfair discipline or victimisation.
Disciplinary hearing documents
If you are attending a disciplinary hearing (before possible CCMA referral), bring these documents:
- Notice to attend — the letter or notice that tells you the hearing is scheduled. Shows the date, time, charge and chairperson.
- Charge sheet — the document that sets out the charges against you. Read it carefully before the hearing.
- Employment contract — your contract showing your terms and conditions.
- Evidence from the employer — any documents, statements or records the employer plans to rely on. You may have a right to see these before the hearing.
- Your own evidence — documents, messages, emails or records that support your version.
- Witness details — names and contact details of people who can support you. Ask them if they are available to attend.
- Workplace policies — the disciplinary code, code of conduct, or relevant policies that apply to your situation.
- Payslips — recent payslips showing your employment details.
Even if you think a document is unhelpful, do not destroy it. Destroying evidence can harm your credibility. Keep everything and decide later what to use.
How to organise your documents
Label each document. Write your name, the date and a short description on each page.
Create a master list. Write down every document you have, in the order you will refer to it.
Bring originals and copies. The CCMA or hearing chairperson may want to see originals. Keep your own copies.
Prepare a summary. Write a one-page summary of your case, listing your key documents in order. This helps you stay focused during the hearing.
Preparation support includes helping you gather, organise and present your documents in the clearest way for your CCMA referral or disciplinary hearing.