{"id":475,"date":"2020-04-17T15:44:31","date_gmt":"2020-04-17T15:44:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bizcraft.co.za\/blog\/?p=475"},"modified":"2026-04-01T11:40:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T11:40:31","slug":"what-is-the-ccma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bizcraft.co.za\/blog\/what-is-the-ccma\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the CCMA? [And other questions answered]"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The CCMA is a well-known acronym in the South African workplace. Chances are that you have even had some dealings with them in the past on one side or the other. In this article, we take a closer look at the CCMA and try to answer some of the more common questions asked about this commission.<\/p>\n

There are links to all the necessary forms required to lodge a complaint and a PDF copy of the CCMA rules for anyone to download if needed. But most importantly we are going to answer questions such as: What is the CCMA? What does the CCMA stand for? How to refer a case to the CCMA. Along with many others.<\/p>\n

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration<\/h2>\n

History of the CCMA<\/h3>\n

The 1970s had its fair share of labour issues. Most notably were the Durban strikes in 1973 and the Soweto Uprisings in 1976. The government at the time realised something needed to be done and set up the Wiehahn Commission. This commission was tasked with looking at the current industrial relations system and making recommendations for the future.<\/p>\n

The industrial court came into existence on 1 October 1979 following the Wiehahn Commission\u2019s recommendations. The aim of the industrial court was to fairly settle disputes between management and organised labour.<\/p>\n

In 1995 the Relations Act 66 (LRA) was passed and with it came the CCMA which replaced the industrial court.<\/p>\n

What is the purpose of the CCMA?<\/h3>\n

Just like the industrial court, the CCMA was tasked with settling disputes between management and labour along with promoting fair practices in the work environment. The CCMA\u2019s main goal is to protect the rights of all parties involved in a labour dispute.<\/p>\n

Although not all employers feel that this is always the case.<\/p>\n

What does the CCMA stand for?<\/h3>\n

CCMA stands for the commission for conciliation, mediation and arbitration. This refers to the process of dispute resolution with in the commission.<\/p>\n

What is the CCMA?<\/h3>\n

The CCMA is an independent body that tries to promote fair labour practices and assist with dispute resolution through Mediation and Arbitration. By being an independent body the CCMA is not linked to any political party, business, or trade union.<\/p>\n

When a dispute is referred to the CCMA, parties to the dispute should first try to find a common solution that both sides are happy with. This process of \u201cConciliation\u201d is assisted by a trained mediator who helps parties find this common ground.<\/p>\n

Only if the parties to a dispute are unable to find a common solution is the matter referred to arbitration where a decision will be made by a commissioner that both parties will have to abide by.<\/p>\n

This is the recommended process, however, there are cases that may be referred directly for arbitration on application.<\/p>\n

Who may lodge a complaint?<\/h3>\n

Any employee or employer involved in a labour dispute may request assistance from the CCMA. As mentioned earlier, ideally you should first request mediation in order to find a common solution. Common disputes referred to the CCMA include:<\/p>\n