Introduction

You've been unfairly dismissed or mistreated at work. You want to take your employer to the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration). But first, you need to fill out the CCMA referral form—LRA Form 7.11. "What do I write? How detailed should I be? Will my form be rejected if I don't fill it out perfectly?" This guide walks you through every section of the form, explains what information to include, shows you common mistakes to avoid, and gives real examples so you get it right.

What Is LRA Form 7.11?

LRA Form 7.11 is the official CCMA referral form used to lodge a dispute (claim) with the CCMA.

LRA = Labour Relations Act, 1995 (the main employment law in South Africa)

Form 7.11 = The specific referral form number under the Act

When Do You Need Form 7.11?

  • Dismissal dispute: You were fired and believe it was unfair
  • Constructive dismissal: You resigned because working conditions were intolerable
  • Suspension dispute: You were suspended and believe it was unfair
  • Disciplinary dispute: You received disciplinary action and believe it was unfair
  • Other workplace disputes: Wage disputes, discrimination, harassment, unfair labor practice

Note: Form 7.11 is for disputes under R200,000. For claims over R200,000, you go directly to the Labour Court (not CCMA).

Key Requirement: The 30-Day Deadline (CRITICAL!)

ABSOLUTE DEADLINE: You must file Form 7.11 within 30 calendar days of the incident.

What this means:

  • Dismissal: 30 days from the date you were dismissed
  • Constructive dismissal: 30 days from when you resigned
  • Suspension: 30 days from the date of suspension
  • Any incident: 30 days from the incident date

If you miss the 30-day deadline: Your claim is automatically rejected. No exceptions. This deadline is strictly enforced.

Example: You're dismissed on June 1. Your 30-day deadline is July 1. If you file on July 2, your claim is REJECTED.

How to Obtain Form 7.11

Where to Get the Form

  • CCMA website: www.ccma.org.za (download PDF)
  • CCMA office: Visit your provincial CCMA office in person
  • Email: Contact CCMA for form (they email it to you)
  • Attorney: Your attorney can provide the form

Form Format

  • Physical form: You can print the PDF and fill it out by hand
  • Type it: You can type on the PDF before printing
  • IMPORTANT: Form must be legible. If handwritten, write clearly (print, not cursive)

Section-by-Section Guide to Filling Out Form 7.11

Section 1: Your Details (Claimant Information)

Full Name (Surname First)

Write your full legal name exactly as it appears on your ID document. Example: "JOHNSON, John Henry" (surname first in capitals).

ID Number

Your South African ID number (13 digits) or passport number if foreign national. Must match your ID document.

Date of Birth

Format: DD/MM/YYYY. Example: "15/03/1985"

Postal Address

Your home address where CCMA can send correspondence. Include street number, street name, suburb, city, postal code.

Email Address

Modern CCMA communicates via email. Provide valid email you check regularly.

Telephone Number (Landline & Cell)

At least one phone number where CCMA can reach you. Cell number is essential.

Section 2: Employer Details

Employer Name

Full legal name of your employer (the company you worked for). Example: "ABC Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd" NOT just "ABC" or "My Boss's Company".

Employer Registration Number

Your employer's company registration number (if you know it). Optional but helpful. Example: "1999/012345/07"

Employer Address

Employer's business address (where you worked or where head office is located).

Employer Contact Person

Name of HR manager, manager, or person CCMA should contact about your dispute.

Employer Contact Details

Email and phone number where CCMA can reach employer's contact person.

Section 3: Nature of the Dispute (CRITICAL SECTION)

This is the most important section. Here's where you explain WHAT you're disputing.

Type of Dispute (Check ONE)

Select the category that best fits your dispute:

☐ Unfair Dismissal
☐ Constructive Dismissal
☐ Unfair Suspension
☐ Unfair Disciplinary Action
☐ Other (specify): _______

Date of Incident (CRITICAL)

The date of the incident you're disputing. For dismissal: the date you were dismissed. Format: DD/MM/YYYY

Brief Description of the Dispute

Write 50-100 words explaining WHAT happened. Be specific. Example:

"I was dismissed on 1 June 2026 without a fair disciplinary hearing. My employer claimed I was absent without leave on 28-30 May, but I submitted a medical certificate for those dates. No hearing was held. Dismissal was unfair."

Section 4: The Relief/Remedy You're Seeking (Important)

What do you want the CCMA to do for you?

Tick ALL that apply:

☐ Reinstatement (get your job back)
☐ Re-employment (different job with same employer)
☐ Compensation (money instead of job)
☐ Other (specify): _______

If seeking compensation, amount: R_______

Estimate how much money you're claiming (based on lost wages, distress, etc.). Example: "R50,000" (3 months salary × 12 months average, capped at R200K CCMA jurisdiction limit).

Section 5: Summary of Facts (VERY IMPORTANT)

This is where you tell your story. Be clear, detailed, and chronological. Limit to 1-2 pages.

What to include:

• When you started working for the employer
• What your job was
• Who your manager was
• Events leading to the dispute (timeline)
• The incident itself (date, what happened, who was present)
• What you did after (complained, written to employer, etc.)
• Why you believe you were treated unfairly
• Any relevant documents (attach as evidence)

Step-by-Step: Filling Out Form 7.11 (Dismissal Example)

Real Example: Unfair Dismissal Claim

Your situation: You worked as a sales assistant at XYZ Retail Store for 2 years. On June 1, 2026, you were dismissed without a hearing. You claim the dismissal was unfair.

Section 1: Your Details

Full Name: MTHEMBU, Thembi Grace
ID Number: 8503150234087
Date of Birth: 15/03/1985
Address: 45 Main Street, Soweto, 1811
Email: thembi.mthembu@email.com
Cell: 0723456789

Section 2: Employer Details

Employer: XYZ Retail (Pty) Ltd
Registration: 2015/087654/07
Address: 123 Shopping Mall, Johannesburg, 2000
Contact: Mr. Sipho Dlamini (HR Manager)
Email: sipho.dlamini@xyzretail.co.za
Phone: 011-555-6789

Section 3: Nature of Dispute

Type: ☑ Unfair Dismissal
Date: 01/06/2026
Description: "I was dismissed without a hearing on 1 June 2026. I was told I was 'incompetent' but given no opportunity to respond. I received no disciplinary warning or hearing. Dismissal was procedurally unfair."

Section 4: Relief Sought

☑ Reinstatement
☐ Re-employment
☑ Compensation: R40,000 (3 months lost wages)

Section 5: Summary of Facts

"I commenced employment as Sales Assistant on 1 March 2024. I worked well, received positive performance feedback in March 2025 and September 2025. In May 2026, new manager Mr. Dlamini took over. On 29 May 2026, I was told there were 'customer complaints' but given no details. On 1 June 2026, I was called to office at 3pm and told 'You're fired. You're not good enough.' No hearing. No warning. I asked to speak to HR, but was refused. This dismissal was unfair—no process, no opportunity to respond, no warning. I seek reinstatement and compensation."

Common Mistakes When Filling Form 7.11

Mistake 1: Missing the 30-Day Deadline

Problem: You were dismissed on June 1. You file form on July 5 (35 days). Form automatically rejected.

Solution: File IMMEDIATELY. Don't wait. As soon as incident happens, prepare and file form within 7-10 days (well before deadline).

Mistake 2: Vague Description of Dispute

Problem: You write "My employer treated me unfairly" without explaining HOW. CCMA doesn't know what you're claiming.

Solution: Be SPECIFIC. "I was dismissed without a hearing. My employer did not follow disciplinary procedures as required by the Labour Relations Act."

Mistake 3: Messy/Illegible Handwriting

Problem: Your form is so hard to read that CCMA staff can't decipher it. Form rejected or delayed.

Solution: TYPE the form (on computer) or PRINT CLEARLY in capitals. If you must handwrite, use blue or black pen, print legibly.

Mistake 4: Incomplete Employer Details

Problem: You only write "ABC Company" without address or contact. CCMA can't notify employer.

Solution: Include FULL employer name, address, and at least one contact person + phone number.

Mistake 5: Claiming Damages Not Within CCMA Jurisdiction

Problem: You claim R500,000 in compensation. CCMA can only award up to R200,000. Claim capped or rejected.

Solution: Keep your compensation claim under R200,000. If over R200,000, you must go to Labour Court (not CCMA).

Mistake 6: Not Attaching Supporting Documents

Problem: You describe your dismissal but don't attach the dismissal letter. CCMA has no evidence.

Solution: Attach copies of: dismissal letter, disciplinary letter, medical certificates, performance reviews, emails, witnesses' statements, anything proving your claim.

Mistake 7: Emotional/Angry Language

Problem: You write "My employer is a thief and a liar who treated me like garbage." Sounds unprofessional and weakens your case.

Solution: Stay professional and factual. "Employer failed to follow procedure" not "Employer is evil."

Documents to Attach to Your Form 7.11

Always attach supporting evidence. Make copies (keep originals).

  • Dismissal letter: Official letter from employer dismissing you
  • Disciplinary documents: Any disciplinary letter, notice of charge, hearing outcome
  • Suspension letter: If you were suspended, the suspension letter
  • Work contract: Your employment agreement
  • Performance reviews: Previous positive appraisals (show you were good employee)
  • Medical certificates: If absence was due to illness
  • Emails: Any relevant email correspondence
  • Witness statements: Written statements from colleagues supporting your claim
  • Incident reports: Any documentation of the incident
  • Payment slips: Proof of employment (payslips, ID badge, etc.)

Number your documents: Attach 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. Reference them in your narrative: "See Attachment 1 (Dismissal Letter)."

How to Submit Your Form 7.11

Submission Methods

  • In person: Visit CCMA office, submit form directly (get receipt)
  • Email: Email form + attachments to provincial CCMA office
  • Post (Registered Mail): Send with tracking (proof of delivery)
  • Through attorney: Attorney submits on your behalf

CCMA Contact Details

National Hotline: +27 (0)12 754 4000

Website: www.ccma.org.za

Provincial Offices: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth (check website for addresses).

What Happens After You Submit Form 7.11

Step 1: CCMA Receives Your Form (Day 1)

  • CCMA checks if form is complete and timely (within 30 days)
  • If complete: Form accepted. You receive reference number.
  • If incomplete: CCMA contacts you to fix it (usually 7 days to cure)

Step 2: CCMA Sends Copies to Employer (Days 1-5)

  • CCMA sends your form + attachments to employer
  • Employer has 7 business days to file response

Step 3: Pre-Arbitration Conciliation Meeting (Weeks 2-4)

  • CCMA schedules conciliation meeting (you, employer, conciliator)
  • Goal: Try to settle dispute without arbitration
  • If settlement reached: Case closed, agreement signed
  • If no settlement: Case proceeds to arbitration

Step 4: Arbitration Hearing (Weeks 4-12)

  • CCMA schedules arbitration hearing (you, employer, arbitrator)
  • You present your case with witnesses/evidence
  • Employer presents their defense
  • Arbitrator makes decision (award/ruling)

Step 5: Award/Decision (Weeks 12-16)

  • Arbitrator issues written award (decision)
  • You win or lose your claim
  • If you win: Employer must comply or you can enforce award

Real-World Example: Complete Form 7.11 Submission

Constructive Dismissal Case

Scenario

You worked as a teacher for 5 years. New principal took over. She demoted you, cut your pay 30%, and assigned you duties below your grade. You resigned on 15 May 2026, claiming constructive dismissal (resignation forced by intolerable conditions). You file Form 7.11 on 20 May 2026 (5 days after resignation, well within 30-day deadline).

Form 7.11 Sections

Section 1: Your name, ID, address, email, cell
Section 2: School name "ABC Primary School", principal Ms. Zoe Smith contact details
Section 3: ☑ Constructive Dismissal. Date: 15/05/2026. Description: "Forced resignation due to demotion, pay cut 30%, and intolerable working conditions. No prior notice or hearing. Conditions became unbearable after new principal arrived."
Section 4: ☐ Reinstatement ☑ Re-employment ☑ Compensation R120,000
Section 5: Narrative describing 5 years service, excellent performance reviews, principal's arrival (1 April 2026), demotion notice (10 April), pay cut letter (15 April), increased workload, humiliation in front of staff, forced resignation (15 May).

Attachments

1. Resignation letter (15 May 2026)
2. Demotion notice (10 April 2026)
3. Pay cut letter (15 April 2026)
4. Employment contract
5. Performance reviews (2021-2025)
6. Payslips showing salary reduction
7. Witness statement from colleague

Submission

Email form + 7 attachments to Johannesburg CCMA office on 20 May 2026. CCMA receives it same day, sends confirmation. Employer receives form by 21 May. Employer has until 28 May to respond. Conciliation meeting scheduled for 5 June.

Outcome

At conciliation, principal offers reinstatement as teacher (different school) + R50,000 compensation. You accept. Case settles. You return to work.

Bottom Line

Form 7.11 is your ticket to the CCMA. Fill it out correctly, and you have a shot at justice. Fill it out wrong—or miss the deadline—and your case is rejected.

Key points:

  1. 30-DAY DEADLINE IS ABSOLUTE. File within 30 days or claim is rejected. No exceptions.
  2. Be specific and detailed. Vague descriptions get rejected or overlooked.
  3. Attach supporting documents. Evidence wins cases, not just words.
  4. Stay professional. Emotional language weakens your case.
  5. Include all required information. Incomplete forms get rejected or delayed.
  6. Keep copies of everything. You need originals for the hearing.

If you're unsure, hire an attorney. Cost (R1,500-R5,000) is worth it to ensure your form is filed correctly and on time.

Don't delay. File Form 7.11 immediately if you have a workplace dispute. Your 30-day deadline is ticking.