What happens at a CCMA hearing?

How to Prepare for a Hearing at the CCMA

For those who are new to the CCMA, we are happy to give guidance on CCMA procedures for small businesses.

Let’s take a look at what to expect from the CCMA, who and what to take with you, and how to make the relevant decisions at a Conciliation and Arbitration meeting.

1. Conciliation Stage Procedures

Arrival

Arrive at the CCMA at least 15 minutes before time set down (if you are later, the Commissioner will wait 30 minutes, try and telephone in if this happens).

Go to the admission desk and give the receptionist your company name, she will tick it off and ask you to take a seat. The Commissioner will come to collect you and the ex-employee.

Address the Commissioner simply as “Commissioner’

If the ex-employee doesn’t arrive, and is still not there after 30 minutes, the Commissioner will issue of certificate of non-resolution. Make sure to get a copy.

CCMA Preparation – Witnesses and documents

Have your witnesses either with you, or on standby with their cell phones, in reasonably close proximity, and

Have all your documents with you, so that if you don’t settle at conciliation stage, you are ready to start the arbitration stage. (See details on arbitration for documents required.)

CCMA Conciliation Stage – representation

This phase is private, not recorded, and confidential to you and the ex-employee who are present.

No lawyers or consultants are allowed to attend. Make sure that if there is someone there whom you don?t recognise who looks like a lawyer or consultant, that you make the point that they cannot be present. They can wait out in the corridor and when the Commissioner meets with you and the ex-employee separately, they can then be present in that private meeting with the individual parties.

CCMA Conciliation Stage – process

The Commissioner does not make judgements on the merits of the case at this stage but does need to know enough about the matter to assist on guiding you on where the ex-employee wants to settle, and where you might consider settling.

The Commissioner will usually ask the applicant to describe why he made the application, what he thinks was unfair, and what he wants out of it (that is whether he wants to be re-instated or the number of months salary is the usual way of working).

The Commissioner will then ask you why you believe that what you did is procedurally and substantively fair.

CCMA Conciliation Stage – describing your case

Give the Commissioner a very short overview, such as:

  • You are a small business, for example owned by you and your partner
  • It is a small industry and a lot of your business comes from word of mouth, therefore your company name and customer service are of prime importance to you.
  • You have not been to CCMA ever before and appreciate any guidance on procedures and if you don’t provide the correct response to questions.
  • Then the Commissioner will be looking for evidence of what it was that went wrong, what you did about it procedurally, and whether the action you took was in line with what had happened.

Give the Commissioner a description of the procedure you followed:

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  • How the matter started for example: That you received a written report (you don’t have to show it at that stage, just describe the content) or what happened,
  • Describe if relevant whether you have written forms and procedures for a disciplinary procedure, whether you have an employment contract,
  • Explain that you understand that it is not necessary for the procedure to be a “legal’ procedure, but that the person must be given time to prepare, to know what it is about, to have representation (usually internal), and to be heard on what happened and their explanation of events,
  • You can describe the outcome of your investigation- if relevant,
  • Who chaired the proceedings, and how you described everything that had happened,
  • How the employee responded,
  • That you had a list of previous misconduct and inappropriate behaviour, all of which you had addressed and that these are all on file,
  • That you had a previous misconduct, for example: a reason to dismiss, but that you had given the employee an additional chance,
  • That during the course of the incidents you have lost trust,
  • The outcome of the hearing, and
  • That you then dismissed the employee and the details of the termination payment.

 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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