Probation is a trial period at the start of employment that allows an employer to assess whether a new employee is suitable for the job. It also gives the employee an opportunity to prove their skills and adapt to the workplace. In South Africa, probation is recognised by law but must always be fair and …
An employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee that sets out the terms and conditions of employment. In South Africa, every employee who works more than 24 hours a month must be given written particulars of employment. The contract protects both parties by clearly defining rights, duties, and obligations. …
Harassment at work refers to unwanted conduct that demeans, humiliates, or creates a hostile working environment for an employee. It may be verbal, physical, psychological, or sexual in nature. In South Africa, harassment is recognised as a serious violation of employee rights and is prohibited by law. On this page, you will learn what harassment …
Workplace discrimination happens when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly based on personal characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected grounds. In South Africa, workplace discrimination is unlawful and strongly regulated to promote equality and fairness in the workplace. On this page, you will learn what workplace discrimination means …
A disciplinary hearing is a formal process where an employer investigates allegations of misconduct against an employee before deciding on disciplinary action. In South African law, it ensures that employees are treated fairly and given a chance to respond to accusations before dismissal or other sanctions are imposed. On this page, you will learn what …
A grievance procedure is the formal process that allows employees to raise concerns, complaints, or dissatisfaction about workplace issues in a structured and fair manner. It is designed to resolve disputes internally before they escalate into bigger conflicts or external cases at the CCMA or Labour Court. On this page, you will learn what a …
Severance pay is money paid by an employer to an employee who has lost their job due to retrenchment or operational requirements. It is not a reward for service, but compensation to help employees adjust financially after being laid off. On this page, you will learn what severance pay means in South Africa, the laws …
Constructive dismissal happens when an employee resigns because the employer has made working conditions so intolerable that the employee feels they have no choice but to leave. In South African law, this type of resignation is treated as a dismissal and may be challenged as unfair. On this page, you will learn what constructive dismissal …
Unfair dismissal happens when an employer ends an employee’s contract without a valid reason or without following fair procedures. South African law provides strong protection against unfair dismissal, ensuring that workers are not dismissed arbitrarily or without due process. On this page, you will learn what unfair dismissal means in South Africa, the laws that …
Retrenchment is the process where an employer terminates employees’ contracts because of operational requirements, such as financial difficulties, restructuring, or technological changes. Unlike dismissal for misconduct, retrenchment is not about employee fault, but about the employer’s business needs. On this page, you will learn what retrenchment means in South Africa, the laws that regulate it, …