Who does CCMA help?

In South Africa, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) plays a pivotal role in resolving workplace disputes between employers and employees. Its services are crucial for maintaining fair labor practices and ensuring that both workers and employers understand their rights and obligations. So, who exactly does the CCMA help?

1. Employees:

The CCMA is primarily there to assist employees who find themselves facing unfair treatment at work. Here’s a breakdown of how the CCMA can assist employees:

Unfair Dismissal: If an employee believes they have been dismissed unfairly, they can refer the matter to the CCMA for arbitration. The CCMA will assess whether the dismissal was procedurally and substantively fair.
Unfair Treatment: Employees who have been unfairly treated in the workplace, such as being subjected to unfair disciplinary actions or harassment, can also seek help from the CCMA.
Unfair Labor Practices: The CCMA can intervene in cases where employees face unfair labor practices. This includes situations like unfair promotions, demotions, or suspensions.
Discrimination: Employees who experience discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, or any other form of unfair treatment can approach the CCMA for assistance.

2. Employers:

Employers are not left out when it comes to CCMA’s services. Employers can turn to the CCMA to address issues such as:

Unfair Labor Practices by Employees: If an employer believes that an employee has engaged in unfair practices, the CCMA can intervene to mediate or arbitrate the dispute.
Unfair Dismissals by Employees: Employers may need help from the CCMA when a dismissal is challenged by an employee as unfair. The CCMA ensures that the dismissal process adheres to the legal framework set out in the Labour Relations Act.

3. Unions and Organizations:

Trade unions and other employee organizations can also benefit from the services of the CCMA. If a union believes that its members have been treated unfairly in the workplace, they can refer the dispute to the CCMA for conciliation or arbitration.

4. The CCMA’s Services:

The CCMA offers various services to resolve disputes in the workplace, including:

Conciliation: The CCMA can act as a mediator between employers and employees to resolve disputes in an amicable and non-confrontational manner.
Arbitration: For unresolved disputes, the CCMA provides arbitration services where an impartial commissioner makes a binding decision based on the case presented.
Picketing Rules: The CCMA is responsible for establishing rules for picketing during strikes, ensuring that this process is peaceful and complies with the law.
Facilitating Workplace Forums and Statutory Councils: The CCMA can help establish and facilitate various workplace forums that aim to improve communication and dispute resolution.
Administrative Assistance: The CCMA also assists employees earning below the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) threshold in filing disputes and taking legal action.

5. When Does the CCMA Not Have Jurisdiction?

While the CCMA covers a wide range of disputes, it is not involved in all labor-related matters. It does not handle disputes where:

Independent Contractors are Involved: The CCMA only deals with employees as defined by the Labour Relations Act and does not hear disputes involving independent contractors.
Disputes Outside the Scope of Labor Law: The CCMA only hears cases that fall within the Labour Relations Act, Employment Equity Act, or Basic Conditions of Employment Act. If the dispute doesn’t fall under these acts, the CCMA will not have jurisdiction.
Bargaining or Statutory Councils Exists: If there is a bargaining council or statutory council for a particular sector, disputes will be referred to those bodies instead.
Private Agreements for Dispute Resolution: If a private agreement for resolving disputes exists, the CCMA cannot intervene.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.