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On 30 July 2020, when the whole world was grappling with the devastation caused by the COVID-19 virus, the CCMA issued a directive suspending User walk-ins across all its offices. “The decision to temporarily suspend User walk-ins, particularly for case referral and advisory, was a difficult pronouncement to make, given that a significant percentage of case referrals come through our front-desks, said CCMA Director, Adv. Cameron Morajane.  However, of importance at the time was the preservation of life, health and safety of our employees and Users, continued Morajane. 

Whilst this temporary suspension of User walk-ins was met with understandable aversion, it provided an opportunity for the CCMA to introduce new streams of digital offerings for case referral, such as the e-Referral platform and the CCMA mobile application (CCMAConnect). Between 30 July 2020 and 26 April 2022, the CCMA received 29 566 referrals through these digital platforms. During the same period, 6 269 cases were heard digitally.  

Despite the suspension of User walk-ins, the CCMA continued to be extremely busy executing its mandate of expeditious dispute resolution and prevention. For the 2021/22 financial year, the CCMA dealt with 116 926 conciliations (includes pre-conciliations, con/arbs and conciliations), conducted 61 179 arbitrations, dealt with 145 public interest matters and 3 797 mutual interest matters. 

Honourable President Ramaphosa lifted the national state of disaster as from 5 April 2022. The time has now come for the CCMA to embrace the “new normal”, after almost two (2) years of not interacting with Users in the ordinary sense. Guided by the risk assessment, on 1 May 2022, the CCMA is officially re – opening all CCMA offices for User walk – ins. This official re – opening is significant in that it coincides with Workers’ Day, which is also known as May Day, a day that commemorates the long road toward fair employment standards and celebrates workers’ rights. All CCMA offices will practically be opened on 03 May 2022. 

This re-opening occurs amidst the national disaster of the devasting floods in KwaZulu – Natal as well as during a time where reports suggest that COVID – 19 infections country - wide threaten an increase. All Users are requested to abide by the strict CCMA COVID – 19 operational risk management protocols, which, amongst others, will include, “No Mask, No entry”, constant sanitation and social distancing. The safety, health and life of all employees and Users remain paramount. The CCMA also continues to encourage employees and Users to vaccinate in order to keep everyone safe. 

Whilst it is expected that this directive will be met with an influx of Users opting for in-person interactions, the CCMA will continue with its current hybrid operating model. 

“I encourage those who can utilise digital platforms for referrals and hearing cases, to continue do so,” added Morajane.

To mark this significant re-opening, the CCMA Director will be conducting a conciliation at the CCMA Durban Office, 1st & 3rd Floors, Aquasky Towers, 275 Anton Lembede Street, Durban, on 3 May 2022. The CCMA Director will also be available for media interviews between 10:00 – 12:00.

Whilst the CCMA has adequately prepared itself for the re -opening, the CCMA appeals for patience and compassion during this time.

Issued by CCMA