SRL

Finalisation

Wrap up – enforce your order, handle costs, and close the file

Labour Court
Completion Status
Where your matter stands after judgment
Review outcome Upheld / Dismissed
Order type Remittal / Substitution
Costs awarded Yes / No
Appeal period Running / Expired
Compliance Done / Pending
File closure Ready / Not yet
Overall completion
Enforcement & Compliance
What you must do now (or what you can demand from the other side)

If you won (review upheld)

  • Substituted order: The court's own order (e.g., reinstatement, compensation) is binding. If the other party does not comply, you may apply to the Labour Court to enforce it (contempt of court proceedings).
  • Remittal: The matter goes back to the CCMA for a fresh hearing. Keep in touch with the CCMA for new dates. You may need to file fresh statements or documents.
  • Costs: Serve the costs order on the other side and demand payment. If they don't pay, you may have to issue a warrant of execution.

If you lost (review dismissed)

  • Comply with the award: You must now do what the CCMA award ordered (e.g., pay compensation, reinstate the employee).
  • Pay costs (if ordered): If costs were awarded against you, arrange payment promptly to avoid further legal fees.
  • Appeal still open: You have 21 court days from the judgment date to apply for leave to appeal. If you intend to appeal, do not delay.

📖 Enforcing Labour Court Orders

The Labour Court can enforce its own orders. If a party fails to comply, you can bring a contempt application. The order is enforceable like any High Court order (LRA s 163).

Costs & Appeal Status
Track money owed and appeal deadlines
Costs orderYes / No
Amount (if known)R ...
Appeal periodExpires [date]
Leave to appeal filedNo / Yes

If the appeal period has expired without an application, the judgment is final and enforceable.

Archive & Close File
Checklist to finalise your matter
  • Judgment received and read carefully
  • Compliance steps started (or enforcement launched)
  • Costs paid / collected (or payment plan arranged)
  • Appeal deadline noted (21 court days)
  • If appealing – leave to appeal drafted / filed
  • All documents saved & backed up
  • Case closed – no further steps needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Post‑judgment and enforcement queries
How do I enforce a Labour Court order?

You can apply to the same Labour Court for contempt of court if the other party does not comply. The court can impose fines or imprisonment for non‑compliance.

What if the other side doesn't pay costs?

You can use the costs order to issue a warrant of execution against their property. It's best to first send a letter of demand.

Can I still appeal after the 21‑day deadline?

You can apply for condonation of the late filing, but you need to show good cause for the delay. It's not guaranteed.

What happens if the matter is remitted to the CCMA?

The CCMA will set a new hearing date. The process starts again, but the arbitration is limited to the issues the Labour Court identified.

When can I consider my file closed?

When the judgment is final (no appeal possible), all compliance steps are done, costs are resolved, and no further action is needed.