Should I keep favourable performance records?

Yes, where relevant. Preserve the complete context rather than only adverse documents.

What if the reason changed?

Keep each written reason or explanation with its date.

Should final pay records be included?

Yes. Keep payslips, leave payout and bank payment records.

What if a claim deadline is short?

Record it immediately and obtain jurisdiction-specific information promptly.

Termination Evidence Checklist

Organise records after employment termination

Preserve the contract, relevant policies, reviews, warnings, messages, meeting notes, termination notice, final pay and the chronology leading to the decision. Keep important filing dates visible.

General information only — not legal advice · Reviewed 3 October 2026

Selected locationSouth Africa

Change

Employment foundation

Contract or offer
Role description
Relevant policies
Length-of-service records
Pay and leave records

Performance and warning history

Keep reviews, warnings, improvement plans, commendations and related responses in sequence.

Termination documents

Preserve the exact notice, stated reason, effective date, meeting notes and final-pay records.

Post-termination events

Record requests for documents, references, final payments, appeals, complaints and filing deadlines.

Official starting sources

South Africa

Use these as authoritative starting points. The selected state, province, region, court, regulator or issuing authority may require an additional official source before relying on a deadline, filing route, monetary limit or remedy.

South African GovernmentGovernment of South Africa Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and ArbitrationCCMA Department of Justice and Constitutional DevelopmentGovernment of South Africa

Important limitation

GetInstantProof does not decide whether termination was lawful, unfair, discriminatory or otherwise actionable.

Related evidence guides

Keep building the record

Employment dispute evidence Employment event timeline Unpaid wages evidence checklist

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GetInstantProofBuild the full employment event timeline.GetInstantResolvePrepare a written response after termination.GetInstantLawCheck legal information for your country and state or region.

Common questions