Resignation Letter Template – South Africa

A resignation letter is a formal written notice given by an employee to their employer stating their intention to terminate the employment relationship. It records the date on which notice is given, the employee's last working day, and usually a brief expression of gratitude for the opportunity. A professional, well-worded resignation letter protects the employee's relationship with their employer, preserves the right to a positive reference, and provides documentary evidence that proper notice was given.

In South Africa, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 (BCEA) requires an employee to give written notice of resignation. The minimum notice periods under Section 37 of the BCEA are: one week's notice during the first six months of employment; two weeks' notice for employment of six months to one year; and four weeks' notice for employment exceeding one year. Employees in positions that fall under a bargaining council agreement or sectoral determination may be subject to different notice requirements. The employment contract may specify a longer notice period — in which case the longer contractual period applies.

South African employees who resign without giving the required notice may be liable to the employer for damages representing the cost of finding a replacement or managing the disruption caused by the abrupt departure. The BCEA does not permit an employer to deduct the value of short notice from the employee's final pay without the employee's written consent. Where POPIA 4 of 2013 applies to any handover of data or information during the notice period, both parties should ensure that personal information is handled lawfully and securely.