Document background
The Offer of Appointment is a crucial document in South African employment law that formally initiates the employment relationship between an employer and a prospective employee. It serves as both an offer letter and a preliminary employment contract, requiring careful drafting to ensure compliance with South African labor legislation, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Relations Act, and Employment Equity Act. This document should be used when extending formal employment offers to selected candidates following successful recruitment processes. It must include mandatory employment information as prescribed by law, such as working hours, remuneration, leave entitlements, and notice periods. The document becomes legally binding upon acceptance by the prospective employee and forms the basis of the employment relationship.
