“Before You Discipline” management training
A practical training programme equipping managers and supervisors to handle disciplinary and employee-relations matters correctly, before formal action is taken.
Signature programme
Western Cape, South Africa
Specialist Industrial Relations support for Western Cape businesses.
Over 43 years of practical experience helping employers handle employee relations correctly, reduce risk, and stay legally compliant.
Or skip ahead and download the free “Before You Discipline” checklist — a practical tool to help managers avoid costly mistakes.
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Free download
Get the “Before You Discipline” checklist
A simple, practical tool that helps managers avoid costly mistakes before disciplinary action begins. Enter your details and the PDF opens instantly.
What you'll get inside:
- The 7-step pre-discipline review every manager should complete
- Common procedural errors that land employers at the CCMA
- Quick checks for fairness, consistency and documentation
- Red flags that mean you should pause and seek advice
Prefer the full programme?
Carel also runs the “Before You Discipline” management training for teams — on-site, practical and tailored to your workplace.
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About
A specialist Industrial Relations consultancy
Cape IR Consulting provides practical Industrial Relations and HR support to businesses across the Western Cape. Having worked closely with management teams for over four decades, I understand the challenges businesses face when dealing with employee-related matters.
My approach is practical, professional and business-focused. The objective is not simply to deal with problems after they arise, but to assist management in handling employee relations correctly from the outset, and reducing unnecessary risk and disputes.
Managers should have the knowledge and confidence to deal with disciplinary and employee-relations matters fairly, consistently, and in accordance with South African labour legislation.
Testimonials
What clients say
Carel van der Merwe worked at Servest for 18 years in which he did all of the disciplinary procedures for several years. It consisted from counseling to CCMA representation.
The Woodbridge Island Body Corporate with its diverse staff compliment has been using the services of Carel v/d Merwe of Cape IR Consulting for more than 4 years now. The service is professional, effective and meets all our needs in the diverse cultural mix of our staff in terms of common advice to intense HR labour matters.
Why Cape IR Consulting
Experience that protects your business
Practical, business-focused solutions
Advice that works in the real workplace: clear, actionable and mindful of operational realities and cost.
More than 43 years of experience
Deep, hands-on experience across industries in Industrial Relations, HR, labour law and operations management.
Fair and legally compliant outcomes
Processes that protect the business while remaining fair, consistent and compliant with South African labour legislation.
Flexible engagement
Ongoing IR support on retainer, or assistance on an as-and-when-required basis. You only use what you need.
Services
Support across the full Industrial Relations cycle
From day-to-day advice to representation at the CCMA, engaged on retainer or as and when required.
Chairing disciplinary hearings
Independent, impartial chairing of disciplinary enquiries to ensure procedurally and substantively fair outcomes.
Workplace investigations
Thorough, confidential investigation of misconduct, grievances and incidents, with clear written findings.
Drafting disciplinary charges and notices
Correctly formulated charges, notices and documentation that stand up to scrutiny at the CCMA.
CCMA preparation and representation
Case preparation, documentation, bundles and representation of employers at the CCMA.
Conciliation and arbitration support
Strategy, evidence preparation and hands-on support throughout conciliation and arbitration proceedings.
Grievance procedures
Design and management of grievance processes that resolve issues fairly and early.
Labour relations advice
Practical, day-to-day guidance on employee matters, risk and the correct course of action.
Employment and HR policies
Drafting and reviewing contracts, policies, codes and procedures aligned to current legislation.
Performance management
Fair, defensible performance management frameworks, counselling processes and documentation.
HR and IR compliance and audits
Structured audits identifying compliance gaps and exposure, with a clear plan to address them.
Management training
Tailored training that builds manager confidence in employee relations and labour legislation.
Retrenchment consultation support
Guidance through Section 189 consultation processes, documentation and communication.
Strategic HR support
Ongoing retainer or as-and-when-required senior HR and IR support for your leadership team.
Areas of expertise
Specialist knowledge, applied practically
Four decades of hands-on work across labour legislation, dispute resolution and people management in South African workplaces.
- Industrial Relations
- Labour Relations
- CCMA Procedures
- Disciplinary Hearings
- Labour Law Compliance
- Employee Relations
- HR Management
- Workplace Conflict Resolution
- Mediation Support
- Management Training
- HR Policies & Procedures
- Employment Legislation
- Organisational Leadership
Business profile
Carel J. van der Merwe
Director, Cape IR Consulting
- Experience
- 43+ years
- Based in
- Blouberg Sands, Cape Town, South Africa
Director of Cape IR Consulting, bringing more than 43 years of practical experience in Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Labour Law and Operations Management. Throughout my career I have successfully advised organisations across various industries on labour legislation, disciplinary procedures, employee relations and dispute resolution. I have represented employers in numerous CCMA conciliations and arbitrations, chaired workplace investigations, and trained managers in effective employee relations. My reputation is built on professionalism, fairness, and delivering practical solutions that protect businesses.
Qualifications
Book a free introductory meeting
There is no obligation. My aim is simply to establish whether my experience and services could add value to your business.
Not ready to meet? Download the free “Before You Discipline” checklist first.