Resignation Letter Template (Word)
Hand in when formally resigning from a job. Keep it short, dated, and honour your Basic Conditions of Employment Act notice period.
How to edit this template
- 1Replace everything in square brackets with your own details, then delete the brackets.
- 2Check your employment contract for your required notice period before setting your last working day.
- 3Keep the tone professional and brief — you don't need to explain your reasons for leaving in detail.
- 4Hand-deliver or email this letter to your direct manager and HR, and keep a signed copy for your own records.
- 5A filled-in example is included below — use it as a guide for tone and length, not for copying word-for-word.
Before you submit it
- Confirm the recipient's latest format, document and submission requirements on its official website.
- Replace every example name, date, address and reference number with your own accurate information.
- Remove personal information that the recipient has not asked for, especially when sending the document by email.
- Check whether the final document must be signed, witnessed, commissioned or certified before submission.
Filled-in example
[Your Full Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] [Date] [Manager's Name] [Job Title] [Company Name] Dear [Manager's Name], RE: RESIGNATION FROM THE POSITION OF [Your Job Title] Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the position of [Your Job Title] at [Company Name], effective from [Last Working Day]. In accordance with my contract of employment, I am providing [notice period, e.g. 30 days] notice. My last day of work will therefore be [Last Working Day]. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had during my time at [Company Name], and I am committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my responsibilities before I leave. Please let me know how I can assist with this process, including [optional: training a replacement, documenting processes, etc.]. Thank you for your understanding. I wish [Company Name] continued success. Yours sincerely, [Your Full Name] Filled-In Example Bongani Mahlangu 45 Oak Avenue, Benoni, 1501 082 111 2233 | bongani.mahlangu@gmail.com 14 August 2026 Karen Reddy Operations Manager Fresh Logistics (Pty) Ltd Dear Karen, RE: RESIGNATION FROM THE POSITION OF WAREHOUSE SUPERVISOR Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the position of Warehouse Supervisor at Fresh Logistics (Pty) Ltd, effective from 15 September 2026. In accordance with my contract of employment, I am providing 30 days' notice. My last day of work will therefore be 15 September 2026. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had during my time at Fresh Logistics, and I am committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my responsibilities before I leave. Please let me know how I can assist with this process, including training my replacement and documenting current stock procedures. Thank you for your understanding. I wish Fresh Logistics continued success. Yours sincerely, Bongani Mahlangu
Guides that explain this process
Plain-English guide to employee rights in South Africa: working hours, leave, dismissal, unfair labour practice, and how to refer a dispute to the CCMA.
Free government job-seeker support in South Africa: how to use SAYouth.mobi (zero data), register on ESSA with the Department of Employment and Labour, and get NYDA support — plus job scam warnings.
Plain-English explainer on how jobs are created in South Africa: private sector growth, the EPWP, the Presidential Employment Stimulus, and why unemployment stays above 33%.