Article 3/2022

In Erasmus v Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality and Jack (2021) 32 SALLR 6 (ECG), the high court applied delictual principles within an employment environment.  What are the requirements to es

tablish a delict in this regard?

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  • firstly, a delict consists of the wrongful and culpable conduct causing patrimonial damage (pecuniary damage) – such culpable conduct can be either negligent or intentional.  The actio legis aquiliae principles are applicable

secondly, a delict consists of the wrongful and intentional infringement of an interest of personality – resulting in the recovery of sentimental damages (solatium).  The actio iniuriarum principles are so applicable

What alternative claim(s) exist in delict to a statutory automatically unfair dismissal, a statutory constructive dismissal and a statutory unfair discrimination claim?

The scenario is as follows: in terms of a collective agreement between an employers’ organisation and various trade unions, provision is made for the accreditation of medical schemes by the relevant bargaining council, so that employees may enjoy the benefits of selecting and joining a scheme to which their employers contribute.

The labour court is afforded jurisdiction ito s77(1), read with ss77(3), of the BCEA to hear and determine any matter concerning a contract of employment, irrespective of whether a basic condition of employment constitutes a term of contract.