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Article 32/2021

Labour Edge

To what extent is a commissioner permitted to rely on the employer’s decision in determining whether or not a dismissal is fair?

The labour court recently, in De Kock v CCMA and Others (2019) 30 SALLR 177 (LC), relied on the following approach adopted in Wasteman Group v SA Municipal Workers Union and Others (2012) 33 ILJ 2054 (LAC), at 2057G–I, to emphasise the requirement of an independent decision by such commissioner:

‘…The commissioner is required to come to an independent decision as to whether the employer’s decision was fair in the circumstances, these circumstances being established by the factual matrix confronting the commissioner…’

September 7, 2026

The previous article dealt with the distinction between misconduct constituting desertion and misconduct constituting abscondment – see, further, in this regard, Okhahlamba Local Municipality v Mabuya (2021) 32 SALLR 12 (LC).

In this article, what we attempt to do is provide some clarity as to a very different misconduct, namely, the misconduct of deeming desertion.

August 31, 2026

What is the difference between desertion and abscondment?

August 17, 2026

We think that everyone understands that an employer is vicariously liable for the wrong committed (an act or omission) by its employee during the course/scope/sphere of employment/engagement in any activity reasonably incidental to it.

But, what is the extent of an employer’s vicarious liability where the employee commits a wrong on his or her own volition?