Advance your HR career with the Advanced Occupational Certificate: HRM Officer (NQF 6). This qualification equips HR professionals to move from admin and transactional tasks into true strategic partnership. Blend knowledge, practical skills, and workplace application to manage talent, design organisations, support employment relations, and align people strategy with business goals in a fast-changing, digitally enabled workplace.

The Labour Appeal Court overturned a ruling that an ethical hacker at Sanlam was constructively dismissed, finding he resigned voluntarily and had not proven intolerable working conditions. Mental-health arguments raised only at review were rejected, with the Court confirming that incapacity and constructive dismissal must not be conflated. The CCMA’s original finding was restored, offering clarity on mental-health claims in dismissal disputes.

The Labour Appeal Court in CCI Call Centres (Pty) Ltd v Pinn [2025] ZALAC 24 upheld an employee’s dismissal for gross insubordination and insolence after he refused to process payroll codes and insulted the CFO. The Court ruled reinstatement inappropriate due to the breakdown of trust, criticising the Labour Court for re-hearing the case instead of applying the reasonableness test. The Arbit­rator’s one-month compensation award was reinstated.

The Labour Court in Ndzeru v Transnet National Ports Authority [2023] ZALCCT 11 upheld the dismissal of an employee jailed for attempted hijacking. Absent for over seven weeks, the worker was dismissed for incapacity after bail was twice denied. The Court ruled the process fair, noting union representation and no duty for a post-dismissal hearing in incarceration cases. The judgment affirms operational fairness and employer rights where absence stems from imprisonment.

Swearing at a boss may feel impulsive, but in South African labour law, emotional outbursts seldom excuse misconduct. The Labour Relations Act recognises verbal abuse toward senior leaders as gross misconduct and insubordination. Dismissal can be fair if trust breaks down and procedures are followed. While stress or provocation may mitigate, the law prioritises respect, discipline, and procedural fairness over emotional impulse.

The Constitutional Court has clarified whether dismissal after retirement age is automatically unfair under the Labour Relations Act. In MISA v Great South Autobody CC [2024] ZACC 29, the Court split on whether dismissal months after the agreed retirement age amounts to unfair age discrimination. While some judges argued that delay could waive the employer’s right, the majority held that section 187(2)(b) allows dismissal at any time after the agreed retirement age, provided

Navigate strikes legally and strategically in SA: manage risks, ensure compliance, and protect business continuity with effective strike management.

SA's new laws target qualification fraud—employers must verify credentials or face legal and financial penalties. Are you prepared?

Dismissal upheld: Employee involved in illegal money-lending at work loses review bid despite claiming it was a stokvel under the NCA.

Workplace surveillance in South Africa must balance legal compliance with privacy rights. Know your responsibilities under POPIA, RICA, and more.

A recent court case questions if employees should be fired for obeying unlawful orders. Are power dynamics in the workplace fairly judged?

Off-duty misconduct can lead to dismissal in SA law. Learn how the nexus test, social media, and fairness standards impact employee accountability.

LAC ruling and Draft Dismissal Code clarify that disciplinary hearings rely on practical fairness—not criminal trial standards.

Dismissal upheld after mineworker breached security policy; CCTV footage confirmed misconduct and justified termination.

Labour Court rules church liable for gender discrimination, reinforcing that religious bodies must comply with labour laws.

Labour Court upholds dismissal for gross negligence in stock loss case, reinforcing accountability in inventory management.

New Code sets workplace safety standards to combat GBV and harassment. Learn about prevention strategies and victim-centered support.

Discover how DE BOTS revolutionizes disciplinary enquiries with AI, enhancing efficiency, consistency, and legal accuracy in HR management.

Clear policies and solid evidence are crucial in workplace discipline, as shown by a Labour Court case involving a controversial dismissal.

Cross-examination is a crucial aspect of disciplinary inquiries, serving as a powerful tool to uncover the truth and ensure a fair and j...