Can an employee be dismissed for insulting colleagues? This article examines the Labour Appeal Court's decision in Arunachellam v Woolworths, where a 28-year employee was reinstated because dismissal was found to be a disproportionate sanction. Learn what the judgment means for progressive discipline, long service, disciplinary codes, and unfair dismissal cases in South Africa.

Can employees be dismissed for WhatsApp messages sent to colleagues? The Labour Court's decision in Weir Minerals Africa v NUMSA confirms that workplace communications which intimidate employees or discourage reporting misconduct can justify dismissal. Learn how the Court assessed the meaning of “impimpi”, the role of remorse, reinstatement, and the fairness of dismissal under South African labour law.