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IN THE LABOUR COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA
BRAAMFONTEIN CASE NO: J1224/98
2001-08-02
In the matter between
MACSTEEL (PTY) LTD Applicant
and
CCMA & OTHERS Respondent
__________________________________________________________
J U D G M E N T
___________________________________________________________
LANDMAN J: MacSteel (Pty) Ltd (Germiston-South) dismissed a driver, Mr Gideon
Ngabom. Subsequently he referred the dispute to the CCMA where it was
arbitrated. The Commissioner came to the conclusion that the dismissal was
substantively fair but procedurally unfair and as a result he ordered MacSteel to
reinstate the employee.
The Commissioner exceeded his powers for it is not competent for him to
order reinstatement in a case where the sole effect relates to a defect in
procedure.
However, the reasoning which is set out in the award indicates that the
Commissioner did not understand the difference between substantive issues and
procedural issues. The question whether a sanction such as dismissal in this case,
is an appropriate sanction, is a matter relating to substantive fairness.
It was argued on behalf of the employee that the sanction imposed on him
for driving a truck while under the influence of alcohol was inappropriate if
compared to the sanction which was imposed on other employees who were found
to be under the influence of liquor. I may mention that some of those employees,
who were found to be intoxicated at the stage that they entered the company's
premises, were not allowed to work. However, the exact circumstances of the
other examples which were raised by the union is unclear. This is particularly so
as no record of the proceedings before the Commissioner has been filed in this
court.
There is some evidence to suggest that there are material differences
between the circumstances of Mr Ngabom and the other employees referred to by
the Commissioner. However, the Commissioner's award is not justifiable having
regard to the material before him, taking also into account his misconception of
the issues which served before him. It follows therefore that is appropriate that
the award be reviewed and set aside.
I was asked in these circumstances to make the order which the
Commissioner should have made. I regret, however, that in the absence of a
record I am not possessed with sufficient facts to come to such a conclusion.
1. In the circumstances therefore the award of Commissioner Mbileni dated 26 March
1988 is reviewed and set aside.
2. The matter is remitted to the CCMA for arbitration before another Commissioner.
3. The third and fourth respondents are ordered to pay the costs of this application
save the costs incurred on 25 May 2001.
_____________________
Judge A A Landman
Judge of the Labour Court of South Africa
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