Maphosa v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and Others (JR568/01) [2003] ZALC 145 (7 February 2003)

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Brief Summary

Labour Law — Review of arbitration award — Application for review of CCMA arbitration award under section 145 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 — Arbitrator's written record deemed illegible and lacking clarity — Court finding that the reasoning of the arbitrator was vague and insufficient — Award set aside and matter referred back to CCMA for re-hearing by a different arbitrator.

Sneller Verbatim/HVDM
IN THE LABOUR COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA
BRAAMFONTEIN CASE NO: JR568/01
2003-02-07
In the matter between
SAM KHUMBULANI MAPHOSA Applicant
and
1st Respondent
2nd Respondent
3rd Respondent
_______________________________________________________________
_
J U D G M E N T
_______________________________________________________________
_
REVELAS J:
1. The   applicant   brought   an   application   to   have   an  
arbitration   award   of   the   CCMA   reviewed   in   terms   of  
section 145 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (the  
“Act”).
2. The arbitrator who heard the matter kept a written record  
consisting of notes, which is illegible.   According to a

witness   of   the   third   respondent   were   mechanically  
recorded the proceedings.  That transcript was not before  
me.  The applicant contends that the proceedings were not  
mechanically   recorded.     The   Registrar   of   this   court  
informed me that she knew of no transcript or mechanical  
recording.     The   basis   on   which   she   informed   me   thus   is  
unclear to me.  
3. I   do   not   understand   the   reasoning   of   the   arbitrator   in  
his award.   His view of a particular letter up on which  
the   applicant   placed   great   reliance   was   vague   in   its  
reasoning.     In   my   view,   this   award   should   be   set   aside  
and the dispute should be referred back to the CCMA to be  
heard by a different arbitrator and the proceedings or to  
be recorded. I make no order as to costs.
____________________
E. Revelas
ON BEHALF OF APPLICANT : In person
ON BEHALF OF RESPONDENT :   Mr Bechenstraetr from
Moodie & Robbertson Att.