IRM1501 PORTFOLIO
MAY 2024
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
The Constitutional Court of South Africa in the case of Sidumo v Rustenburg
Platinum Mines Ltd & Others 2007 12 BLLR 1097 (CC) devised a new test to be
applied when determining the fairness of the dismissal. Discuss the case of Sidumo
in the prescribed format (facts, legal question, reasons for the decision or ratio
decidendi and the findings of the case) and highlight the test that the Constitutional
Court designed in deciding on fairness in labour law matters.
Case Summary: Sidumo v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd & Others
Facts:
Mr. Sidumo was employed by Rustenburg Platinum Mines as a security officer responsible
for patrolling a high-security facility where precious metals were separated. He was
dismissed for failing to follow established search procedures, which the Mine viewed as
misconduct. Mr. Sidumo contested his dismissal, referring the dispute to the Commission
for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) under the Labour Relations Act (LRA).
The CCMA commissioner found him guilty of misconduct but noted the absence of
dishonesty and considered his clean 15-year service record. Consequently, the
commissioner ordered Mr. Sidumo's reinstatement with three months' compensation and
a written warning. The Mine applied to the Labour Court to review and set aside this award,
but the application was dismissed. The Mine's appeal to the Labour Appeal Court was also
dismissed. However, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruled in favor of the Mine,
holding that the dismissal was fair. Mr. Sidumo then applied to the Constitutional Court for
leave to appeal against the SCA's decision.
Legal Question:
The main legal question was whether the CCMA commissioner’s decision to reinstate Mr.
Sidumo was one that a reasonable decision-maker could reach and whether the SCA erred
in overturning this decision by substituting its own judgment for that of the commissioner.
Ratio Decidendi:
The Constitutional Court had to determine the correct standard of review for CCMA
arbitration awards in dismissal disputes. The Court's majority held that in deciding whether
MAY 2024
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
The Constitutional Court of South Africa in the case of Sidumo v Rustenburg
Platinum Mines Ltd & Others 2007 12 BLLR 1097 (CC) devised a new test to be
applied when determining the fairness of the dismissal. Discuss the case of Sidumo
in the prescribed format (facts, legal question, reasons for the decision or ratio
decidendi and the findings of the case) and highlight the test that the Constitutional
Court designed in deciding on fairness in labour law matters.
Case Summary: Sidumo v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd & Others
Facts:
Mr. Sidumo was employed by Rustenburg Platinum Mines as a security officer responsible
for patrolling a high-security facility where precious metals were separated. He was
dismissed for failing to follow established search procedures, which the Mine viewed as
misconduct. Mr. Sidumo contested his dismissal, referring the dispute to the Commission
for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) under the Labour Relations Act (LRA).
The CCMA commissioner found him guilty of misconduct but noted the absence of
dishonesty and considered his clean 15-year service record. Consequently, the
commissioner ordered Mr. Sidumo's reinstatement with three months' compensation and
a written warning. The Mine applied to the Labour Court to review and set aside this award,
but the application was dismissed. The Mine's appeal to the Labour Appeal Court was also
dismissed. However, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruled in favor of the Mine,
holding that the dismissal was fair. Mr. Sidumo then applied to the Constitutional Court for
leave to appeal against the SCA's decision.
Legal Question:
The main legal question was whether the CCMA commissioner’s decision to reinstate Mr.
Sidumo was one that a reasonable decision-maker could reach and whether the SCA erred
in overturning this decision by substituting its own judgment for that of the commissioner.
Ratio Decidendi:
The Constitutional Court had to determine the correct standard of review for CCMA
arbitration awards in dismissal disputes. The Court's majority held that in deciding whether
