RRLLB81
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2025
Research Report
Jurisprudential development and recognition of the
concept of legitimate expectation in Labour matters
Due Date: September 2025
Jurisprudential development and recognition of the concept of legitimate expectation
in Labour matters
By
[RRLLB81 STUDENT]
(012345678)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF LAWS
in the
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
Jurisprudential development and recognition of the concept of legitimate
expectation in Labour matters
By
[RRLLB81 STUDENT]
(012345678)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF LAWS
in the
DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL AND PROCEDURAL LAW
SCHOOL OF LAW
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
SUPERVISOR: PROF MM MONYAKANE
RRLLB81 ASSESSMENT 2 / FINAL PORTFOLIO
(DUE DATE: September 2025)
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
ABSTRACT
This research explores the jurisprudential development and recognition of the
doctrine of legitimate expectation in South African labour law. The concept, originally
embedded in administrative law through the seminal case of Administrator,
Transvaal v Traub, has gradually influenced labour jurisprudence, particularly in
disputes concerning fixed-term contracts and fair labour practices. The paper
evaluates how courts, through cases such as Wood v Nestle (SA) (Pty) Ltd and
Vorster v Rednave Enterprises CC, have interpreted the doctrine to safeguard
employees against arbitrary termination, while balancing it with managerial
prerogative. It further considers statutory frameworks, notably the Labour Relations
Act 66 of 1995, in shaping the doctrine’s practical application. The findings suggest
that while South African courts continue to restrict legitimate expectation largely to
procedural protection, there is scope for expanding its substantive dimension in
labour relations. This development could strengthen fairness, equity, and stability in
employment contexts.
KEYWORDS
Legitimate expectation
Labour law
Fixed-term contracts
Procedural fairness
Labour Relations Act
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2025
Research Report
Jurisprudential development and recognition of the
concept of legitimate expectation in Labour matters
Due Date: September 2025
Jurisprudential development and recognition of the concept of legitimate expectation
in Labour matters
By
[RRLLB81 STUDENT]
(012345678)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF LAWS
in the
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
Jurisprudential development and recognition of the concept of legitimate
expectation in Labour matters
By
[RRLLB81 STUDENT]
(012345678)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF LAWS
in the
DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL AND PROCEDURAL LAW
SCHOOL OF LAW
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
SUPERVISOR: PROF MM MONYAKANE
RRLLB81 ASSESSMENT 2 / FINAL PORTFOLIO
(DUE DATE: September 2025)
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
ABSTRACT
This research explores the jurisprudential development and recognition of the
doctrine of legitimate expectation in South African labour law. The concept, originally
embedded in administrative law through the seminal case of Administrator,
Transvaal v Traub, has gradually influenced labour jurisprudence, particularly in
disputes concerning fixed-term contracts and fair labour practices. The paper
evaluates how courts, through cases such as Wood v Nestle (SA) (Pty) Ltd and
Vorster v Rednave Enterprises CC, have interpreted the doctrine to safeguard
employees against arbitrary termination, while balancing it with managerial
prerogative. It further considers statutory frameworks, notably the Labour Relations
Act 66 of 1995, in shaping the doctrine’s practical application. The findings suggest
that while South African courts continue to restrict legitimate expectation largely to
procedural protection, there is scope for expanding its substantive dimension in
labour relations. This development could strengthen fairness, equity, and stability in
employment contexts.
KEYWORDS
Legitimate expectation
Labour law
Fixed-term contracts
Procedural fairness
Labour Relations Act
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
