The Plight of Employment Policies that Exclude Customary Practices in the Workplace

Samukelisiwe Cwele; Isiphile Petse

doi:10.25159/2520-9515/15491

Authors

Samukelisiwe Cwele Walter Sisulu University https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8437-3679
Isiphile Petse Walter Sisulu University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4079-5544

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-9515/15491

Keywords:

customary law, customary practices, natives, culture, ukuthwasa, discrimination, unfair labour practices

Abstract

South Africa is called a “rainbow nation”, and with its 11 official languages, the country is a melting pot of diverse cultures, traditions, and beliefs. This diversity is not without challenges. This brings interesting and complex questions from an employment perspective; therefore, striking a balance between the employer’s rights versus the employee’s traditional practices has become a significant challenge. The article analyses these challenges that arise as a result of the failure of section 8(3) of the Constitution to give a direct mandate to develop customary law to put into effect or limit a right that is found in the Bill of Rights and in this instance the right to fair labour practices in terms of section 23. The article will also analyse the cases dealing with employees who wanted to enforce their rights conferred to them by the Constitution to practice their culture but were excluded and discriminated against on some of the grounds listed in section 9(3) of the Constitution. The article will conclude by recommending that labour laws and the Constitution should be reviewed to cater for native persons, in particular, the recognition of customary laws and practices at the workplace.

References

Carteret, Marcia. 2015. “Cultural Differences in Family Dynamics.” Dimensions of Culture. (accessed April 7, 2023). https://www.dimensionsofculture.com/2010/11/culture-and-family-dynamics/#:~:text=In%20western%20cultures%2C%20and%20particularly,of%20parents%20and%20their%20children.

Cohen, Tamara, Meryl Du Plessis, Shane GR Le Roux, and Sufinnah Singlee. 2018. Labour Law in South Africa- Context and Principles. 1 ed Oxford University Press: Southern Africa.

Diala, Antony. 2020. “Understanding the Relevance of African Customary Law in Modern Times” The Conversation, December 1. (accessed April 4, 2023). https://theconversation.com/understanding-the-relevance-of-african-customary-law-in-modern-times-150762.

Grogan, John. 2010. Employment Rights. 3 ed Juta and Company.

Grogan, John. 2017. Workplace Law. 12 ed Juta and Company.

Lehnert, Wieland. 2005. “The Role of the Courts in the Conflict between African Customary Law and Human Rights. South African Journal on Human Rights.” South African Journal on Human Rights 21 (2): 254–255. https://doi.org/10.1080/19962126.2005.11865135

Maithufi, Papa, Sindiso Mnisi, Lesala Mofokeng, and Dayana Ndima. 2014. African Customary Law in South Africa. 1 ed Oxford University Press: Southern Africa.

Mamdani Mahmood. 2018. “Citizen and Subject: Contemporary Africa and the Legacy of Late Colonialism (Princeton University Press Princeton NJ 1996)” Academia. (accessed April 4, 2023). https://www.academia.edu/37726226/Mahmood_Mamdani_Citizen_and_Subject_Contemporary_Africa_and_the_Legacy_of_Late_Colonialism.

Mhango, Mtwendeweka, and Lubisi Nombulelo. 2018. “Dismissal on the Grounds of Refusing to Cut Dreadlocks Worn in Observance of Religious and Cultural Beliefs: Discriminatory or Not.” Speculum Juris 32 (1).

Mokgere, Masipa. 2015. “The Effect of the African Cultural Practices on Family Responsibility.” LLM Dissertation, University of KwaZulu Natal.

Pieterse, Marius. 2000. “Killing it Softly: Customary Law in the New Constitutional Order” Hein Online. (accessed April 4, 2023). https://collections.concourt.org.za/handle/20.500.12144/29970.

Ntlama, Nomthatndazo. 2012. “The Application of Section 8(3) of the Constitution in the Development of Customary Law Values in South Africa’s New Constitutional Dispensation.” Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal 15 (1): 32.

Romano, L’osservatore. 2015. “The Family in Africa.” Eternal Word Television Network, 25 October 25. (accessed April 7, 2023) https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/family-in-africa-3973.

Singer, Rudolf. 1985. Das Recht auf Arbeit in geschichtlicher Darstellung (Jena).

Legislation
Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995.

The Constitution of RSA, 108 of 1996.

Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997. https://doi.org/10.1021/cen-v075n050.p060

Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998.

Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998.
Cases
Alexkor v Richtersveld Community 2003 12 BCLR 1301 (CC).

Bhe and Others v Khayelitsha Magistrate and Others (CCT 49/03) [2004] ZACC 17.

Boxer Superstores v Mthatha and Another [2007] 8 BLLR 693 (SCA).

Department of Correctional Services v POPCRU 2013 ZASCA 40.

Dlamini and Others v Green Four Security [2006] 11 BLLR 1074 (LC).

Fairy Tales Boutique t/a Baby City Centurion v The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and Others (JR469/09) [2010] ZALC 160 (20 August 2010).

Globindlal v Minister of Defence (2010) 31 ILJ 1099 (NGP).

Gumede (born Shange) v President of the Republic of South Africa 2009 (3) BCLR 243 (CC).

Kievits Kroon Country Estate (Pty) Ltd v Mmoledi and Others (875/12) [2013] ZASCA 189.

Mabuza v Mbatha 2003(4) SA 218 (C).

Maritime Safety Authority v McKenzie (017/09) [2010] ZASCA 2.

Mogotlhe v Premier of the North-West Province and Another [2009] 4 BLLR 331 (LC).

Murray v Minister of Defence [2008] 6 BLLR 513 (SCA).

Old Mutual Assurance Co SA v Gumbi [2007] 8 BLLR 699 (SCA).

Ongevallekommissaris v Onderlinge Verskerings Genootskap AVBOB 1976 (4) SA 446 (A) at 450B-C

PSA obo Jonase v Department of Justice PSCBC605-09/10.

Shilubana v Nwamitwa 2008 9 BCLR 914 (CC).

Toyota South Africa Motors v NUMSA obo Njilo and Others (D 629/19) [2002] ZALCD 12.