Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) in Free State has welcomed the labour court judgment with open arms.
This victory comes after Department of Social Development referred bargaining council’s report to Labour court.
6 years ago, 4 October 2019, Commissioner Anna Marie-Fourie of Bargaining Council ruled:
– Social Development committed unfair labour practice towards Dibuo Martha Maputle by appointing Dibolelo Kathleen Mance, in the post: Director Youth Development
– The appointment of Dibolelo Kathleen Mance set aside
– Social Development ordered to promote Maputle to Director Youth Development with effect from 1 November 2018
Social Development to pay Maputle R880 000
When Social Development failed to implement the bargaining council award, NEHAWU approached the court and Sherrif attached furniture before the department took the matter to labour court.
The labour court sat on 23 April and judgment was handed last week, 2 October 2025 in favour of Maputle and NEHAWU.
Acting Judge Govender of labour court found Social Development only filed review application after sheriff attached its furniture and that was two years later and failed to explain the delay.
Govender dismissed their application with costs.
Khauhelo Mqibisa, Provincial Secretary of NEHAWU welcomed the judgment.
“As Nehawu in the Province we welcome with great relief and satisfaction, Durban labour court ruling in favour of our member, Dibuo Maputle, in the long standing dispute with the department of social development. This judgement affirms what we have maintained throughout, that comrade Maputle was the rightful candidate for appointment to the position of Director Youth Development, and that justice delayed must not be justice denied.
This legal battle has spanned more than five years, marked by countless appearances across legal platforms. It has not been an easy journey for our member, for the union and for all those who stood firm in the pursuit of fairness and accountability. Yet through perseverance and solidarity, we have reached a resolution that restores dignity and affirms the principles of proper governance.
We are deeply grateful for the court’s clarity and courage in upholding the initial order. We remain hopeful that the department will now act in good faith and comply fully with the ruling, bringing this matter to a close and allowing Comrade Maputle to serve in the role she has long been denied.”
The big question is, who is going to account for this and what is Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae, Free State Premier going to do?
She may not have been there when this happened but it’s her mess now.
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Makro has dismissed almost 600 workers since 2022 November and May 2023 for various charges. Not a single case has seen light in the labour court and Saccawu seems to go for private negotiating. Previously, at Makro Silverlakes, some workers were dismissed and reinstated after 3 or 4 years without compensation, which was negotiated by Saccawu. There seems to be no trust of the representatives and workers. Workers feel that their representatives are deliberately delaying the cases and intend to be part of the private negotiating team but the Saccawu officials are negating. Saccawu is insisting that there are no trial dates at the labour court whereas the dates exists. How would you assist in this matter?
Yhoo I am happy for you Cdes. In the Eastern Cape ANC Govt is colluding with unions to victimise workers. Our Nehawu members are victimised by State Attorney back Departments/ HODs/MECs while workers are denied legal reps and fees not paid. We have lost hope and GS and Nehawu legal department have made us sitting darks and bullied by SMS members. Ask employees from Cogta, Health, Transport and the entire EC. Workers are displaced and forced to leave their families by Cogta through decentralisation and Newly approved organisatio al structure without consultation of all employees. MEC and Management are implementing a work study where many nehawu members have no posts. Levels are arbitrary lowered and corruption of nepotism is not investigated. SMS members implicated in corruption are running the Cogta. The Minisyer has been alerted and the Presidency but nothing is done instead employees are bullied and suffer from depression. So Nehawu members are sold out by their leaders. We wish all Provinces can be treated the same.
Send an email directly to NEHAWU.
Please add me to your distribution list as I like these type of Labour Law issues. Thanks
Give me more information on what type of news I can send you. I’m the General Secretary of Labour Association Workers Union (LAWU)
Public savants did get salary increase for full three years nothing was done on that matter.
PMDS for Public savants is no longer paid to the public savants like before president Ramaphosa become a president why?
Are you happy about the public savants benefits?
Those members working on NPO are also included in Saccawu, they don’t have labour unions
Victory for workers is justice to millions of families
Can you please assist me with my case now is almost 8years they don’t pay me I was working in mining industry 😭😭😭
Can you please assist me with my case now is almost 8years they don’t pay me I was working in mining industry 😭😭😭
Viva Nehawu Viva. Victory is certain.