This is an index of some legal resources related to the broad concept of corporate governance, which includes fairness, accountability, responsibility, transparency, and risk management:

[Constitutional Court]

Sidumo v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd (GF 6778) [Navsa AJ et al, 5.10.2007] [2007] 12 BLLR 1097; 2008 (2) BCLR 158; (2007) 28 ILJ 2405; [2007] JOL 20811 (CC)

Appeal allowed – CCMA award of reinstatement restored after nearly 7 years – CCMA must decide whether employer’s decision to terminate is for a fair reason related to conduct – so-called “reasonable employer test” rejected – only set aside award if no reasonable arbitrator could  have made it – see SCA below – GF 6306.

Masetlha v President of RSA (GF 6777) [Moseneke DCJ et al, 3.10.2007]

2008 (1) BCLR 1; 2008 (1) SA 566 & [2007] JOL 20763 (CC)

Partly allowed appeal – irretrievable breakdown in employment relationship – lawful & fair to terminate fixed-term contract – employee cannot be deprived of full benefits of remaining 21 months of the contract – see HC below – GF 6454.

Fuel Retailers Association of SA v Dept of Agriculture (GF 6619) [Ngcobo J, 7.06.2007]

2007 (10) BCLR 1059 & 2007 (6) SA 4 (CC)

Appeal allowed – decision authorising construction of filling station reviewed and set aside – National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (“NEMA”) & Environment Conservation Act 73 of 1989 (“ECA”) secs 21 & 22(1) interpreted & applied.

[Supreme Court of Appeal]

Da Silva v CH Chemicals (Pty) Ltd (GF 7231) [Scott JA, 23.09.2008] [2008] ZASCA 110; [2009] 1 All SA 216; 2008 (6) SA 620 (SCA)

Appeal partly allowed – director’s fiduciary duties – good faith – resignation does not affect most duties – unlawful competition also an issue.

Allaclas Investments (Pty) Ltd v Milnerton GC (GF 6862) [Farlam JA, 29.11.2007] [2007] ZASCA 167; [2008] 2 All SA 1; 2008 (3) SA 134; [2008] JOL 21167 (SCA)

Appeal allowed – order set aside – see GF 6297 (HC) – failure to prevent nuisance from golf balls landing in private properties – interdict granted to prevent use of part of golf course.

Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd v CCMA (GF 6306) [Cameron JA, 26.09.2006] [2006] ZASCA 115; [2006] 11 BLLR 1021; [2007] 1 All SA 164; 2007 (1) SA 576; (2006) 27 ILJ 2076 & [2006] JOL 18359 (SCA)

Appeal allowed – employer primarily responsible to set and enforce standards – conduct that destroys trust entitles employer to terminate employment provided it is within range of reasonable responses, even if employer has not transgressed for 14 years – review powers not to be confused with appeals – appeal allowed – see GF 6778 (CC).

Heneways Freight Services (Pty) Ltd v Grogor (GF 6311) [Zulman JA, 26.09.2006] [2006] ZASCA 116 & [2006] JOL 18354 (SCA)

Appeal disallowed – sole director and manager – conduct not falling within s424(1) of Companies Act, 1973.

Saincic v Industro-Clean (Pty) Ltd (GF 6313) [Farlam JA, 31.05.2006] [2006] ZASCA 77; 2009 (1) SA 538; [2006] JOL 17559 (SCA)

Appeal allowed – insufficient evidence to bring claim within Companies Act, 1973 s424(1).

Commissioner: SARS v Hawker Air Services (Pty) Ltd (GF 6055) [Cameron JA, 31.03.06] [2006] ZASCA 55; [2006] 2 All SA 565; 2006 (4) SA 292; [2006] JOL 17079 (SCA)

Appeal allowed – urgency – VAT – no genuine dispute -liquidation & sequestration – partnership.

City of Johannesburg v Kaplan NO (GF 6047) [Heher JA, 29.03.2006] [2006] ZASCA 45; 2006 (3) 10; [2006] JOL 17065 (SCA)

Appeal allowed – Municipal Systems Act 32/2000 s118 – ‘charge on the property’.

 

[Labour Appeal Court]

Engen Petroleum Ltd v CCMA (Mashale) (GF 6606) [Zondo JP, 4.05.2007] [2007] 8 BLLR 707; (2007) 28 ILJ 1507 & [2007] JOL 20042 (LAC)

Allowed appeal – fair dismissal related to misconduct- award and LC review set aside – employer’s decision to terminate not so excessive as to shock a sense of fairness or that no reasonable employer would have so decided – harsh criticism of SCA decision in Rustenburg Platinum – see now GF 6778 (CC).

[High Court – 2007 onwards]

Mbashe Local Municipality v Nyubuse (GF 7203) [Chetty J et al, 12.06.2008]

(2008) 29 ILJ 2147 (HC-ECM)

Allowed appeal – employer withholding salary linked to poor work performance – exercise of contractual not administrative power – applied Chirwa – GF 6857 (CC) – HC lacking the necessary jurisdiction.

Erasmus v Platinum 5 Cuisine (Pty) Ltd (GF 6855) [Pretorius J, 30.10.2007] [2007] JOL 20969 (HC-GNP)

Refused application – dispute involved termination of employment & disciplinary enquiry – essentially a labour matter – HC not having jurisdiction.

Gihwala NO v Brown NO (GF 6660) [Dlodlo J, 4.06.2007] [2007] JOL 20078 (HC-WCC)

Granted application – trustees & directors – ordered to forfeit rights to property – breach of fiduciary duties – fraudulent manipulation of funds – Companies Act 61/1973 sec 234.

 

[High Court – 2006]

Klein NO v Minister of Trade & Industry (GF 6282) [Prinsloo J, 24.08.2006] [2007] 1 All SA 257; 2007 (1) SA 218 & [2006] JOL 18111 (HC-GNP)

Application granted – true meaning & interpretation of Companies Act s 261(2) – obligatory to forward report to company – Minister does not have a discretion.

Allaclas Investments (Pty) Ltd v Milnerton GC (GF 6297) [Traverso DJP, 24.08.2006]

2007 (2) SA 40 & [2006] JOL 18160 (HC-WCC)

Application refused – body corporate – alleged failure to prevent nuisance from golf balls landing in private properties – appeal allowed and order set aside – see GF 6862 (SCA).

Wire Electrical (Pty) Ltd t/a Wilec v Yssel NO (GF 6240) [Murphy J, 30.06.2006] [2006] JOL 17906 (HC-GNP)

Application refused – close corporation – CCA s64 – alleged asset stripping no proved.

Refrigeration Equipment Co (Pty) Ltd v Ford (GF 6211) [Liebenberg J, 30.05.2006] [2006] JOL 17758 (HC-ECP)

Application refused – no unlawful competition – no breach of fiduciary duty by employee.

Mgoqi v City of Cape Town; City of CT v Mgoqi (GF 6135) [Van Zyl J et al, 19.05.2006] [2006] 9 BLLR 873; (2006) 27 ILJ 1422; 2006 (4) SA 355; [2006] JOL 17349 (HC-WCC)

Purported extension of City Manager’s contract unlawful and invalid – ordered to vacate office – various defences rejected – leave to appeal refused – leave to appeal to CC also refused.

TWK Agriculture Ltd v NCT Forestry Co-Operative Ltd (GF 6094) [Theron J, 4.04.2006]

2006 (6) SA 20 & [2006] JOL 17128 (HC-KZP)

Exception dismissed – proper plaintiff rule – exception: fraud on minority – derivative action – part of SA law – applicable to co-operatives as well.

[Labour Court]

SA Post Office Ltd v Mampeule (GF 7773) [Ngalwana AJ, 12-23.12.2008] [2009] 8 BLLR 792; (2009) 30 ILJ 664 (LC)

Preliminary ruling – termination of CEO’s services fell within definition of ‘dismissal’ – LRA s186(1)(a) – appointed on fixed-term contract for 5 years subject to employer’s right to terminate on certain grounds – argued that employment “ended” when removed from board of directors – Companies Act 61/1973 s220 relied on unsuccessfully by employer who argued further that termination was automatic by operation of contractual term.

Itumele Bus Lines (Pty) Ltd t/a Interstate BL v TAWU (GF 7264) [Nel [D] AJ, 26.09.2008]

(2009) 30 ILJ 1099; [2008] JOL 22785 (LC)

Refused to interdict strike action – demand for 20% equity stake in company – already offered 10% stake – clearly matter of mutual interest – right to strike to enforce claims – LC not empowered to interfere in a lawful dispute of interest.

Nel v City of Johannesburg (GF 7196) [Mokgoatlheng J, 30.06.2008] [2008] JOL 22265 (LC)

Application refused – legal adviser of divisional property business transferred – post vanished in new structure – refused offer of alternative post – no legal obligation to create similar post – operational requirements paramount.

Dercksen v Webb (GF 7131) [Masipa J et al, 19.10.2007]

(2008) 29 ILJ 1410 (HC-GSJ)

Allowed appeal in part – alleged gross dishonesty – private investigator making statements in presence of fellow employees – claim for damages based on injuria not upheld – damages awarded against private investigator for defamation – employer not vicariously liable for conduct of investigator – privilege discussed.

 

[Journal Articles – 2008 onwards]

Landman, AA CLL (2008) 17:08:71 “Employment & dismissal of sex offenders; The … : employer obligations under new Criminal Law Amendment Act”

Garbers, C CLL (2008) 17:09:84 “Reviewing CCMA awards in the aftermath of Sidumo: How the Labour Court has been reacting to landmark judgment” – Sidumo (CC) GF 6778

Ponnelis, F CLL (2008) 17:12:111 “Payment of benefits due to deceased employees: remuneration, retirement & pension dismissal claims”

Hutchinson, WJ CLL (2008) 18:03:28 “Determining the fairness of a dismissal for misconduct: The two stage process” – Sidumo (CC) – GF 6778

Le Roux, PAK CLL (2008) 18:04:34 “Striking for shares: The right to strike over matters of mutual interest” – Itumele Bus Lines (LC) – GF 7264

Hutchinson, W & Le Roux, PAK CLL (2009) 18:08:79 – ”Grounds for review: sections 145 & section 158(1)(g) of the LRA” Sidumo (CC) GF 6778; Maneche (LC) GF 6680

Landman, AA  CLL (2009) 18:10:98 – ”The price of neglecting to replace a company’s statutory proxy”

Mischke, C  CLL (2009) 18:11:108 “Automatic termination of employment: The clockwork dismissal” SAPO v Mampeule (LC) GF 7773

Grogan, J  EL (2008) 24:06:3 “In the shadow of Sidumo: Applying the ‘reasonable commissioner’ test” – Sidumo (CC)  – GF 6778

Cooper, C ILJ (2008) 29:04:881 “Towards a flexible labour market by Davies, P & Freedland M (Book review)

Landman, AA ILJ (2008) 29:04:885 “Employment contract and the changing world of work; The … By Vettori, S (Book Review)”

Jeram, N ILJ (2008) 29:10:2427 – “Investment switches in retirement funds – the legal consequences”

Myburgh, A  ILJ (2009) 30:01:1 – “Sidumo v Rustplats: How have the courts dealt with it?” – Sidumo (CC) GF 6778, Fidelity Guards (LAC) GF 6887, Ellerine (LAC) GF7141, Shoprite (SCA) GF 7336

Du Toit, D SALJ (2008) 125:1:95 “Oil on troubled waters?  The slippery interface between the contract of employment and statutory labour law”

Okpaluba, C THRHR (2008) 71:1:67 “Public interest immunity for negligent performance of police investigative duties : recent Commonwealth case law (1)”

Okpaluba, C THRHR (2008) 71:2:210 “Public interest immunity for negligent performance of police investigative duties : recent Commonwealth case law (2)”

Brand, DJ TSAR (2008) 1:89 “Financial constitutional law : a new concept in South Africa”

[Journal Articles – 2007]

Hutchinson, WJ CLL (2007) 16:10:107-110 – “The reasoning of arbitrators and commissioners: requirements of policy and law” – Rusplats (SCA) – GF6306

Hutchinson, WJ CLL (2007) 16:12:125-130 – “The courts & the “reasonable employer”: where does the CCMA’s right to overturn an employer’s decision on dismissal begin & end?” – Engen (LAC) – GF 6606; Rusplats (SCA) – GF 6306 & Arries (LC) – GF 6260

Le Roux, PAK & Young, KL CLL (2007) 17:03:21 – “The role of reasonableness in dismissal: the constitutional court looks at who has the final say” Sidumo (CC) – GF 6778

Grogan, J  EL (2007) 23:05:4 “Locking horns: whose idea of fairness counts?” – GF 6306 & GF 6606

Grogan, J  EL (2007) 23:06:3 “Two-edged sword: The CC’s ruling in Rustplats” – GF 6778

Benjamin, P ILJ (2007) 28:01:1 – “Friend or Foe?   The Impact of Judicial Decisions on the Operation of the CCMA”

Grogan, J  LLSG (2007) 06:3-8 – “Reasonable employer v reasonable commissioner” Engen (LAC) – GF 6606 & Rusplats (SCA) – GF 6306

Grogan, J  LLSG (2007) 10:1-7 – “Back on guard” Sidumo (CC) – GF 6778; Engen (LAC) – GF 6606 & Rusplats (SCA) – GF 6306

Esser, I-R THRHR (2007) 70:03:407 – “Stakeholder protection: the position of employees”

Havenga, M TSAR (2007) 1:169 – “Appropriation of corporate opportunities by directors and employees – Phillips v Fieldstone (Pty) Ltd” – GF 5249 (SCA)

[Journal Articles – 2006]

Luiz, SM CILSA (2006) 39:01:57 – “An appropriate regime for the remuneration of executives”

Young, KL CLL (2006) 16:04:41-47 – “Applying the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) to labour review proceedings” – Rustenburg Platinum Mines (SCA) – GF 6306

Hutchinson, WJ CLL (2006) 16:04:47-50 – “Defining the role of commissioners and Labour Court judges” – Rustenburg Platinum Mines (SCA) – GF 6306

Grogan, J  EL (2006) 22:02:19-20 -Case roundup – Hood (LC)

Grogan, J  EL (2006) 22:02:20 -Case roundup – Kambile (CCMA)

Grogan, J  EL (2006) 22:06:11 – “SCA revisits review” – Rustenburg Plats (SCA) – GF 6306

Du Toit, D ILJ (2006) 27:07:1311-1341 – “The Evolution of the Concept of ‘Unfair Discrimination’ in South African Labour Law” & IDASA v ANC (HC)

Ronnmar, Mia ILJ(UK) (2006) 35:56-74 – Managerial prerogative & the employee’s obligation to work: comparative perspectives on functional flexibility

Brodie, Douglas ILJ(UK) (2006) 35:87-92 – The enterprise & the borrowed worker (recent cases)

Bell, Mark ILJ(UK) (2006) 35:179-185 – ‘Employment Law Consequences of the Civil Partnership Act 2004″

Sher, H JBL (2006) 14:2:87 – ‘The overhaul of South African corporate law: the proposed first steps”

McGregor, M JBL (2006) 14:4:150 – “Globalization and decent work (part 1): a survey of general principles”

Bolton, P LDD (2006) 10:1:25 – ‘The exclusion of contractors from government contract awards”

Grogan, J  LLSG (2006) 02:8 – Hood v ARPP (LC)

Grogan, J  LLSG (2006) 10:2 – Rustenburg Platinum Mines (SCA) – GF 6306

Kennedy-Good, S & Coetzee, L Obiter (2006) 27:1:62 – ‘The business judgment rule. Part 1″

Marais, F & Coetzee, L Obiter (2006) 27:1:111 – ‘The determination of black ownership in companies for the purpose of black economic empowerment. Part 1″

Kotze, LJ & Bosman, C Obiter (2006) 27:1:128 – ‘A legal analysis of the proposed waste discharge system in terms of the South African environmental and water law framework”

Paterson, A SALJ (2006) 123:1: 52 – “Fuelling the sustainable development debate in South Africa”

Field, T-L SALJ (2006) 123:3:409 – “Sustainable development versus environmentalism: competing paradigms for the South African ETA regime”

Cassim, FHI SALJ (2006) 123:4:595 – “ex parte Standard Bank Group Ltd & Liberty Life Ltd: black economic empowerment schemes & s 38(2)(d) of the Companies Act”

Yeats, JL SALJ (2006) 123:4:610 – “The drafters’ dilemma: some comments on the Corporate Laws Reform Bill, 2006”

Havenga, M SAMLJ (2006) 18:2:229 – ‘Directors’ co-liability for delicts”

Esser, I-R SAMLJ (2006) 18:03:395 – (Book Review) ‘Corporate Governance” by T Wixley & G Everingham

Levin, JL SAMLJ (2006) 18:04:456 – “Considering the legitimacy of government measures to introduce Black Economic Empowerment [BEE] legislation”

Luiz, S & Van der Merwe, K SAMLJ (2006) 18:04:473 – “Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment [BBEE]: some challenges in measuring ownership of companies”

Bolton, P Stell LR (2006) 17:2:266 – ‘Scope for negotiating and/or varying the terms of government contracts awarded by way of a tender process”

Van Zyl, F Stell LR (2006) 17:2:333 – ‘Codes of conduct for the Financial Services Industry”

Hawthorne, L THRHR (2006) 69:1:48 – Distribution of wealth, the dependency theory & law of contract

Van der Merwe, APS THRHR (2006) 69:1:122 – Business methods, technology & patentability

Van Zyl, SP THRHR (2006) 69:1:139 – Online defamation: who is to blame?

Sibanda, O THRHR (2006) 69:1:146 – Impact of SA statutes against corruption on international business & trade (in Afrikaans)

Van der Merwe, D THRHR (2006) 69:2:318 – ‘Enkele gedagtes oor mobiele handeldryf of m-handel (“m-commerce”)”

Smit, N TSAR (2006) 1:152 – Labour is not a commodity: social perspective on flexibility & market requirements within a global world

Van Zyl, F TSAR (2006) 3:510 – ‘Codes of conduct for the financial services industry”