Maidi v M.E.C. For Department of Education (J5675/00) [2002] ZALC 53; (2003) 24 ILJ 1552 (LC) (10 June 2002)
Court
Labour Court
Case number
J5675/00
Judge
Pillay
The Labour Court held that the applicant failed to prove authorised study leave and that his absence triggered termination by operation of law under the Lebowa Education Act.
The Supreme Court of Appeal held that section 10(1)(b) of Act 25 of 1945 does not require an uninterrupted contractual relationship of employment for the continuity of work. The emphasis is on the employee's activities rather than the contract. The respondent's absences, although lengthy, were agreed upon with his employer and did not constitute unreasonable interruptions. The arrangements were more than loose understandings, and the respondent was entitled and obliged to resume his employment after each absence. The Court found that the absences did not break the continuity required by the A…