Flashcards on Employment Contracts in South African Law

Employment Contracts in South African Law: Student Guide

1 / 38

Can an illegal foreign worker without a valid work permit claim protection under South African labour legislation for unfair dismissal?

No. The court held illegal foreigners do not receive protection under labour legislation, but their rights may be protected under the Constitution (se

Tap to flip · Swipe to navigate

Employment Law

38 cards

Card 1

Question: Can an illegal foreign worker without a valid work permit claim protection under South African labour legislation for unfair dismissal?

Answer: No. The court held illegal foreigners do not receive protection under labour legislation, but their rights may be protected under the Constitution (se

Card 2

Question: If an employee has a valid contract but no valid work permit, can they claim unfair dismissal?

Answer: Yes. The court found such an employee may claim unfair dismissal and enforce statutory or contractual claims against their employer despite immigratio

Card 3

Question: Does the Immigration Act render employment contracts with illegal foreigners void?

Answer: No. The Immigration Act does not seek to render contracts void; the definition of "employee" can include a foreign national, so employment rights are

Card 4

Question: What offence does an employer commit under the Immigration Act regarding illegal foreigners?

Answer: An employer who knowingly employs an illegal foreigner or one not authorised to work commits an offence.

Card 5

Question: Is an employer still obligated to pay an employee employed without a valid work permit?

Answer: Yes. The employer is obligated to pay such an employee.

Card 6

Question: List three core obligations of an employee.

Answer: 1) Report to duty and render competent services (diligently and with due care); 2) Be respectful and obey lawful instructions; 3) Render services in g

Card 7

Question: What factors determine the required level of competency for an employee?

Answer: Capacity, experience and seniority.

Card 8

Question: List four obligations of the employer.

Answer: 1) To remunerate (primary obligation); 2) To provide safe working conditions; 3) To treat the employee with respect and dignity; 4) To accept the empl

Card 9

Question: Name four ways employment can be terminated.

Answer: By effluxion of time or completion of task (fixed-term), by retirement, by agreement (mutual), by notice (reasonable, in writing), and by the death of

Card 10

Question: When is summary (dismissal without notice) termination justified?

Answer: For a serious (material) breach of contract, such as breach of fiduciary duties.