At a glance

• The recent decision in Boomerang Fruits (Pty) Ltd v uMkhonto weSizwe (MKP) and Others [2025] JDR2025-061014 (LC) provides timely clarification on the legal thresholds for interdicting unprotected strikes and the limits of third-party involvement, particularly by political parties, in industrial disputes.
• The Labour Court sent a strong message that political parties may not conduct themselves as substitutes for trade unions and that employers have legal recourse where they do.
• It found that the uMkhonto weSizwe Party had acted far beyond an advisory role. It performed functions typically undertaken by a registered trade union by representing workers in mediation attempts and orchestrating a strike.