Lessons on dismissal for incapacity due to ill-health

In SACCAWU obo Bologo v JD Group (Pty) Ltd [2025] 8 BALR 904 (CCMA) the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) upheld the dismissal of a long-serving salesperson for incapacity due to ill-health. Although the employer initially convened the process using a disciplinary hearing notice, the inquiry substantively addressed incapacity.

 

29 Sep 2025 1 min read Employment Law Alert Article

At a glance

  • In SACCAWU obo Bologo v JD Group (Pty) Ltd [2025] 8 BALR 904 (CCMA), the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration upheld the dismissal of a long-serving salesperson for incapacity due to ill-health.
  • Although the employer initially convened the process using a disciplinary hearing notice, the inquiry substantively addressed incapacity.
  • The commissioner found that the employer conducted a proper investigation, considered alternatives, afforded the employee participation, and could not reasonably be expected to keep her position open indefinitely in the face of lengthy, repeated absences and inadequate medical substantiation.

The commissioner found that the employer conducted a proper investigation, considered alternatives, afforded the employee participation and could not reasonably be expected to keep her position open indefinitely in the face of lengthy, repeated absences and inadequate medical substantiation. The dismissal was both substantively and procedurally fair.

15163 Alert- Employment 29 September 20254

15163 Alert- Employment 29 September 20255

15163 Alert- Employment 29 September 20256

15163 Alert- Employment 29 September 20257

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