By: Natasha Archary
The CCMA ruled Goldrush Group’s dismissal of one of their unvaccinated employees to be fair.
Theresa Mulderiji brought her dismissal before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) citing her human rights were disregarded.
Goldrush Group had implemented a mandatory vaccine policy in 2021. The company followed the necessary procedures, liaising with workers and unions. A process that took up to three months to complete.
The mandatory vaccination policy was then circulated to all staff who then had to confirm that they read and understood the company’s stance.
Employees who were opposed to the vaccine had to then apply for an exemption.
Theresa Mulderiji’s anti-vax stance made her incapacitated to perform her role within the company.
She was hired as a business-related and training officer since 2018. Her position meant she would have to interact with employees.
Mulderiji did not provide reasons for her decision to not get vaccinated and did not cite medical conditions as a concern.
The decision by the CCMA, is the first dismissal with regards to unvaccinated employees in the country.
According to CCMA commissioner Lungile Matshaka, the company was well within its rights to protect its workers.
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