Held further: A determination whether the doctrine of avoidance
is applicable or not requires an assessment of the
merits of the matter, even if cursorily, and this is
beyond the mandate of this court.
Held further: On the facts, even if the court adopts the doctrine of
avoidance the constitutional issue is bound to arise
again in the Industrial Court, or even before the
disciplinary chairperson, as the applicant canvasses
his defence, and such futility is undesirable.
Held further: Ex facie, the applicant’s facebook page is well-within
the ambit of the constitutional rights of freedom of
speech and opinion under Section 23(1) and (2) and
Section 24(1) and (2).
Held further: The clawback clauses in Section 23(2) and 24 (2)
and (3) allow hindrance on the exercise of those
rights under exceptional circumstances.
Held further: The facts in casu fall outside of the exceptional
circumstances recognized by the Constitution, hence
the post complained of was in exercise of the
applicant’s freedom of speech and opinion.
Held further: The rights in Section 14, 23 and 24 of the
Constitution are not derogable except to the extent
that the constitution expressly provides.
1) Application is granted.
2) Matter referred back to the Industrial Court for determination
of merits.
3) No order for costs.
JUDGMENT
MLANGENI J.
3
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