Fresh Squeeze | Court finds it unfair discrimination under the EEA to refuse someone employment because of criminal past

A judgement by the Labor Court in Qheberha recently started a conversation around criminal records and at what point they need to stop affecting one’s life and livelihood.
The judgement basically found that it is unfair discrimination under the Employment Equity Act to refuse to employ someone because of criminal history based on arbitrary ground – especially if a criminal history is not relevant to inherent requirement of job. Mpho Mashita and Complexion talk to Bhekithemba Mbatha, an Associate in the employment and labour law department at Motsoeneng Bill Attorneys about what to disclose to a new/potential employer when you have a criminal past