26 February 2010

The IFP welcomes the Labour Court ruling today, that the South African Police Service should promote Captain Renate Barnard to Superintendent, in a landmark ruling on affirmative action.

"In 2004, the IFP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Solidarity in which we rejected the implementation of Affirmative Action to the extent that it discriminates against certain South Africans. We welcome today's ruling which will ensure that a highly competent, skilled policewoman takes up a well-deserved promotion within a police force that is grappling with serious skills shortages," said Velaphi Ndlovu, the IFP's Police and Labour spokesperson today.

Ndlovu said that it was clear that the SAPS had applied a policy of discrimination in Captain Barnard's case.

"I am sure that we will now see similar cases of discrimination being brought before our Courts. Whilst the IFP believes that we must redress the social injustices of our past; it is clear that affirmative action is not working in its current form," said Ndlovu.

Ndlovu said that today's ruling also raises serious labour questions.

"The question must now be asked whether a review of affirmative action is needed. We must ask ourselves whether affirmative action, as currently applied, is meeting the constitutional imperative of addressing the imbalances of the past or whether it is just exacerbating the problem of skills shortages. We need the Labour Department to take the lead on this matter. Clearly we are not meeting affirmative action's intended outcomes when it is overturned by our Courts. The Labour Department must now chart a way forward," concluded Mr Ndlovu.

Contact: Mr Velaphi Ndlovu MP, 083 625 0803.