A group of 20 traffic officer trainees axed by the Siboniso Duma-led Department of Transport in KwaZulu-Natal in September last year have taken the first legal step to challenge the decision.

The trainees have sent a formal letter to the Head of Department (HoD) demanding that the decision be reversed.

They argue the decision was unfair, unlawful, arbitrary, and undertaken without consultation.

“The termination was executed without prior notice, delivered spontaneously, and on the spot, and immediately removed us from the system without any transitional arrangements, consideration of due process, or acknowledgement of the department’own commitment towards us,” reads part of the letter challenging the decision.

Furthermore, the trainees argue that the way their contracts were terminated did not follow the labour laws of the country.

“The Department treated trainees not as employees with rights, but as disposable labour. This reckless approach has caused severe financial, emotional and professional damage to every affected trainee, and stands as a clear example of administrative abuse and unfair labour practice,” further reads the letter.

The spokesperson of the department, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said they have no comment on the matter.