A group of 20 trainee traffic officers, whose contracts were terminated by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport under MEC Siboniso Duma in September last year, has initiated legal steps to challenge the decision.

The trainees have sent a formal letter of demand to the Head of Department, calling for the decision to be reversed. They argue that their dismissal was unfair, unlawful, arbitrary, and conducted without consultation.

“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.