The UFS Centre for Labour Law

Offers a range of short learning programmes on the Bloemfontein Campus (during the course of the week). The Short Learning Programmes in Basic Principles of Labour Law and Advanced Principles of Labour Law are also offered in Welkom, at the Qwaqwa Campus and Kimberley (dependent on a minimum number of participants). Please note that other venues may also be considered if a minimum of 30 participants enrol for such programme.

Why a short learning programme in labour/commercial law?

59,2% of persons participate in the labour force of South Africa by either being employed or by looking for a job. A large number of people provide employment (opportunities) and thereby also participate in the labour market and the general world of commerce. Therefore, labour and commercial law occupy the centre stage across all commercial and social contexts. Similar to South African law in general, labour and commercial law have received special attention and have been subject to significant reform since 1994 to address past economic and social injustices. In this regard, commercial law generally regulates all business activities, whilst labour law, as a sub-division of commercial law, aims to regulate the relationship between employer and employee as well as the collective relationship between employers/employer organisations and employees/trade unions. A sound knowledge of these two fields of law will be invaluable to anyone exposed to employment and commercial activities. Persons who may benefit from the short learning programmes include employers, employees, trade union officials, shop stewards, business owners, HR staff, managers, people in business and anyone participating in commercial transactions – yes, even the buyer and seller of a newspaper!

The different short learning programmes offered by the Centre are as follows:

• Short Learning Programme in Basic Principles of Labour Law (BPLL)
  • Practical six-month programme on Learning Level 5.
  • Deals with basic legislative principles regulating the relationship between employer and employee. This includes topics relating to basic conditions of employment, dismissals, industrial action, and discrimination.
  • Requirements for admission:
    - Option 1: Grade 12 (Senior Certificate); or
    - Option 2: Where the applicant does not possess a Senior Certificate:
       · Minimum age of 23;
       · Grade 10 with language proficiency in English (any language level) of at least 50%;
       · Proof of five (5) years of uninterrupted work experience; and
       · Recommendation letter from a current supervisor/manager.

• Short Learning Programme in Advanced Principles of Labour Law (APLL)
  • Supportive six-month programme on Learning Level 7 (for persons intending to specialise in labour law).
  • Deals with advanced legislative principles regulating the individual – and collective labour law relationship. It also incorporates the study of secondary sources influencing legislation, e.g. case law.
  • Requirements for admission: Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) and a short learning programme in BPLL (or any other relevant prior learning in labour law).
• Short Learning Programme in Basic Principles of Social Security Law (PSSL)
  • Practical six-month programme on Learning Level 6.
  • Deals with legislative principles regarding social security of employees in the workplace. It includes e.g. unemployment insurance and other forms of social assistance.
  • Requirements for admission: Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) and Learning Level 5 short learning programme (for example, BPLL).

• Short Learning Programme in Basic Principles of Commercial Law (BPCL)
  • Practical six-month programme on Learning Level 5.
  • Deals with legal principles of commercial law. It includes e.g. law of contract, delict, consumer protection, insurance, and credit agreements.
  • Requirements for admission:
    - Option 1: Grade 12 (Senior Certificate); or
    - Option 2: Where the applicant does not possess a Senior Certificate:
       · Minimum age of 23;
       · Grade 10 with language proficiency in English (any language level) of at least 50%;
       · Proof of five (5) years of uninterrupted work experience; and
       · Recommendation letter from a current supervisor/manager.

• Short Learning Programme in Advanced Principles of Commercial Law (APCL)
  • Practical six-month programme on Learning Level 6.
  • Deals with legal principles regulating business enterprises. It includes e.g. partnerships, companies, closed corporations, and business trusts.
  • Requirements for admission: Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) and a short learning programme in BPCL or any relevant prior learning in commercial law.
• Short Learning Programme in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ALDR)
  • Practical six-month programme on Learning Level 6.
  • Deals with legislative principles regarding conflict resolution, especially negotiation, conciliation, mediation, and arbitration.
  • Requirements for admission: Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) and Learning Level 5 short learning programme (for example, BPLL).

For further information, please contact us on:

E: MoseleseleLL@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 3734 / 2618

Or visit https://www.ufs.ac.za/kpa