_: The Department of Correctional Services has noted the decision of the Labour Court in Cape Town today regarding the application of Solidarity in relation to the department’s implementation of its Employment Equity Plan.

The department will study the full judgement issued by Judge Steenkamp and make a determination on its further course of action. It is important to point out that the department has always been giving due regard to regional needs when making appointments. To demonstrate this fact, Coloureds made up 28% of our leadership intake for the financial year 2011/12 in the Western Cape. This figure has increased to 50% for the financial year 2013/14. This is clearly an indication that the department has always taken regional needs into account.

The Department of Correctional Services therefore believes that elements of the court decision may be for academic purposes. We also welcome the court’s decision to refer the cost matter for consideration together with costs of the cross appeal to the Labour Appeal Court later this year.