MISA overturns unfair dismissal of service advisor, highlighting workplace rights in South Africa
In a landmark triumph for South African workplace rights, the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has successfully overturned the unfair dismissal of a local service advisor, exposing a bruising corporate dispute that led to wrongful arrests and a devastating family ordeal.
Following a lengthy arbitration process under the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) Dispute Resolution Centre, the arbitrator ruled that Mossel Bay Ford’s dismissal of Service Advisor Anya van Antwerp was substantively unfair. Van Antwerp has been awarded nearly R70,000 in compensation—the equivalent of four months’ salary—after the automotive employer’s subsequent application to overturn the ruling was firmly dismissed.
Truthful testimony met with retaliation
The dealership had accused Van Antwerp of dishonesty after she gave evidence during an internal disciplinary hearing. However, the MIBCO arbitration process completely vindicated her, establishing that her testimony was entirely truthful and fully backed by both documentary and witness evidence.
The dispute centred on cash payments related to the collection of used oil at the dealership. The arbitrator found that these cash transactions were actually common practice within the workplace and that multiple employees routinely received them, completely demolishing the employer’s grounds for allegations of misconduct.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer of Operations, hailed the ruling as a definitive warning to employers weaponising disciplinary proceedings.
“This outcome is a victory not only for our member but for every worker who fears victimisation for speaking the truth,” Keyter said. “Workplace justice depends on employees being able to testify honestly without fear of retaliation. Employers cannot dismiss workers simply because they dislike the evidence being presented.”
Criminal charges withdrawn in Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court
The fallout from the workplace dispute had catastrophic consequences for the Van Antwerp family. Following the internal conflict, criminal charges were laid against Anya and her mother, Tanya van Antwerp—the former Workshop Manager at Mossel Bay Ford. Both women were arrested and forced to spend 48 hours in police custody in April 2025.
In a massive relief for the family alongside the labor council victory, the state has formally withdrawn all criminal charges against both women in the Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court.
Keyter emphasised that the harrowing case highlights why independent trade union representation remains vital for ordinary workers facing powerful employers in the automotive sector.
“Without effective representation, many workers would struggle to challenge unfair dismissals,” said Keyter. “MISA remains committed to defending members’ rights and ensuring that fairness, due process and truth prevail in South African workplaces.”
