The Citizen reports that the family of Tinus Gouws, who had been a pilot in the air wing of the SA Police Service (SAPS) before his death, has won a long court battle for his promotion from warrant officer to captain.  

His family has received back pay as part of a settlement with the police.  Gouws died almost eight years ago in a helicopter accident with seven colleagues on their way to Emalahleni responding to an armed robbery.  Gouws had served the police for 22 years at the time of his death.  In 2009, he had applied for the position of captain.  He was put on the short list and told he was the best candidate for the job, but was later informed that his appointment would not have been racially representative for the specific position in that particular department.  The matter was referred to the CCMA, but to no avail.  After his funeral, the family took the matter forward with the help of trade union Solidarity and after almost eight years of court appearances and postponements, the SAPS finally settled.  Dirk Hermann, CEO of Solidarity, said:  “It is sad that he only got his recognition for his selfless work and service to the South African public after his death.”  He added the settlement was excellent, but the symbolic value of his promotion was bigger comfort for his family and wife and was worth more than the financial compensation.

• Read this report by Virginia Keppler in full at The Citizen

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