Fired transsexual wants R4.6m

2003-07-02 23:07

Charles Smith

Bloemfontein ? A transsexual, who was fired by the SA National Blood Service, is suing it for R4.6m. The Bloemfontein transsexual, Nicky Kleynhans, has revised his claim against the service and it now stands at nearly R4.6m.

The case, which was postponed earlier this year at the request of the service, will now be heard by an industrial court from July 21 to 25. Kleynhans previously claimed R1.8m.

Nic Oosthuizen, who is appearing on behalf of the service, confirmed on Tuesday that they have received the claim. He said all aspects of the claim would be disputed. The service has also requested that Kleynhans undergo psychological evaluation.

Oosthuizen couldn't confirm if a witness would be flown in from Wales. The person is apparently a former employee of the service in Bloemfontein.

Kleynhans's claim follows his dismissal as technician in 1988 after it became known that he had undergone the first phase of a sex change operation.

He was later re-appointed, but claims that he was forced to resign in 1991, because he was harassed and assaulted by a co-worker, and also led to severe depression.

Kleynhans is, amongst others, claiming more than R2.6m for loss of income and future income ability, R750 000 for future medical costs and R1m for general loss, which includes his good name, physical and mental integrity, emotional shock, public humiliation and unreasonable sexual discrimination.

Kleynhans recently won a special prize by the Bloemfontein Writers Association for his life story.

- Volksblad