The high court has ruled that commissioners at Chapter Nine institutions are public office bearers, not employees entitled to workplace benefits beyond those set out in legislation. The ruling clarifies that policies made by these institutions cannot create employment benefits for public office bearers where legislation does not provide for it. Public office bearers in Chapter Nine institutions are not “workers” who are entitled to benefits beyond what is laid down in the relevant statutes, the Johannesburg High Court has ruled. Wilson said the President usually appointed public office bearers but he did not “employ” them. He said the application before him was based on a “fundamental misunderstanding” of the nature of public office.