Yet again, this year’s SOTU provided both MUT staff and students an opportunity to openly engage on matters that affect them. This shows a level of stability that the University has maintained. Although both staff and students expressed frustrations at some of the challenges, these were presented in a more collegial manner to show that they understand what the Executive is trying to achieve, but at the same time expressing an appeal that the matters be addressed in a reasonable manner. Some interesting questions ranged from staff members lamenting the implementation of a performance management system, which they were assured by the senior director: HR&D, Baboo Brijlal, that that was on the cards; augmenting financial challenges with strategic funding plans, for which the CFO, Rodney Delomoney, gave assurance that there were fundraising goals set; the maintenance plan for implementation concern was also noted for speedy address.
The most difficult to swallow was a 10% increment question especially after the CFO’s presentation on the University’s state of finances, giving credence to the adage that numbers do not lie; and on the senior director: HR&D’s presentation on how the University was pursuing a strategy of staff retention.