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Mangosuthu University of Technology Annual Report

20

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The status of student residence leases and student

finances. More information was required on the

changes in leases of student residences; and

•

Amendments to the SRC Constitution.

ITHALA PROPERTY ACQUISITION

Council considered reports on the planned acquisition of

the Ithala Property. A letter of interest was issued by the

Vice-Chancellor to Ithala with respect to the acquisition of

the Ithala property. The Ithala property was to be acquired

to address the infrastructure challenges in terms of office

space. The fixed price of the property was R35 million.

The financial implication relating to rental for a period of

three years (from 2016 to 2018) was indicated. The date

of occupancy was moved from 1st October 2015 to 1st

November 2015.

An application was made to the DHET requesting for

the HDI grant in order to obtain financial recovery on the

acquisition of the property, once negotiations with Ithala

are concluded.

2016 FEE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SRC AND MUT

Council considered the Memorandum of Agreement

between MUT Management and MUT Student

Representative Council regarding the student fee

payment. The agreement was subject to approval by

Council in terms of Section 8 (4) of MUT Statute as gazzeted

on 23 August 2015. Council approved the student fee

agreement between the SRC and MUT Management.

3.10 Human Resources

MEDICAL AID CAPPING

Council considered a report on the implementation of

medical aid capping as per Council’s resolution. There

was a concern that there had been consultation with

NEHAWU but no consultation with individual employees.

This had led to disputes being declared. Three cases have

been lodged at the CCMA: NEHAWU, TENUSA and three

employees in their individual capacity. Negotiations have

continued in an attempt to resolve the matter amicably.

Council have requested for a comprehensive written report

specifying what caused the matter to be lodged with the

CCMA; whether staff members have a case or not, if they

have a case, what was the oversight on the University’s part

and what the prospects of a resolution are.

PERFORMANCE BONUS FOR SENIOR MANAGEMENT

The In-Committee meeting of Council noted the existing

economic climate in the country as well as the recent

student protest pertaining to fee increases. It expressed

the need to be transparent in dealing with the issue of

performance bonuses for senior management. Therefore,

it concluded that it is unable in these circumstances to

accede to the request to pay performance bonus to

members of Management.

The meeting further noted that should there be

dissatisfaction, the Vice-Chancellor could make a

submission to Council stating reasons and motivating

for the need, in light of the existing circumstances,

to nevertheless, consider and accede to the request.

Furthermore, in such an event he would set out, in his

motivation, the threshold that has been achieved in terms

of performance as well as the subsequent developments

that had taken place since the last time the bonuses were

paid. In addition, Council requested for the historical

detail of the payment of the bonus over the last five years.

Moreover, Council had resolved, as far as the Remuneration

Committee (REMCO) is concerned, that a committee of

Council would be established to look at the remunerations

of Executive Management and that this committee should

consist of only external members of Council.

CHARTER OF THE HUMAN RESOURCE COMMITTEE

Council approved the Charter of the Human Resource

Committee.

APPOINTMENT OF ACADEMIC STAFF

Council considered and approved a request for ratification

by Council of academic appointments made between 1

January 2015 and 1 June 2015. As required by the Auditor

General (AG), the appointment of academic employees

should be authorized by Council. The matter had been

discussed at Senate and it was agreed that consultation

with Senate would be through the Selection Committee

on which a Senate representative sits. Senate would

subsequently be informed of the Selection Committee’s

decision. Council recommended that within the next two

weeks, the Human Resources Department should prepare

a draft procedure to be followed for the appointment

of academic employees. The procedure should comply

with all the requirements and it should be circulated to

all Council members for comment. Council emphasized

that candidates should not assume duty before Council

approval.

MOTIVATION TO UPGRADE THE POSITION OF

RESEARCH PROFESSORS

Council considered and approved a request to approve

the appointment of two Faculty Research Professors

at P4 level for a five-year renewable contract based on

performance, and a Research Chair for Human Settlements

at the P4 level for a three-year renewable contract based

on performance.