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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.