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Mangosuthu University of Technology Annual Report
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CRITICAL POSITIONS IN THE OFFICE OF DVC:
RESEARCH, INNOVATION & ENGAGEMENTS
Council considered a request for the appointment
of critical positions in the Research, Innovation &
Engagement portfolio. Council noted that all positions
that had not been advertised had been frozen unless
special circumstances exist to fill them. Council had
decided on a procedure that would be followed in the
event there was a need to fill a frozen position.
Council further noted that with regard to the Research,
Innovation & Engagements portfolio that the organogram
had not been approved although there are permanent
positions in this portfolio. In the circumstances, Council
delegated EXCO to the extent necessary, to consider the
motivation by that department for the filling in of critical
positions that would assist that department to function
efficiently. If EXCO was satisfied with this submission, the
normal process that has to be followed with regards to
positions that are frozen would have to be followed.
LIMITED ORGANISATIONAL RIGHTS TO TENUSA
Council considered and approved the granting of limited
organizational rights to the Tertiary Education National
Union of South Africa (TENUSA) as follows:
• Section 12 – the right to access and
• Section 13 – the right to collect union dues
(subscriptions).
Report on the Position of the DVC: Research, Innovation
and Engagements (RIE)
Council considered and approved the appointment of
Prof Z.L. Dlamini as the DVC: Research, Innovation and
Engagements.
ACADEMIC PROMOTIONS
Council considered and approved the recommendations
for the promotion of two academic staff members.
STAFF MATTERS
Council noted with sadness the passing away of MUT’s
former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A.M. Ndlovu. Prof Ndlazi
had been requested to represent Council at the memorial
service that took place at Bhekuzulu Hall, University of
Zululand in Empangeni on 28 November 2015. A moment
of silence was observed in honour of the late Prof. A.M.
Ndlovu.
The MUT Vice-Chancellor had been re-elected as
Chairperson of the South African Technology Network
(SATN) for the next two years.
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S CONTRACT
Council considered that the term of office of the Vice
Chancellor would end in August 2015. A meeting of
EXCO had recommended that the Vice-Chancellor be
re-appointed for another five year term, based on his
performance and his exceptional leadership skills. The
matter was further discussed in ‘In-Committee’ Council
meetings. The Council In-committee meeting resolved
that the Vice Chancellor’s contract must be finalized by
the end of December 2015.
STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
A staff member, Mr Pons, received a number of awards for
his innovative research work “Ceiling in a can”.
A report on academic staff members who had obtained
Masters and PhD through funding provided by the
University was noted.
3.11 Student Matters
One student participated in the Abe Bailey Travel Trust
Bursary in the UK.
MUT STUDENTS INVOLVED IN INFRASTRUCTURE
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Council noted the report that eighteen MUT students
were involved in infrastructure development projects
in the form of work integrated learning and vacation
work. One of them, Miss Nomonde Zondi was employed
by the Construction Company that was appointed by
MUT. She is responsible for construction of Block 2C of
the student residence. She was offered employment
by the Construction Company to be a site manager in
Pietermaritzburg, however she declined the offer as she
wanted to complete her project to manage the student
block.
PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS
TO
THE
SRC
CONSTITUTION
Council considered the proposed amendments to the SRC
Constitution which resulted from a concern that statistics
showed that once SRC members were in office, their
academic performance declined. Management believes
that once students are in office they should continue to
be active and succeeding students. After deliberation,
the matter of amendment of the SRC Constitution was
referred back to Management for further discussion and
development of a proper management report on the
proposed amended SRC constitution. If there are any
differences between Management and the SRC, these
must be highlighted in the report and Council needs to
make a decision.