Media Statement by the Director-General, Mr Gwebinkundla Qonde, on the resumption of lectures at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) 10 September 2013 For immediate release The Department of Higher Education and Training welcomes the decision by the labour unions, NEHAWU and NTEU, to call off the strike at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU). Labour’s decision is encouraging and is a positive development of commitment by all stakeholders to build a relationship that is based on trust, respect and the continued financial sustainability of the University. The University is vital for the post-school system and specifically the development of skills in the Eastern Cape region and the South African economy. We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the national, provincial and campus leadership of NEHAWU and NTEU for their cooperation and willingness to engage during this period. We would also like to thank the Administrator and the management team for their hard work and commitment to bringing the University onto a solid financial footing. We express our gratitude to the students for their patience during this lengthy and frustrating period without teaching and learning. We fully understand your fears of losing this academic year and are pleased that there is sufficient time left for you to complete your studies this year. We encourage you to engage robustly with the academic staff to ensure that together you maximise the opportunity presented in the re-aligned academic calendar. On 6 September 2013, the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training spent the day with WSU management and Labour Unions (NEHAWU and NTEU) and an agreement was made in principle to end the labour impasse that has affected the University since a strike was declared by Labour on 23 July 2013. On 8 September 2013, the University accordingly lifted the lockout applied by the WSU management after the labour unions declared the strike. Management has informed all students and staff that the University will re-open on Monday 9 September 2013 and all staff had to report for work and that classes will resume on Tuesday 10 September 2013. This brings to an end the protracted industrial action which led to the loss of 32 academic days and affected 24 613 students. The Unions have accepted an increase of 5% backdated to 1 January 2013 and the principle of no-work-no-pay will be applied. In terms of the agreement, employees will be allowed to trade-off from their accumulated leave the shortfall between what they would have earned had the no-work-no-pay principle not been applied and what they will earn by way of the re-scheduled work programme. WSU management has indicated that the University will benefit in the long-term in that its leave liability is reduced and this will assist in mitigating the current financial state in which the University finds itself. The support from the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr BE Nzimande during this difficult period is much appreciated. His leadership and commitment to higher education, particularly the plight of historically disadvantaged universities is commendable. The Minister as always is committed to support historically disadvantaged universities to take their rightful place in the higher education sector as institutions of excellence in learning, teaching and research. The default position of resorting to strike action by unions at universities remains a significant concern, particularly where an institution does not have the financial means to meet the unrealistic demands of labour unions. The Department will always encourage constructive and meaningful engagement. We request the labour unions at WSU to develop a sense of ownership of the promising gains that have been made thus far in the Turnaround Strategy of the University and to work together with Management and students in the significant efforts that are being made to restore stability to the University. WSU is a major player in the provision of higher education for our youth and its impact is deep and widespread. This University represents a beacon of hope for many poor families in the region and we urge all stakeholders to commit to building the WSU brand. The Department is encouraged by the decision of management and staff to a catch-up plan that will ensure that the academic year will not be lost and students will be assisted in every way possible. Part of the catch up plan includes re-aligning the academic calendar, forfeiting the September vacation, allocating more hours to lecturers and having classes on Saturdays and public holidays. The academic calendar year will also be pushed well into December. Placing emphasis on education, learning and teaching remains the key focus for the University and all efforts are being put in place to ensure that the throughput and success rates of the University is improved over time. We are confident that the work done by the Administrator since his appointment to WSU on 31 October 2011 has indeed established a firm foundation for a more stable governance system, a stronger financial foundation, improved teaching and learning technology and academic culture, stabilised student governance and the ongoing harmonisation of human resource issues. The Department of Higher Education and Training has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to this complex process and has already made significant investments into the re-building of this strategically important University. We welcome the settlement of the dispute and look forward to a stable, sustainable Walter Sisulu University where all role players appreciate their responsibilities in terms of the long-term viability of the learning and teaching project at the institution. Ends Statement issued by: Gwebinkundla Qonde Director General: Department of Higher Education and Training Media Enquiries: Kefilwe Makhanya Cell: 072 285 8662 E-mail: [email protected]
Posted on: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 11:15:00 +0000
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