DUT plans to retrench about 152 staffers

Durban University of Technology (DUT) is planning a retrenchment process of non-academic staff members.

According to a document seen by “The Mercury”, about 152 positions could be affected as a result of this process.

According to the document, the institution intends to complete the retrenchment process by July 30.

The departments that will be affected include Human Resources, Information Technology Systems, Real Estate Management and Finance.

DUT spokesperson Alan Khan said the institution, at this stage, had not made any final determination on retrenchments.

“DUT remains dedicated to ensuring that the restructuring process aligns with the university’s strategic objectives. While the restructuring progresses, the university is committed to handling any necessary changes with integrity and consideration for our staff and stakeholders.

“As with any restructuring process, the necessary requirements are yet to commence as contemplated by law,” Khan said.

The institution currently has 1545 employees and confirmed that it had dismissed 21 employees in the past 12 months due to operational requirements. An employee in the Information Technology Systems department, who is not authorised to speak to the media, said the mood was low among employees after they had heard about the possibility of retrenchments.

“We do not know what the future holds for us. No one is safe. What I know is that this is part of the Envision 2030 which has long been championed by the institution,” he said.

National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) regional secretary Prince Mthalane said the retrenchment process was unacceptable and said the union rejected it.

“Before you start the process of retrenching you must start by restructuring, which the DUT has not done.

“We have written to the DUT council about this and we expect a thorough response. Our position is clear. We cannot accept the job losses of our people. Nehawu fully rejects the retrenchment of non-academic staff at DUT,” Mthalane said.

The Tertiary Education National Union of South Africa (Tenusa) KZN chairperson, Naresh Santoo, said the process was still at an early stage but they opposed retrenchments.

“As the union, our position is very clear and loud. We do not want any job losses. South Africa has already an all-time high unemployment rate and we do not want the institution to contribute to that.

“These people have families who depend on them having a job. That means a lot to them,” Santoo said.

The Mercury