/ 19 February 2009

TUT gets back to work

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) will reopen on Friday, university chancellor and principal Errol Tyobeka said on Thursday.

”We are re-opening tomorrow [Friday]. Staff members will be called back tomorrow and at the same time we are also be dealing with the registration process,” Tyobeka told a media briefing at the university’s Pretoria campus.

”Classes will commence on Monday.”

Tyobeka was speaking shortly after a Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration-facilitated agreement between the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) and the university
was signed.

In a statement, TUT said registration would be extended to February 28 while provision would be made for registration on February 21 and 28. Registration would continue until 6pm daily.

The wage agreement entails a 10% across-the-board salary increase from March, which will be backdated to January.

Registration at the institution came to a standstill on January 24 over a wage dispute that centred around the capping of salaries.

Last week, a protest at the university’s Pretoria campus ended in police firing rubber bullets at five people, including a journalist, two days after the university was closed.

TUT’s Nehawu chairperson Tshepo Makitla said the ”Julius Malema impact” had contributed to the resolution of the strike.

Malema, during a visit to the university, said of Education Minister Naledi Pandor: ”She must use her fake accent to address our problems.”

The ANC Youth League leader later apologised and held a meeting with the minister to discuss the wage impasse. – Sapa