The Durban University of Technology (DUT) marked a significant milestone on Wednesday, 01 July 2026, with the formalisation of Recognition Agreement between the university and two workers’ unions: The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) and The National Tertiary Employees Union (NTEU). DUT Management and the leadership of three unions at the University, revisited the Recognition Agreement and made live amendments.

DUT Management was represented by Dr Matheakuena Mohale, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor: People and Operations, Mr Victor Mothobi, Senior Director: Human Capital Services, Mr Mxolisi Msomi, Director: Employee Relations and Wellness and Mr Lindani Mchunu, Employee Relations Specialist.

Mr Msomi described the signing of the Recognition Agreement between NEHAWU and NTEU as a significant milestone for the university. He noted that the previous recognition agreements, which had been concluded around 2007, had become outdated and no longer served their intended purpose, as they were not aligned with current good labour relations practice or the applicable legal framework.

Although several attempts had been made over the years to review these agreements, they were frustrated by individuals pursuing their own interests. Mr Msomi welcomed the new agreement as providing DUT with a sound platform to regulate labour-management relations more effectively, promote stability across the institution and nurture a constructive partnership between management and organised labour going forward.

The signing of Recognition Agreement marked the formal and constructive partnership between unions and university Management. DUT and the unions are both expected to work collaboratively to promote sound labour relations, mutual respect and achievement.

Nomthandazo Zola Mdlalose, Chairperson: NTEU, commended DUT Management for maintaining good relations with the unions. For Mdlalose, this was a victory to them. She further revealed that from January to June 2026, their members were not represented but DUT Management gave them Organisational Rights. Organisational Rights allowed the unions to represent its members. She then added that that gesture was a sign that DUT cared for its employees. Mdlalose emphasised that the Recognition Agreement works hand in hand with the university policy.

Mdlalose shared some of her expectations of this Recognition Agreement;

• Commitment to good faith and engagement.
• Respect of Recognition Agreement.
• Resolution of dispute.
• Constructive collective bargaining.
• Communication channels should be made to facilitate timely information.
• Prompt of resolution dispute.
• Compliance with laws.
• Mutual respect and professionalism conduct.

Prince Mthalane, a Regional Office Bearer of NEHAWU, explained the formalisation of the Recognition Agreement was a historic and significant milestone for NEHAWU at DUT. According to Mthalane, it was not merely the signing of a document, it was the recognition of workers’ democratic choice to be represented by the union. He further said that it established a formal framework for constructive engagement between the union and the university and provided certainty on organisational rights, consultation and collective bargaining.

The three parties; DUT, NTEU and NEHAWU agreed that reaching this point required considerable patience, determination and commitment from all parties. It was a process involving continuous engagement and numerous discussions between the unions and the university and careful negotiations, to ensure that the final agreement reflected sound labour relations principles.

Mthalane expressed that his expectation moving forward is that this agreement becomes a foundation for a mature, stable and productive labour relations environment at DUT. Adding to that, Mthalane wishes to further engage the university in good faith on matters affecting employees, resolving workplace challenges through dialogue and contributing positively to the university’s success.

 “We also hope to grow the union further by demonstrating through our actions that NEHAWU is an effective, principled and reliable representative of workers. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that employees enjoy fair treatment, decent working conditions and meaningful participation in decisions that affect their working lives, while contributing to the continued growth and excellence of DUT. We view this agreement as the beginning of a stronger partnership founded on fairness, accountability and respect for workers’ voices.”

The signing agreement demonstrated that meaningful labour relations are built through dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to advancing the interests of both employees and the institution.

Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.

Pictured : DUT Management, NTEU representatives, and NEHAWU representatives.

Nikiwe Sukazi