This communication serves to provide an update on the 2024 salary negotiations and labour strike, which commenced on February 15, 2024. Following engagements between University management and organised labour, pursuant to Section 150 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, we are pleased to inform you that an agreement has been reached between the University and joint labour (NEHAWU, UPWO, and Solidarity) concerning the 2024 salary increase for eligible staff members, thereby bringing an end to the strike. The agreement includes the following:

•  An across-the-board salary increase of 5,1% on basic salary;

•  A once-off payment of R1,200 for 2024;

•  All above payments are fully taxable.

The University will be implementing this salary increase with retrospective effect from 1 January 2024. The salary increase together with the two months increase back pay (January and February 2024) will be processed in the March 2024 payroll for staff who were in active employment of the University as at 31 March 2024.

The University remains committed to achieving financial sustainability, particularly amid the prevailing economic conditions and the significant challenges and financial constraints confronting both the sector and the institution. Consequently, any additional strain on our already limited resources is untenable.