Following on our successful development of a new strategy for the NWU in 2015, we have now commenced with the restructuring process. You will all by this time have received the requisite notice in terms of Section 189A of the Labour Relations Act. If this appeared legalistic and disconcerting, I apologise, but this is unfortunately the way prescribed by law.

 

I wish to underline that the intention of the restructuring process is primarily to promote the implementation of our strategy and not to reduce personnel. However, because the process could potentially affect some individual positions and levels of responsibility, as well as reporting structures, and because one cannot avoid the possibility of a limited number of post reductions, it is necessary that we follow this process.

 

As you know, the financial strain under which all the universities in South Africa find themselves may require a significant rethink of our assumptions about finance in future.

 

I reiterate that all reasonable efforts will be made to avoid personnel reductions. Our objective is, after all, to grow the NWU – in terms of quality and our national contribution to higher education.

 

In line with the Council decision of 20 November 2015, the first phase is to provisionally finalise, for consultation, the top structure job profiles, executive team composition and new operating model.

 

The second phase will then be to address the structure, operating model and role profiles of the management level below the executive team – and then downwards to all levels, once again for consultation.

 

Upon completion of this comprehensive consultation process, the consideration and approval of Council will be sought and appointments will then follow in terms of the new structure.

 

In view of the above, I have requested the commitment of the whole senior management team to the new structure and operating model project for the NWU.

 

They will be required to lead the change conversations with staff on moving from the current structure and operating model of our university to a new one from 2017 onwards.

 

We are, of course, all jointly accountable to one another to deliver on our strategy, which is:

 

To transform and position the NWU as a unitary institution of superior academic excellence, with a commitment to social justice.

 

This is a journey of personal transformation as much as institutional transformation. If we do not transform as individuals the institution will not transform.

 

I therefore request you all to accept this challenge of transformation with enthusiasm. We really have no other option.

 

Kind regards

 

Dan Kgwadi