DUT staff protest over alleged corruption and labour abuse
DUT staff and union members from TENUSA took to the streets of Durban this week to protest against alleged corruption, labour abuse, and staff mistreatment at the institution. Marching from ML Sultan to Steve Biko Campus, protesters delivered a strong message while demanding urgent action.
DISGRUNTLED DUT employees and members of the union TENUSA on Monday took to the streets around the university precinct to protest “unfair labour practices” at the institution and demand accountability from management whom they accuse of corruption and maladministration.
Led by the chairperson of the union, Naresh Sentoo, the small group of employees walked from ML Sultan campus to Steve Biko campus where their cause was supported by rallying members of the EFF Student Command. Sentoo said the union represents over 700 aggrieved members who want to bring attention to alleged corruption at DUT.
“It’s the erosion of our benefits as well as the unlawful and unreasonable condition of services and benefits that has brought us here today,” said Sentoo. “Our demands are simple – some of the issues are old – but remain a concern because DUT does not care about their staff. Staff are fed up and we want council to sit up and take notice of our concerns.”
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Among the issues being raised by the union is the “high-handedness on staff and students” which they allege has affected morale at the institution. In their memorandum they called on DUT management to “stop over-reach and abuse of authority”.
“You rule with an iron fist, you lose staff and students – the rate of suicide of students and staff are high,” said the union as they called for DUT to comply with CCMA and Labour Court Awards. “Engage in transparent and rational process in restructuring, retrenchment and staff layoffs. Stop protecting the director of employee relation and allowing this office continue with wasteful legal expenditure.”
Sentoo said they are also calling on DUT to “stop nepotism and retaining retired personnel” which is costing the institution millions of rands. The protesting employees were due to hand over the memorandum to the management of DUT, but were told that nobody will meet them as their request was made too late last week.
The union said they will email the memorandum and demanded a response within seven days.
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