For violations of the Unisa Ethics Code and Employee Disciplinary Code, the University of South Africa (Unisa) has terminated the contracts of five employees who had been on precautionary suspension since 19 April 2022. The termination takes effect right away.
The university further stated, that there are several reasons for the termination of these employment contracts.
They include, among other things, breaking their suspension terms, inciting public violence, malicious property damage, planning and leading the forceful disruption of Unisa graduation celebrations between March and April 2022, and disobeying the Court order.
Unisa went on to say that, despite their repeated advice and warnings, the NEHAWU members continued to lead and organise an unlawful strike by university employees who form part of its membership.
The university added that this led to the intimidation and harassment of employees who are not in support of their conduct, blocking university entrances, and disrupting university operations, including the planned Autumn Graduation.
News of the dismissal was not well received by NEHAWU, the union said in a statement that they are angered and disappointed by the university’s decision.
“The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] is angered and highly disappointed by the decision of the Vice-Chancellor and Management of University of South Africa (UNISA) to terminate unlawfully the employment contract of our shop stewards” the union stated.
The South African Students Congress (SASCO) also shared the same sentiments as the union upon learning of the university's announcement in a statement that was also released on Saturday.
"The South African Students Congress (SASCO) has learned with disappointment and anger of the actions by the Vice-Chancellor and Exco Management of the University of South Africa (UNISA), who have decided to not only violate the labour relations act but went as far as unfairly dismissing workers on the basis of their affiliation." said the student movement.
NEHAWU further stated that they will be consulting their lawyers to secure a legal opinion on the matter. While consulting on the matter, the union will also consider mobilizing their members on a cause of action towards the real fight in defense of its members and workers.
