Section 26(2) of the Higher Education Act (Act No. 101 of 1997, as amended) provides for the establishment of councils at all public higher education institutions. The council is the highest decision-making body at a university and is therefore responsible for governing the institution in accordance with the Higher Education Act and respective institutional statutes.

The human resources expert at CUT is pivotal in ensuring that the university not only complies with legal standards, but also fosters a culture of ethical governance and inclusivity. This role requires a blend of expertise, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal skills to navigate the complexities of human resource management in the higher education sector.

We seek individuals who possess the necessary expertise and specialised skills aligned with the philosophy and character of a university of technology. Ideal candidates will reflect South Africa’s democratic ethos and contribute to the strategic oversight of the university. CUT is committed to fostering an inclusive and transformative environment, emphasising equity and diversity throughout the nomination process.

CUT hereby calls for nominations for candidates to fill the Human Resources Expert vacancy on the HRSEC of Council for a period of four years. The vacancy is to be filled by a person who possesses the requisite qualifications and experience to discharge the committee’s roles and responsibilities.

Requirements for Human Resources Expert position:

Educational qualifications:

• A minimum of a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 8 qualification in human resource management, labour relations, industrial psychology, or a related discipline.
• Preferred: A relevant master’s degree in human resource management, labour law, industrial relations, or a closely related field.

• Professional memberships:
  • Registration with a recognised professional body, such as the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP), the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa (SIOPSA), the Institute of People Management (IPM), or the South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW).
• Experience:
  • Demonstrated experience in human resource strategy, labour relations, and organisational development.
  • Proven expertise in navigating complex labour legislation and regulatory frameworks, including the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), and Employment Equity Act (EEA).
•  Skills:
  • Strong analytical abilities, coupled with effective communication and advisory skills.
  • High standards of integrity, independence, and a firm commitment to ethical governance and practices.
  • Demonstrated experience in conflict resolution, collective bargaining, and disciplinary processes.
  • Ethical governance and responsible institutional stewardship.

 Candidates who meet these requirements will be well-prepared to contribute to the strategic oversight and governance of the university.

Individuals with the necessary expertise and special skills in these fields, aligned with the philosophy and character of a university of technology, who will also reflect our country’s democratic ethos, and with the ability to contribute to the strategic oversight of a university, are required to serve on the HRSEC. CUT is committed to an inclusive, transformative environment, and emphasises equity and diversity in the nomination process. Applicants must be South African citizens. Applicants must be able to travel to the university and other venues for in-person meetings as required at the cost of the university.

Nominees and applicants must bear in mind that universities are public institutions, and serving as members of a university council and/or experts should be motivated by good public service, rather than self-interest and personal gain. There should be no expectation of remuneration, as each institution determines in its institutional rules whether or not honoraria will be paid to its external council members and/or experts.

Council strives to be broadly representative of the community served by CUT, particularly in respect of race, gender, and disability.

The comprehensive nomination form, outlining the criteria and role, is available from liventer@cut.ac.za.

The closing date for nominations is 22 May 2026. No late nominations will be considered.