From left: Mr. Jabu Makhubo, NEHAWU Provincial Organiser, Mr. Bongani Luthuli, Acting Judge of the Labour Court and independent facilitator, and Mr. Setumo Llale, Chief Negotiator and Principal of the JBF, proudly holding the Recognition Agreement, symbolising a renewed commitment to collaboration and progressive labour relations at the university.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has initiated the review of the Recognition Agreement originally established with the labour unions NEHAWU and NTEU on 30 July 2014. This review comes at a pivotal time, as NEHAWU currently serves as the sole recognised union at the university.

Over the years, the agreement has been a cornerstone for fostering constructive dialogue and collaboration between CUT and its workforce. In response to evolving labour legislation and institutional developments, both parties recognise the importance of revisiting and strengthening this foundational partnership. The review represents a significant step toward ensuring that the agreement continues to meet the changing needs of all stakeholders, while promoting a sustainable, inclusive, and progressive working environment at the university.

The Joint Bargaining Forum (JBF) Committee commenced the review process with facilitation sessions in August, followed by a second round of engagements from 27–28 October 2025. The discussions were guided by Mr Bongani Luthuli, Acting Judge of the Labour Court, whose impartial facilitation helped cultivate a balanced and collaborative atmosphere conducive to meaningful dialogue.

In his remarks, Judge Luthuli stated, “It’s a privilege to be part of this process. So far, the discussions have been robust, as expected when dealing with such a substantive agreement. What’s encouraging is the mutual respect and emotional intelligence demonstrated by all parties, setting a strong tone for the rest of the process.”

Reflecting on the review, Mr Setumo Llale, Chief Negotiator and Principal of the JBF, noted, “The last agreement was concluded in 2014 and has not been revisited since. This review is long overdue. We’ve made good progress so far, identifying areas of agreement and preparing to address more complex issues. It’s a crucial exercise that will shape our future engagement with NEHAWU.”

Mr Thami Majola, JBF Advisor, provided further insight into the ongoing negotiations, describing the Recognition Agreement as a formal contract governing the relationship between the university and its employee representatives. He emphasised the critical role of the university’s Employee Relations (ER) team in coordinating and advising throughout the process. “With numerous developments in labour law over the past decade, it is essential that our agreement reflects today’s realities,” he said. “We are here to support both sides (management and employees) and ensure fairness and legal compliance.”

Adding his perspective, Mr Jabu Makhubo, Provincial Organiser of NEHAWU, described the engagements as constructive and highly engaging. He noted that significant progress has been made, stating, “We have completed one part of the agreement and will soon move to the remaining sections after consulting with our constituencies.”

To ensure objectivity and productive dialogue, an independent facilitator was appointed to guide the discussions. This approach aims to foster a collaborative environment and achieve a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties involved.

CUT management and NEHAWU representatives engaged in collaborative discussions during the review of the Recognition Agreement, strengthening partnerships for a progressive and inclusive workplace.