Prolonged restructuring frustrates UB unions

Itumeleng Suping | Wednesday November 12, 2025 06:00

The unions’ leadership, comprising academic and support staff representatives, expressed deep dissatisfaction over what they termed a ‘’prolonged and poorly managed’’ restructuring exercise that has dragged on for five years without tangible results.

UBASSU President Emmanuel Mogende did not mince words when he addressed members of the media, describing the ongoing process as a source of “agony” and frustration among staff. 'Our problem is the prolonged restructuring of the UB. When this started in 2020, we noted that this home has been replaced by agony, yet the management has done nothing,’’ said Mogende. He further lamented that the institution’s management had failed to adhere to timelines, noting that restructuring deadlines had been shifted several times within the year.

'Management has been shifting timelines at least four times this year. The appointment of deans has to be guided by statutes, yet we see little compliance,’’ he said.

Mogende added that in June 2025, university workers had embarked on a peaceful strike to voice their frustrations, but their concerns remained largely unaddressed. He accused management of lacking empathy and transparency, citing instances of apparent favouritism in appointments.

'When we were discussing with management, it was said that for all to be appointed to a certain position, one should possess a master’s degree. However, two directors were said to have only a bachelor’s degree. This shows that those positions are reserved for certain individuals,’’ he charged.

The UBASSU president added that there had been no improvement in the salary structures and called for senior management to take responsibility for the institution’s declining morale and performance. 'Things are not okay in the university because of this prolonged restructuring process. We call on management to resign- particularly the Vice Chancellor and the Director of Legal Services- for they have failed the university,’’ he emphasised.

The union jointly expressed that the ongoing restructuring had eroded trust between the university’s workforce and its leadership, warning that the institution’s reputation and productivity were at stake if urgent measures were not taken.

For his part, UBSU president Moagisi Mogalakwe echoed similar sentiments, accusing management of undermining governance structures and perpetuating unfairness through the restrictive exercise.

“This entire process of restructuring continues to show unfairness. It shows a huge way of undermining governance issues,’’ Mogalakwe said. He noted that the delays in finalizing the restructuring process had caused more harm than good, leaving staff de-motivated and uncertain about their future.

“Our appeal is not only on the actual process of appointing people but also on the key point of governance,” he added. They concluded by urging management to expedite the restricting process in a transparent, fair, and inclusive manner- one that restores confidence among staff and upholds the university’s governance principles.

The briefing concluded with a call for renewed dialogue and accountability, as the unions pledged to continue advocating for fair treatment and structural reform within UB.