“VUT HRM & Labour Relations students attend LabourNet guest lecture on labour law, dismissals, and workplace fairness—enhancing practical HR education in SA.”
21 October 2025 | Story By: Staff Reporter | Picture: Supplied.
3 minutes read time.
The lecture hall buzzed with anticipation as students gathered for what would become a masterclass in the real-world dynamics of workplace fairness and trust. On 17 October 2025, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted a guest lecture that turned complex labour relations theories into relatable, lived experiences.
Third-year Human Resource Management (HRM) students, together with their counterparts from Labour Law and part-time HRM programmes, filled the room under the guidance of lecturers Ms Sibongile Mbuli, Mr Toto Mlaza, and Dr Sefako Marweshe. The goal was clear: to move beyond textbooks and explore the heart of labour relations through dialogue with industry professionals.
Taking centre stage were Ms Adila Valiallah and Ms Leila Ismail from LabourNet, a leading labour consultancy known for its work in navigating the intricate balance between employers and employees. The two guest speakers wasted no time bringing the subject to life, unpacking real scenarios that tested fairness, discipline, and integrity in the workplace.
“An employment relationship is much like a marriage. Once trust is broken, it becomes difficult to rebuild, and that often leads to separation,” Ms Valiallah told the captivated audience. The analogy struck a chord, grounding abstract labour law in human experience and prompting an audible murmur of reflection among students.
The discussion moved fluidly between legal frameworks and human stories, covering topics such as grounds for dismissal, strikes, lockouts, and the necessity of consistency in disciplinary actions. Students leaned forward, taking notes and posing questions that revealed both curiosity and concern about the evolving nature of workplace relations in South Africa.
When the floor opened for questions, hands shot up across the room. The exchange became a vibrant conversation, blurring the line between classroom and boardroom. Students sought clarity on disciplinary procedures, ethical dilemmas, and the realities of labour disputes in modern organisations.
By the end of the session, theory had given way to lived understanding. The guest lecture had achieved what good teaching aims for, it had transformed information into insight. Students lingered after the talk, chatting with the presenters, exchanging contacts, and snapping photographs to mark the moment.
Reflecting on the event, Ms Mbuli expressed her gratitude to LabourNet for bridging academia and industry so meaningfully. “Our students now see that labour relations are not just about policies and procedures,” she said. “They are about people, fairness, and maintaining trust in every interaction.”
The guest lecture reminded all present that the study of labour relations is ultimately a study of human behaviour, of fairness, dignity, and the fragile bond of trust that holds workplaces together.