“The Department of Employment and Labour presented Director-General Review feedback at VUT, focusing on employment equity, transformation and Strategy 2033+.”
28 July 2026 | Story by: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
As part of its ongoing commitment to legislative compliance and institutional transformation, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), through its Social Justice and Transformation (SJT) Department, hosted an engagement with the Department of Employment and Labour on 24 July 2026 to receive feedback on the institution’s Director-General (DG) Review conducted in terms of the Employment Equity Act.
The delegation was welcomed by Mr George Mvalo, Senior Employment Equity (EE) Manager and Director for Social Justice and Transformation, who outlined VUT’s Strategy 2033+, highlighting the University’s vision of becoming an inclusive, transformed, innovative and socially responsive institution. He reflected on significant milestones already achieved in advancing institutional transformation, strengthening governance, promoting diversity and inclusion, and embedding social justice principles across the University.
“This engagement reflects VUT’s commitment to continuous improvement and accountability. The feedback received from the Department will assist us in identifying areas for enhancement as we continue implementing Strategy 2033+ and advancing meaningful institutional transformation,” said Mr Mvalo.
The engagement brought together representatives from the SJT Department, Human Resources and VUT’s Employment Equity structures.
Officials from the Department explained that the Director-General Review followed the submission of statutory employment equity documents by VUT, including its Employment Equity Plan, Workforce Analysis, Employment Equity Committee records and annual reports.
The inspectors emphasised that the purpose of the visit was not to penalise the University but to provide constructive feedback and practical guidance to strengthen compliance with the Employment Equity Act.
During the presentation, the Department acknowledged that VUT has established key employment equity structures, including an Employment Equity and Diversity Committee and an approved Employment Equity Plan. Officials encouraged the University to continue strengthening implementation by aligning workforce planning with
the applicable Economically Active Population targets while addressing representation gaps across occupational levels.
The session generated extensive discussions on workforce demographics, succession planning, designated groups, employment equity implementation, and the interpretation of legislation relating to the employment of foreign nationals within higher education institutions.
During the session, University representatives engaged the Department on issues relating to permanent residency, skills transfer, scarce-skills recruitment and the practical application of employment equity legislation in the higher education sector.
The Department of Employment and Labour officials reiterated that the Employment Equity Act seeks to promote equitable representation while addressing historical inequalities. They encouraged institutions to develop sustainable succession and skills-transfer plans where foreign expertise is employed and to regard employment equity as a continuous transformation journey rather than simply a compliance requirement.
The meeting was later joined by VUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, who welcomed the Department’s engagement and expressed appreciation for the guidance provided on complex legislative matters.
“We appreciate the Department’s continued engagement with the University. These discussions not only strengthen our compliance with labour legislation but also provide valuable clarity on complex matters, enabling us to advance transformation while remaining aligned with the legislative framework,” said Professor Ndlovu.
The Director-General Review feedback session concluded with a shared commitment by VUT and the Department of Employment and Labour to continue working collaboratively to advance employment equity, institutional transformation and compliance with South Africa’s labour legislation. VUT is expected to address the two non-compliance issues emanating from the DG Review by 22 August 2026.