31 March 2025 | Story: Thabisang Thebeeapelo| Photo: Sifiso Nomzaza.
3 minutes read time.
On 19 March 2025, Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Human Resources (HR) Department successfully hosted its inaugural Benefits Awareness Session at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall. Held under the theme “Your benefits, your rights… Get informed,” the event aimed to educate academic and support staff about the wide range of benefits available to them. This marked the first in a series of planned initiatives to improve employee awareness and encourage greater participation in the university’s comprehensive benefits programme.
Mrs Suzette Nortje, HR Senior Business Partner, opened the event by emphasising the importance of employees understanding their rights and benefits. Expert speakers then provided helpful knowledge about many different elements of employee benefits.
Ms Tshimangadzo Tambani, Remuneration and Benefits Manager, gave a detailed summary of the university’s benefits program. One of the highlights of her presentation was the Retirement Fund, where she discussed the many withdrawal choices accessible to employees in the event of resignation, retirement, dismissal, or death. She also stressed the value of Group Life Insurance and Risk Benefits, which safeguard employees and their families during times of crisis.
Ms Tambani further highlighted the Financial Study Support programme offered to staff and their dependents, allowing them to further their education. She also took the time to discuss the university’s leave benefits, emphasising the joint responsibility between employees and line managers to manage these entitlements effectively. A key takeaway from her presentation was the critical importance of beneficiary nomination forms, which ensure that staff members’ benefits are distributed according to their wishes in the event of death.
Several staff members raised pertinent questions during the Q&A session following Ms Tambani’s presentation. One participant asked about the type of leave available for staff members who have lost a close family member. Ms Tambani clarified that such staff members qualify for family responsibility leave. Should additional days be required beyond the family responsibility leave, staff would need to use their annual leave to cover the extra time off.
A notable exchange also occurred when a member of the Protection Services Department expressed concern about leave during the university’s December shutdown period. The participant indicated that as a security officer and administrator for Protection Services, they frequently worked until 23 December and questioned why they needed to apply for leave when the institution was closed. They were frustrated that they would have to conserve their limited 15 days of annual leave until December, which they believed was unfair.
In response, Ms Tambani explained that according to the university’s policy, only staff members required to work during the shutdown period, such as security officers and essential maintenance staff in an emergency, are expected to take leave for the days they would have worked. She highlighted that emergency instances will be handled at management’s discretion.
Ms Lanese du Plessis, the 4D-Health Representative and the currently appointed health care consultant for VUT, offered a detailed overview of the various medical assistance alternatives available to workers. She told attendees that assistance from medical aid professionals on campus would be readily available, allowing staff to make informed decisions about their health care. In addition to the medical aid information, Ms du Plessis announced that the university would organise a wellness day for staff to promote health and well-being across the campus. She encouraged all employees to participate in the event, as it would be a valuable opportunity for staff to engage in wellness activities and learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Ms Danielle Taylor from Bonitas also provided significant insights into the many choices available to staff members through Bonitas Medical Aid, expanding the range of options available.
The session concluded with an address from the Acting HR Executive Director, Mr George Mvalo, who thanked all attendees for their participation and underscored the significance of continuously staying informed about HR benefits and services.
