2005 Annual Report

The year 2005 was a notable year for the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). In its first full year of integration, the University continued building stability and the commitment of staff to the merger. Based on public commentary, it is clear that the merger is seen as a model for Higher Education institutions.

Just 12 months previously, the new academic leadership of the University had been appointed. The Executive, the Deanery and Heads of Schools were rationalised, resulting in half of the Deans and Heads of Schools being newly appointed. They have undergone a steep learning curve but have performed well and kept cool heads under challenging circumstances. Two years into one of the most stable and exciting mergers, their committed and dedicated leadership has paid off. The student leadership has also been outstanding. They have had to make hard choices on many issues but have elected to make those choices that enhance and support the vision and mission of UKZN.

Members of the Executive have gone through an exhaustive performance evaluation in which a pool of 46 senior staff drawn from the academic and support sector participated. This is an important exercise and forerunner to the establishment of a University-wide Performance Management System. Council approved the document entitled “Principles Regulating the Organisational Structure and the Placing of Staff” and a Matching and Placing Exercise took place towards the end of 2005. The exercise assisted management to improve its database and provide job descriptions and further stabilise the University.

For the first time in the history of our University, we also have a good measure of the integrated University financial resources at our disposal. All budget holders have been consulted and participated in the budgeting process and are committed to creating a ‘healthy and sustainable budget’ into the future. The 2004 Annual Financial Statements were approved by Council and released to the University
Community