Page 73 - DUT Annual Report 2020

DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY ANNUAL REPORT 2020
COUNCIL STATEMENT ON GOVERNANCE
COUNCIL
In accordance with Regulations for Annual Reporting by Public Higher Education Institutions published in Government Notice No. R. 464 in Government Gazette No. 37726 of 09 June 2014, the DUT Council is required to present this statement on governance. In this statement we provide a brief overview of the University’s governance structures, legal status and corporate governance practice.
The composition, powers and responsibilities of the Council are in accordance with the legal framework provided by the Higher Education Act No. 101 of 1997 (as amended in 2016), and DUT’s Statute. In addition, relevant legislation and approved internal policies and procedures governing the use of public finances are adhered to. The Code of Conduct for Council members serves to regulate the conduct of members of Council, particularly in relation to conflicts of interest. The Code is applied should there be lapses or perceived lapses in good conduct on the part of members of Council.
Adherence to this framework ensures that, as a collective and in keeping with our Stewardship Perspective and our values and principles, we conduct University business in accordance with the law and proper standards, and that finances are safeguarded and properly accounted for and used economically and efficiently. The Chair of Council’s Report explains how the University has complied with the stipulated governance framework for the year 2020.
The Council’s responsibilities include the ongoing strategic direction of the University, approval of the budget, major developments and policies, and the receipt of regular reports from Executive Management on the day-to-day operations of the University. Council comprises 30 members, 19 (63%) of whom are external members who are neither employees nor students of DUT. The role of the Chairperson of Council is clearly separated from that of the University’s Chief Executive, the Vice-Chancellor.
Owing to initial challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Council sat for
two scheduled meetings and one special meeting. The Executive Committee continued to meet between sittings of the Council. All decisions taken by the Executive Committee were ratified by the full Council when it met.
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
In discharging its overall responsibility, DUT Council is also responsible for putting in place proper arrangements for the governance of university affairs and facilitating the effective exercising of its functions through Council Committees. Through them, the Council secures good governance and continuous improvement in the way in which the University exercises its functions.
All Council Committees are formally constituted with terms of reference and comprise mainly external members. In addition, one external Council member serves on the University’s Student Services Board, two external Council members serve on the Senate, IF and Professorial Appeals Committee, and the Chairperson of Council and three external and two internal members serve on the Electoral College for Chancellor.
The functions of the Council Committees are detailed below.
Executive Committee of Council (EXCO)
EXCO functions in accordance with the authority delegated to it by Council, with subsequent reporting to Council. The specific functions of EXCO are as follows:
(a) Takes decisions on behalf of Council that, by virtue of their urgency, cannot be delayed.
(b) Deliberates on any matter that, in the opinion of the Chairperson (which may be in consultation with the Vice-Chancellor) should be served at EXCO for consideration prior to serving at Council.
(c) Monitors the functionality of Council Committees on behalf of Council, in such manner as it deems fit.
(d) Acts as the Remuneration Committee of Council.
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