Institutional Forum
The Institutional Forum (IF) is a statutory body, established in terms of the Higher Education Act of 1997 and Section 40 of the CPUT Statute. The IF is elected from a broad range of stakeholders, and includes representatives from inter alia Senate, Executive Management, external councillors, academic and non-academic staff, unions and students.
Roles and responsibilities
The function of the IF is to deliberate and advise Council on a wide range of issues affecting the institution. The Higher Education Act specifically notes as part of the IF’s brief:
- national policy
- race and gender equity policies
- selection of candidates for senior management positions
- codes of conduct and procedures for dispute resolution
- fostering an institutional culture of respect and tolerance
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the implementation of the Higher Education Act and national policy on higher education
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other functions as may be delegated or assigned to it by council
Institutional Forum members
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Two members of the Council who are not employees or students of the Institution | |
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Adv Diane Yach |
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Mr Fabian Ah Sign |
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Two members of the Senate | |
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Prof Visvanathan Naicker |
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Mr Shoni Khangala |
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Two members from Management | |
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Prof Paul Green |
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Ms Prem Coopoo |
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One member of Convocation | |
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Mr Sonwabile Fisa |
Deputy Chair - IF |
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One member of Student Services Council | |
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Mr F Ah Sign |
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Transformation Office | |
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Ms Nonkosi Tyolwana |
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Two members of CPUEU | |
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Vacant |
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Vacant |
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Two members of NTEU | |
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Ignatius John |
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Two members of NEHAWU | |
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Mr Alvino Moses |
Chairperson IF |
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Two members of NPSWU | |
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Zimisele Mlumiso |
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Zonke Nyaniso |
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Two students designated by the SRC anually | |
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Ms Nonele Ganyile |
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Mr Nanga Codana |
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Two members representing the Non-Academic Employees | |
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Mr Clement Matasane |
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Mr Dillen Nel |
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Two members representing the Academic Employees | |
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Dr Mujahid Aziz |
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Institutional Forum Code of Conduct
The IF at CPUT grew out of the old Transformation Forums. While it is now a statutory body, it still retains much of its earlier culture and traditions. The IF
- provides a Forum to a very wide range of stakeholders — probably more so than any other single entity in the University,
- strives to provide a non-threatening environment where all members of the CPUT community and its stakeholders can freely express their opinions,
- values the opinions of all members, and places a premium on honest and open contributions,
- has a tradition of open and robust debate,
- operates in a spirit of collegial respect for the viewpoints of other members, and
- values professionalism.
The IF has always strived for consensus rather than winner-takes-all democracy in formulating its position and consequent advice to Council. It is very rare for votes to be taken at IF meetings.
In order to promote an environment wherein debate can be robust yet respectful and considerate yet productive, the IF will:
- make its minutes (once ratified) available to anybody who wishes to see them,
- treat the detail of discussions as privileged and count on members to respect that,
- welcome visitors and observers to its meetings (excepting the rare meetings that need to be confidential for good reason), and
- count on members to arrive at meetings prepared and — having previously consulted with their constituencies and stakeholders — with required mandates.
