Mpe Ngcosane

Experienced Employee Relations specialist with expertise in Labour Relations, Labour Law, and Dispute Resolution. Over 30 years of professional experience in labour relations, employee relations management, and CCMA/Bargaining Council representation. Currently serving as ER Specialist at University of Cape Town with background in government, public enterprises, and educational institutions.

ER Specialist at University of Cape Town (2023-08 – Present)

• Case management, including representing the University internally and externally (e.g., CCMA)
• Liaise with the University external attorneys and ensuring that Line Managers and HRBP's are well prepared for the cases
• Stakeholder engagement
• Training, coaching, and mentoring of HRBP's and Line Managers in respect of range of ER related services
• Providing advisory service to HRBP's and clients
• Servicing sub consultative forum including minutes writing
• Reviewing and maintaining policies and procedures
• Dealing with any interlocutory applications on behalf of the University
• Dealing with all misconduct matters incl. sexual harassment, bullying, etc.
• Provide training to staff members on policies
• Serve on Advisory Panel in relation to bullying complaint/policy
• Acting as ER Manager in the event the ER Manager is on leave

Labour Relations Officer (Part Time) at Maluti TVET College (2016-10 – 2023-07)

• Responsible for all labour related matters incl. investigations
• CCMA & Bargaining Council representation
• Prosecuting at internal disciplinary hearings and other TVET Colleges
• Chairing of disciplinary hearings at other TVET Colleges
• Advising the Principal and Management on labour matters and/or disputes
• Dealing with grievances
• Advising on policy formulation and policies
• Research on recent labour trends
• Advice staff on ethical conduct
• Ensuring smooth relationship between employer and organised labour
• Facilitation of training on policies, Code of Conduct and other employee relations training
• Assists with drafting of contracts of employment especially fixed term
• Compiling of monthly, quarterly and yearly ER reports
• Dealing with any interlocutory applications on behalf of the employer
• Misconduct investigations including fraud, corruption, unethical behaviour etc.

Part time Panellist at GPSSBC (2014-10 – Present)

ER Specialist at South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) (2015-04 – 2016-05)

• Responsible for the collective bargaining process and associated structures
• Review substantive agreements and support the organisation in monitoring compliance and implementation
• Facilitate operational and tactical meetings with the union to ensure resolution of matters discussed
• Liaise with union representatives/officials regarding union rights
• Ensure that bargaining structures subscribe to legislative requirements
• Develop frameworks and forums to harmonise the employee, union and employer relationship
• Advice on disciplinary and grievance procedures
• Research trends in the labour relations discipline and advice management on alignment and compliance
• Analyse case law and draft opinions for case preparations
• Investigate necessary authorities and advice management on the course of action, presenting impact of decisions
• Conduct an analysis of industry trends and practices in order to identify best practices
• Review and audit employment policies and procedures to ensure alignment with legislation
• Facilitate consultation processes with employees, union representatives and management on changes to conditions of employment
• Identify employee relations needs and gaps and facilitate the relevant training/workshops as subject matter expert
• Liaise with CCMA and other stakeholders on disciplinary, bargaining and compliance matters
• Represent the group at the CCMA
• Manage discipline and grievances within the group
• Provide expert advice to management including the CEO on labour related issues

Assistant Director: Employee Relations - Disciplinary Matters at Department of Police, Roads & Transport (2011-11 – 2014-07)

• Implementation and reviewing of labour related policies, procedures, practices and strategies
• Provide high quality labour relations services and advice to Managers
• Advice employees on labour related matters
• Ensure proper and accurate record keeping mechanism in respect of all disciplinary and disputes handled within the department
• Facilitate resolution of grievances, training and awareness programmes to staff on the disciplinary code, grievance procedure and the code of conduct
• Ensure compliance with the labour relations policy framework, procedures and legislation
• Identify labour relations training needs, trends and propose corrective measures
• Conduct misconduct investigations (i.e. corruption, fraud, theft, etc.)
• Represent the department at the disciplinary hearings
• Chairing of disciplinary hearing within the department and in another department
• Represent the department at the Bargaining Council and/or CCMA

Part Time Panellist at ELRC (2011-07 – 2012-03)

Panellist at SALGBC (2010-11 – 2011-03)

Level A Commissioner at CCMA (2006-01 – 2010-04)

Protective Services Officer at Rand Water (1990-02 – 2005-12)

National Senior Certificate – UNISA (1989 – 1989)

Course in Labour Relations Management – UNISA (2001 – 2001)

Development Programme in Labour Relations – UNISA SBL (2002 – 2002)

Advanced Labour Law Programme in Labour Law – UNISA (2003 – 2003)

Certificate in Labour Law (NQF level 6) – University of Johannesburg (2013 – 2013)

Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law (NQF 7) – University of Johannesburg (2014 – 2014)

Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice & Forensic Investigations – University of Johannesburg (2015 – 2015)

Trial Advocacy Training – BLC (2022 – 2022)

Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law (Dispute Resolution - NQF8) – University of the Western Cape (2024 – 2024)