In South Africa, the decision to pursue further education, whether at a university, college, or technical training centre, is a significant step towards a brighter future and often comes at a significant cost to the individual and their family. But with the increasing number of options available, students often face the daunting task of identifying authentic institutions amid a landscape riddled with bogus colleges and training centres.
It’s not only traditional universities that fraudulent operators target. Artisans, security officers, and other skilled tradespeople are also vulnerable to unaccredited colleges offering quick, “quick-result” courses that don’t meet required standards. These bogus institutions pose a serious threat to students’ future careers, as they often promise qualifications without providing proper training or assessments.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is committed to fighting this threat. Recently, in East London, Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe launched a rigorous monitoring initiative, visiting colleges in East London and, Eastern Cape, to ensure compliance with minimum standards. Similar inspections have already been carried out in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Some colleges are failing to meet basic compliance standards, risking the credibility of South Africa’s educational system. These institutions often operate without proper facilities, qualified staff, or accredited programmes, and they target unsuspecting students eager for legitimate opportunities. Students enrolled in these unverified colleges frequently face uncertainty about their academic outcomes, future employment prospects, and even the financial investments and potential debt they will incur for some time in the future.
Another notable example is the recent controversy surrounding PSIRA-registered security training centres. PSIRA has issued warnings about a rising trend of bogus centres advertising “same-day certification” courses on social media. These centres often lure learners with false promises but fail to meet accreditation standards.
Enrolling at unaccredited Training Centres can be costly. Learners may lose the money paid upfront, and if they fail to meet the requirements or their certificates aren’t recognised, they won’t qualify for official registration or employment.
Employers also play a crucial role in safeguarding their workforce and reputation by screening for genuine qualifications. Here’s what you should ensure is included in your employee screening policy:
- Verify Credentials: Confirm that candidates’ qualifications are from accredited and recognised institutions. Use the online verification tools of official bodies, such as PSIRA or the Department of Higher Education and Training.
- Request Certification Numbers & Proof: Always ask for original certification documents that display accreditation details.
If you suspect a college or training centre is operating fraudulently, you can report it to:
- The DHET website (www.dhet.gov.za) provides information on registered institutions, and the toll-free number to report issues or verify institutions is 0800 872 222.
- PSIRA: through their official website https://lnkd.in/dMZrQN28
- South African Police Service (SAPS): for criminal activity related to fraud or unregistered providers
Choosing a legitimate educational or skills training institution is crucial for safeguarding your future, and for employers, ensuring they hire qualified, competent personnel.
Students, the government and employers alike must stay vigilant and actively work to shut down bogus colleges. Always verify, cross-check, and support only accredited providers.
Remember: the future starts with making informed decisions today.
