Deputy Minister Warns Students to Beware of Bogus Colleges

Protecting Students’ Futures: How to Identify Legitimate Private Colleges in South Africa

Deputy Minister’s Warning Against Bogus Colleges

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, has issued a stern warning to students and parents to be vigilant against the threat of bogus and illegal private colleges. These institutions exploit students’ aspirations, offering unrecognised qualifications that waste time, resources, and hinder future employment opportunities.

Dr. Gondwe raised these concerns during an awareness campaign in Johannesburg, aimed at exposing such unscrupulous practices and safeguarding the integrity of the education system.

Identifying Legitimate Colleges

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) provided essential tips to identify legitimate private colleges:

1. DHET Registration Certificate: Verify that the college is registered and displays its certificate prominently.
2. Accredited Qualifications: Ensure the qualification you desire is listed on the registration certificate.
3. Transparent Faculty Information: Legitimate institutions provide detailed teaching staff qualifications.
4. Facility Standards: Confirm that the campus facilities meet educational and training needs.
5. Clear Contracts: Carefully review contracts to understand your responsibilities and avoid disputes.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

• Is the campus site registered with DHET?
• Do the brochure’s qualifications match those on the certificate?
• How does the private college compare to public institutions?

Campaign Highlights

The awareness campaign, held in partnership with the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), also focused on ensuring compliance with environmental health, building control, and land use by-laws. Irene Mafune, CoJ’s Citizen Relationship and Urban Management Regional Director, emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration, including law enforcement and educators, to curb fraudulent activities.

How to Verify a College

To verify a private college’s legitimacy, students and parents can contact the DHET through the following channels:

• Email: DMSdesk@dhet.gov.za or Callcentre@dhet.gov.za
• Call: 0800 872 222

National Effort to Combat Fraud

Dr. Gondwe emphasized that this issue affects the entire country, not just Johannesburg. She urged learners and parents to remain vigilant, as bogus colleges undermine the future prospects of students and compromise South Africa’s education standards.

By taking proactive steps, students can safeguard their academic and career aspirations.

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