Deputy Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Bogus Colleges

Strategic Insights -

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening the campaign against bogus colleges ahead of the 2026 academic year application season. Gondwe led an intergovernmental awareness campaign in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, East London, Eastern Cape, which aimed to assist students and parents in avoiding illegal higher education institutions. The campaign involved participation from various government departments and entities, including the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, and South African Qualifications Authority.

Key Takeaways:

  • The campaign against bogus colleges aims to assist students and parents in avoiding illegal higher education institutions, which not only rob them of their hard-earned money but also deprive them of the opportunity to obtain a legitimate qualification.
  • Private higher education institutions play a critical role in the education system, but they must do so legally by being registered and offering programmes that are accredited by quality assurance bodies such as Umalusi and Quality Council for Trades and Occupations.
  • The Deputy Minister ensured scrutiny of four private higher education institutions identified with significant challenges related to infrastructure and lack of accreditation for certain programmes.
  • She announced that her office is working on establishing formal partnerships with law enforcement agencies to promote safety on campuses and combat the spread of bogus colleges, including a Memorandum of Agreement with the South African Police Service.
  • The campaign concluded with a visit to Ebenezer Majombozi High School, where learners were educated on how to identify legitimate institutions and avoid falling prey to scams during the 2026 application season.

Statistics:

  • 50 TVET colleges and 26 public universities in South Africa can only accommodate a limited number of students, highlighting the importance of private institutions in the education system.
  • 4 private higher education institutions were identified with significant challenges related to infrastructure and lack of accreditation for certain programmes during the course of the campaign.
  • The Deputy Minister's office is working on finalizing a Memorandum of Agreement with the South African Police Service to promote safety on campuses and combat the spread of bogus colleges.

Sources:

  • SAnews.gov.za: Deputy Minister reaffirms commitment to combating bogus colleges
  • SAnews.gov.za: Deputy Minister leads intergovernmental awareness campaign against bogus colleges