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Cabinet officials

Strengthening the Fight Against Bogus Colleges: South African Government Takes Action

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has reinforced her commitment to combating bogus colleges in South Africa by announcing plans to strengthen the awareness campaign ahead of the 2026 academic year applications period. During a two-day campaign in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, East London, Deputy Minister Gondwe engaged with local stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, quality assurance bodies, and representatives from institutions of higher education. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of bogus colleges and promote safety on campuses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Deputy Minister Gondwe has pledged to enhance the impact of the bogus colleges awareness campaign ahead of the 2026 academic year applications period.
  • The two-day campaign in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, East London, involved partnership with law enforcement agencies, quality assurance bodies, and institutions of higher education.
  • Deputy Minister Gondwe emphasized the importance of private higher education institutions adhering to legal requirements, citing a need for registered and accredited programs to cater to a large student population.
  • The campaign identified significant challenges related to infrastructure and accreditation of learning programs in three private institutions.
  • Working together with campaign partners, Deputy Minister Gondwe ensured the scrutiny of identified institutions to ensure full compliance.
  • A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with SAPS is being finalized to promote safety on campuses and combat the spread of bogus colleges.
  • The partnership also aims to address issues of Gender-Based Violence in higher education institutions.

Statistics:

  • There are 50 TVET colleges and 26 public universities in South Africa, which can only accommodate a limited number of students.
  • Private institutions of higher education play a significant role in enrolling students whose parents can afford it, but they must be registered and offer accredited programs.
  • The Department of Higher Education and Training is working with law enforcement agencies to build a partnership to combat the spread of bogus colleges and promote safety on campuses.

Sources:

  • "Cape Town: Government of South Africa has issued the following news release: The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has committed to further strengthening and enhancing the impact of the bogus colleges awareness campaign ahead of the 2026 academic year applications period." [Source: Department of Higher Education and Training]
  • "Deputy Minister Gondwe was joined by the Buffalo City Metro MMC for Human Settlements, Cllr Malibongwe Mfazwe, the South African Police Services (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Employment and Labour, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and Umalusi." [Source: Department of Higher Education and Training]
  • "The campaign will proceed in East London on Tuesday, 15 July 2025 with a planned visit to promote awareness about bogus or illegal colleges before the 2026 application season at Ebenezer Majombozi High School." [Source: Department of Higher Education and Training]

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