By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE-Minister of higher education, science and innovation, Blade Nzimande warns Students seeking study opportunities at various higher education institutions to be careful of unaccredited or fly-by-night private institutions in South Africa.
According to the minister, these colleges are not registered as institutions of learning with the correct Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) or other relevant bodies.
“These institutions lure and mislead future students into believing that these colleges offer qualifications that are recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA),” said Nzimande.
“Illegal colleges offer compromised qualifications which are not recognised for employment purposes or for further studying,” added Nzimande.
He went on to add that the department has been successful in shutting down these illegal operators.
Nzimande said that while his department is working to eliminate these unregistered colleges, students often still continue to register and receive fake qualifications.
The minister said that the department is working closely with law enforcement agencies to close down on these colleges.
Students who want to enrol at private colleges must check the registration status of such private colleges with the department through its toll-free number 0800-872-222, Nzimande said.
