Deputy Minister Mimmy Gondwe Warns of Bogus Tertiary Institutions Preying on Desperate Post-Matric Students in South Africa

Navigating South Africa's Post-Matric Landscape

Post-matric refers to the period immediately after completing the National Senior Certificate (NSC), South Africa's grade 12 qualification. For many, this marks the transition from school to tertiary education or the workforce. However, with only about 40% of matriculants securing places at public universities or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, private tertiary institutions fill a critical gap.

Yet, high unemployment rates exacerbate the issue. Statistics South Africa reports that even matriculants face a 47.6% unemployment rate, pushing many toward affordable private options. This desperation creates fertile ground for scams, where students invest time and money in worthless qualifications.

Defining Bogus Tertiary Institutions

Bogus tertiary institutions, also known as fake or unregistered colleges, are private higher education providers operating without approval from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Unlike legitimate ones, they lack registration under the Higher Education Act of 1997, meaning their qualifications hold no legal or professional value.

These entities may claim accreditation from bodies like the Council on Higher Education (CHE) or South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), but upon scrutiny, such claims are fabricated. They often target rural areas or townships, advertising via social media, flyers, or word-of-mouth with promises of 'fast-track' diplomas.

Tactics Employed by Fraudulent Colleges

Fraudsters lure students with low entry requirements, flexible schedules, and guarantees of job placement or NSFAS funding eligibility. They mimic legitimate branding, using names similar to registered institutions, and issue certificates that look authentic but fail verification.

Common lures include:

• Fees as low as R5,000 per year, far below market rates.
• Promises of recognition by employers and professional bodies.
• High pass rates and 'guaranteed' graduation.
• Fake testimonials and forged accreditation letters.

Once enrolled, students may receive minimal instruction, if any, before vanishing or closing abruptly.

Case Studies: Real Victims and Shutdowns

In March 2025, eNCA exposed bogus colleges in Durban, where students paid thousands for nursing diplomas that employers rejected. One victim lost R15,000 and two years of her life.

November 2025 saw Deputy Minister Gondwe personally shutting down the Mhlabuhlangene School of African Medicine in Ladysmith, an illegal traditional medicine provider. A multi-agency campaign in July 2025 targeted Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal hotspots, closing several operations.

These cases highlight a pattern: over 100 such institutions identified since 2020, with ongoing raids in 2026.

Impacts on Students, Families, and Economy

The fallout is profound. Students waste 1-3 years and R10,000-R50,000, delaying careers amid 33% national unemployment. Families face debt, emotional distress, and eroded trust in education.

Broader effects include flooded job markets with invalid qualifications, straining legitimate institutions, and taxpayer losses via misallocated NSFAS funds—estimated at billions in related fraud. SAQA reported nearly 1,000 fraudulent qualification cases in 2018 alone, with numbers rising.

Government's Response and Enforcement Measures

DHET maintains updated registers: the Register of Private Higher Education Institutions and Private Colleges (latest January 23, 2026), divided into fully registered (Section A) and provisional (Section B).

Law enforcement collaborations have led to arrests and closures. Gondwe's initiatives include help desks and public awareness campaigns via radio, social media, and schools.

Step-by-Step Verification Process

To avoid scams:

1. Visit DHET registers to confirm institution registration.
2. Check CHE accreditation for programmes at Council on Higher Education.
3. Verify qualification on SAQA's NLRD via VeriSearch.
4. Request site inspection reports or DHET reference numbers.
5. Contact DHET helpline: 0800 87 2222.

For career advice, explore opportunities on higher education jobs or university jobs platforms.

Red Flags: Spotting Fraudulent Signs

• No physical address or unverifiable location.
• Qualifications not on National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
• Pressure to pay upfront without contracts.
• Absence from official registers.
• Promises too good to be true, like 100% job placement.

Parents should attend open days and consult teachers.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Challenges

Universities South Africa (USAf) echoes DHET concerns, noting integrity threats. Student organizations like SASCO advocate for expanded public TVET capacity. Challenges persist in rural enforcement and digital advertising on platforms like Facebook.

For professor ratings and course insights, visit Rate My Professor.

Photo by Proper Quality Shandis on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Solutions

With 2026 enrolments underway, intensified monitoring and digital verification tools are planned. Expanding TVET and skills programs via SETAs offers alternatives. Students can pursue legitimate paths through higher ed career advice.

By prioritizing verification, South Africa can safeguard its youth's future.