In the bustling heart of Randburg Central Business District (CBD), a decisive operation unfolded on February 20, 2026, targeting illegal and unregistered colleges preying on aspiring students. Led by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, this intergovernmental campaign marked a bold step in safeguarding South Africa's post-school education landscape. Partnering with the City of Johannesburg, South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Home Affairs, Department of Employment and Labour, South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), Council on Higher Education (CHE), and Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), the initiative combined public awareness with on-site inspections.
The event kicked off at Randburg Library with an awareness drive, educating prospective students and parents on red flags of fraudulent institutions. Attendees learned how to verify legitimacy via the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) registers. From there, teams moved to surprise visits at suspected sites, exposing non-compliance and protecting vulnerable learners from scams that promise quick qualifications but deliver worthless papers.
Key Targets and Immediate Shutdowns
The operation zeroed in on two prominent sites: Taal-Net St Peter's and National Computer College (NCC). At NCC, officials discovered the institution offered unaccredited computer literacy programs, charging students up to R8,000 for certificates that hold no value in the job market. With 30 enrolled learners impacted, Deputy Minister Gondwe declared it non-compliant, ordering immediate closure pending proper accreditation.
The college owner admitted lacking QCTO accreditation, claiming it bridged gaps for school dropouts entering the workforce. However, Gondwe emphasized that such operations rob families—often rural parents selling livestock or land—of hard-earned savings while wasting students' time. Other sites on Kent Avenue and Bond Street were flagged for poor conditions and overcharging (R5,000+ for undelivered quals), with warnings issued.
Affected students like Lisette Kalunga, who paid R1,000 monthly since December, and Keamogetswe Khalo, enrolled for a R12,000 12-month course, voiced frustration. Khalo plans to demand a refund and pivot to pilot training if confirmed bogus, highlighting the personal toll.
Student Stories: Real Lives Disrupted
Behind the raids are heartbreaking narratives. Many students, unable to secure public university spots amid fierce competition (760,000 matric passes vs. 230,000 placements), turn to private colleges. Bogus ones exploit this desperation, enrolling thousands annually with false promises.
Khalo shared her dream of aviation, now at risk. Kalunga sought basic skills for employment. These cases underscore how fake institutions derail careers, leaving graduates unemployable and perpetuating poverty cycles. Parents' sacrifices—selling assets for fees—compound the emotional damage. For more on legitimate career paths, explore higher ed career advice.
The National Scourge of Bogus Colleges
Bogus colleges thrive in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga, hotspots for unregistered operators. Since 2016, DHET campaigns shut down over 50, with arrests of 40+ operators, including international links. Yet, nearly 100 fraudulent sites persist, luring matriculants during peak registration.
These entities issue fake National Certificate Vocational (NCV) or Higher Certificates, mimicking legit formats. Links to crime—money laundering, human trafficking—emerge, per Gondwe. Economically, fake quals erode workforce skills, costing productivity and trust in SAQA/DHET systems.
Statistics Revealing the Scale
Exact 2026 figures pending, but trends alarm: thousands affected yearly, with Gauteng alone hosting dozens. 2025 saw intensified raids post-matric results. Public TVET/unis accommodate ~30% of qualifiers; rest vulnerable to scams. Losses: R millions in fees, years wasted—equivalent to economic sabotage.
- 760,000+ matric passes annually; ~230,000 university spots.
- 50+ bogus closed since 2016; 40+ arrests.
- Near 100 fraudulent identified recently.
- Impacts: Unemployable grads, poverty cycle, ~R8,000/student loss (NCC example).
Check DHET registers for verification.
Government's Coordinated Crackdown Strategy
This Randburg op is Phase 1 of a two-phase national drive. Phase 2: Enforcement raids. Multi-agency model—SAPS raids, Home Affairs immigration checks, Labour compliance—ensures holistic takedowns. Gondwe: "Battle on many fronts; police support key to success."
DHET helpline (0800 872 2222), WhatsApp (081 308 4196) aids reporting. Public encouraged to report suspicions. For jobs at legit institutions, see higher ed jobs.
How Bogus Colleges Operate and Their Devastating Impacts
Operators mimic legit branding, advertise flashy campuses online, charge high fees for short courses. No qualified staff, poor facilities. Impacts:
- Financial: R5k-R12k lost per student; families ruined.
- Career: Fake quals rejected by employers/SAQA.
- Social: Youth unemployment (50%+ under 25), dashed dreams.
- Economy: Unskilled workforce, productivity dip, crime facilitation.
Per experts, fake creds harm competitiveness, trust. Rate professors at legit unis via Rate My Professor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Verifying Legitimate Colleges
- Visit DHET website; download 'Register of Private Higher Education Institutions' (latest 2026) and 'Register of Private Colleges' (Jan 23, 2026).
- Check SAQA for qualification status.
- Confirm CHE/QCTO accreditation for programs.
- Call DHET helpline 0800 872 2222.
- Avoid if no physical address, high-pressure sales, unreal promises.
Report via WhatsApp 081 308 4196.
Past Successes and Ongoing Challenges
DHET raids closed dozens; 2025 Durban ops echoed Randburg. Yet, proliferation persists amid placement shortages. Gondwe vows intensified multi-agency ops nationwide. Legit private colleges vital for expansion; distinguish via registers.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Solutions
Gov: Proactive protection. Students: Demand refunds legally. Legit colleges: Welcome scrutiny. Experts urge digital verification tools, NSFAS integration checks. Solutions: Expand TVET/unis, awareness campaigns, harsher penalties.
Explore SA higher ed opportunities.
Photo by Brian Lundquist on Unsplash
Future Outlook: A Safer Higher Ed Landscape
With Gondwe's leadership, expect more raids, tech verification. Students: Prioritize registered paths for real quals, jobs. Parents: Verify first. SA's youth deserve genuine opportunities.
Secure careers via higher ed jobs, university jobs, rate my professor, higher ed career advice.