Deputy Minister Gondwe Takes Decisive Action in Tshwane

On March 3, 2026, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, led a high-profile intergovernmental crackdown on bogus colleges in the heart of Pretoria's Central Business District (CBD) within the City of Tshwane. Partnering with Gauteng MEC for Education, Mr. Matome Chiloane, and various law enforcement agencies, the operation targeted unregistered private higher education institutions preying on prospective students ahead of the 2026 academic year. This multi-agency effort underscores the government's renewed commitment to safeguarding vulnerable youth from educational scams that promise qualifications but deliver only financial ruin.

The initiative builds on recent successes, including the February 20 shutdown of an illegal college in Randburg, Johannesburg. During the Tshwane raid, officials inspected several suspected sites, verifying registration status and accreditation. Dr. Gondwe emphasized the urgency, stating that such operations are vital as matriculants from the Class of 2025 finalize their post-school plans. With limited spaces in South Africa's 26 public universities and 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, private providers fill a gap—but only legitimate ones contribute meaningfully to skills development.

This action highlights the collaborative approach: South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Home Affairs, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and local metro authorities pooling resources to dismantle fraudulent networks. Early reports indicate several institutions were flagged for lacking Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) registration, rendering their offerings invalid for employment or further study.

Understanding Bogus Colleges: A Persistent Scourge in South African Higher Education

Bogus colleges, also known as unregistered or fake higher education institutions, operate without approval from the DHET or relevant quality councils. These entities falsely advertise National Qualifications Framework (NQF)-aligned diplomas, degrees, and certificates, often mimicking legitimate providers. In South Africa, where youth unemployment hovers around 45% for those aged 15-34, the allure of quick, affordable qualifications draws desperate applicants—particularly those unplaced at public institutions after high-stakes matric results.

Unlike accredited colleges, bogus ones evade oversight from bodies like the Council on Higher Education (CHE) for degrees, Umalusi for school-level qualifications, Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) for occupational trades, and South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for verification. They typically charge upfront fees ranging from R5,000 to R20,000 per program, deliver substandard or no instruction, and issue worthless parchments. The problem has escalated with the high 2025 matric pass rate, leaving thousands seeking alternatives and ripe for exploitation.

Historical data reveals over 200 such institutions identified nationwide, with hotspots in Gauteng, including Tshwane and Johannesburg. These scams not only undermine the post-school education and training (PSET) sector but erode public trust in legitimate private higher education, which enrolls over 200,000 students annually when compliant.

Dr. Gondwe's Leadership: From Awareness to Enforcement

Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, a dedicated advocate for equitable access to quality education, has spearheaded multiple campaigns since her appointment. Her two-phase intergovernmental efforts—starting in Randburg and culminating in Tshwane—demonstrate a shift from awareness to tangible enforcement. In July 2025, she launched a similar drive in Buffalo City, East London, partnering with SAPS and NPA to inspect four private institutions, three of which faced accreditation probes.

Gondwe's strategy emphasizes prevention through education. She frequently addresses high schools, warning learners: "Private institutions play a crucial role, but only if registered and accredited. Don't let scammers rob you of your future." Her office is finalizing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with SAPS to regulate the sector and combat related issues like gender-based violence on campuses. This proactive stance positions her as a champion against higher education fraud, aligning with national goals for a skilled workforce.

Stakeholders praise her approach. Universities South Africa (USAf) notes that crackdowns protect the ecosystem, while TVET college principals report increased inquiries from wary applicants redirecting to verified programs. Gondwe's visits to institutions like Tshwane South TVET College further integrate enforcement with promotion of legitimate pathways.

Recent Victories: Shutting Down Fraud in Gauteng Hotspots

The Tshwane operation follows the high-impact Randburg raid on February 20, where a non-compliant college was padlocked. Officials discovered no DHET registration, fake SETA affiliations, and unqualified staff. This marks one of over 50 closures since 2016, alongside 40 arrests for fraud. In Randburg CBD alone, multiple sites were raided, with City of Johannesburg MMC for Education providing logistical support.

These actions yield results: Near 100 fraudulent entities flagged recently across Gauteng. In one case, students recovered partial fees after intervention. Enforcement teams use a checklist—physical address verification, staff credentials, program accreditation—to swiftly identify violations. Post-raid, DHET issues public warnings, urging refunds and reporting via its toll-free helpline (0800 87 2222).

Comparative data shows Gauteng bears 40% of national bogus cases, driven by urban density and matriculant influx. Success stories bolster confidence, with compliant private colleges reporting stabilized enrollments.

How Bogus Colleges Prey on South Africa's Youth

These scams follow a predictable pattern: Aggressive marketing via social media, flyers, and WhatsApp groups targeting unplaced matriculants. Promises of "fast-track diplomas" in high-demand fields like nursing, IT, and business administration lure victims with flexible schedules and NSFAS compatibility claims—both false. Enrollment involves cash payments, minimal vetting, and sporadic online "lectures" from unqualified tutors.

• Step 1: Fake websites mimicking legit providers, listing unaccredited programs.
• Step 2: Upfront fees without contracts or refunds.
• Step 3: Delivery of digital certificates post-payment, unverifiable by SAQA.
• Step 4: Ghosting when complaints arise.

Cultural context amplifies vulnerability: In townships around Tshwane, family pressures for upward mobility push youth toward any "opportunity." Scammers exploit post-matric anxiety, with 30% of 2025 passers unplaced at universities.

Expert opinions from SAQA highlight digital proliferation—fake sites surge 25% yearly. Solutions include digital literacy in schools.

Photo by Brelyn Bashrum on Unsplash

The Human Cost: Stories, Stats, and Long-Term Damage

Victims face profound losses. A 2025 eNCA report detailed Durban students stranded with invalid diplomas after two years and R15,000 invested, unable to secure entry-level jobs. In Gauteng, similar tales abound: A Pretoria mother sold her car for a "nursing diploma" that employers rejected, trapping her daughter in unemployment.

Statistics paint a grim picture: DHET estimates R100 million+ lost annually to scams. 70% of victims from low-income households, perpetuating inequality. Unemployable grads swell youth joblessness, costing the economy billions in lost productivity. Mental health impacts are severe—depression rates double among affected students per recent studies.

Stakeholders like the NPA advocate harsher penalties, currently up to 5 years for fraud.

Government's Multi-Pronged Strategy Against Fraud

DHET's blueprint integrates enforcement, awareness, and verification. Key pillars:

• Regular raids with inter-agency teams.
• Public registers updated monthly.
• School outreach reaching 1 million learners yearly.
• MOAs with SAPS and Home Affairs for immigration-linked scams.

In Tshwane, the March 3 event included door-to-door checks and community dialogues. Future plans: AI-driven monitoring of online ads. Balanced views: While critics note resource strains, successes like Randburg validate efficacy. Private sector input via Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) ensures accreditation rigor.

This positions South Africa as a regional leader in PSET integrity.

Step-by-Step Guide: Verifying Legitimate Institutions

Empower yourself before enrolling:

1. Search DHET's Private HEI Register.
2. Confirm accreditation: CHE for degrees, Umalusi/QCTO for others.
3. Verify qualifications via SAQA's database.
4. Check physical site and staff credentials.
5. Avoid upfront full payments; demand contracts.

For TVETs, use Central Applications Office. Parents: Involve Career Guidance counselors. This diligence saves futures.

Legitimate Pathways: Thriving in Accredited Higher Education

Opt for verified options like Tshwane University of Technology or UNISA's distance programs. Private standouts include Boston City Campus (registered). Explore higher education jobs post-qualification via platforms like AcademicJobs.com.

Gauteng hosts premier institutions; check Pretoria university opportunities. NSFAS supports eligible at accredited sites, bridging access gaps.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Challenges Ahead

Students demand faster placements; unions call for more public seats. Private colleges seek fair regulation. Gondwe balances: "Compliance ensures quality." Challenges: Online scams, resource limits. Solutions: Tech integration, community watch.

Employers prioritize SAQA-verified quals, underscoring crackdown's job market relevance.

Photo by Josh Kahen on Unsplash

Outlook for 2026: A Safer Higher Education Landscape

With intensified raids, 2026 promises fewer scams. Projections: 20% drop in reports. Advice: Research thoroughly, consider higher ed career advice. Link to university jobs and rate my professor for informed choices.

Report suspicions to DHET. Together, secure genuine qualifications driving South Africa's growth.