In a shocking breach of trust at one of South Africa's prominent universities, a deregistered student allegedly impersonated a legitimate graduand during a graduation ceremony, walking across the stage and claiming a diploma that wasn't his. This incident at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), the largest university of technology in the Western Cape province with over 30,000 students across its campuses in Cape Town, Bellville, and Wellington, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for tighter security measures in higher education institutions nationwide.

The event unfolded during the Autumn Graduation at the Bellville campus, a milestone celebration for hundreds of students completing their diplomas and degrees. What should have been a day of joy for 22-year-old Thandile Jevu turned into devastation when she arrived late to the venue, only to be turned away at the door. Unbeknownst to her, someone else had already checked in using her name, sat in her assigned seat, and collected her Diploma in Entrepreneurship certificate.

The ceremony took place on a Tuesday in mid-April 2026, drawing families, friends, and proud graduates to the packed auditorium. Thandile, excited after years of hard work balancing studies and part-time jobs, arrived approximately three hours after the event started. Security staff at the entrance scanned her ticket and informed her that her name had already been checked in, preventing re-entry—a standard protocol to maintain order but one that failed spectacularly in this case.

Inside, when the announcer called 'Thandile Jevu,' Sihle Joseph, a former student deregistered since 2023 for failing modules and lacking required documentation like matric certificates, allegedly stood up from her seat. He walked confidently across the stage, shook hands with university officials, and received the certificate amid applause from the audience who believed it was the real graduate. Joseph even posed for official photos and later shared celebratory images on social media, tagging friends and boasting about his 'achievement.'

Thandile, left outside heartbroken, contacted classmates who confirmed the impostor. The incident quickly went viral on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with users expressing shock and demanding justice. Posts from influencers like @LudidiVelani highlighted video footage circulating online, amplifying the story to thousands.

Thandile Jevu, a determined young woman from the Western Cape, had overcome numerous challenges to reach graduation. Enrolled in CPUT's Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, her Diploma in Entrepreneurship equipped her with skills for South Africa's burgeoning startup scene. 'This was my once-in-a-lifetime moment,' she reportedly shared with friends, echoing the sentiments of many students who view graduation as validation of their perseverance amid economic hardships and family expectations.

Denied her moment, Thandile now awaits a replacement certificate and a possible rescheduled ceremony, but the emotional toll lingers. Fellow graduates rallied around her, calling for severe punishment and better safeguards. Her story resonates deeply in a country where higher education credentials are gateways to employment, especially for first-generation students like her.

Sihle Joseph, identified as the alleged perpetrator, was no longer an active student at CPUT. His last registration dated back to 2023, after which he was deregistered due to academic failure and incomplete documentation. Sources suggest he may have obtained spare tickets from no-shows—a common occurrence at large events—and slipped into the venue undetected.

Motives remain speculative, but insiders point to desperation in South Africa's youth unemployment crisis, where a 45.5% rate for ages 15-34 (Statistics South Africa, Q4 2025) pushes some to extremes. Joseph's family has expressed distress over the publicity but declined comment, noting the ongoing probe.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology acted promptly upon discovering the breach. Spokesperson Lauren Kansley confirmed the university's dual approach: an internal investigation into procedural lapses and a criminal fraud case to be opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS). 'The perpetrator likely used tickets from absentees, found an empty seat, and responded to the name call,' Kansley explained, outlining how the system was exploited.

CPUT emphasized its commitment to integrity, referencing its Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy, which mandates reporting and prevention. The university assured Thandile a new certificate and support, while vowing procedural reviews.

CPUT requires student cards for entry, ticket scans, and assigned seating, yet this incident reveals vulnerabilities. Name verification relies on self-reporting during the ceremony, with no real-time digital cross-checks or biometric scans like fingerprints or facial recognition, common in high-security events elsewhere.

In South African higher education, graduation ceremonies host thousands, straining resources. CPUT's Bellville campus, the largest, sees massive turnouts. Experts recommend:

• RFID wristbands linked to student IDs for entry and stage access.
• Digital apps for real-time attendance tracking.
• Photo ID checks at multiple points.
• AI facial recognition integrated with registration databases.

Implementing these could prevent repeats, balancing celebration with security.

Photo by Sibusiso Mbatha on Unsplash

This isn't isolated. South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) notes rising academic fraud across Africa, including fake degrees and plagiarism. In 2025, over 5,000 University of South Africa (UNISA) students faced plagiarism probes, while bogus colleges proliferate, per Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) warnings.

AI tools like ChatGPT exacerbate cheating, with a 2025 Daily Maverick report highlighting universities' struggles. CPUT's 2024 institutional audit by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) praised governance but urged fraud vigilance. Nationally, fraud costs millions, undermining credentials' value in a job market favoring verified qualifications.

This analysis details AI's role, stressing policy updates.

Beyond logistics, such fraud devastates mental health. Thandile's public humiliation amid family expectations mirrors broader pressures on SA students, where 30% report severe anxiety (SA Depression and Anxiety Group, 2025). Trust erosion affects enrollment and morale.

Stakeholders like Universities South Africa (USAf) advocate counseling and peer support. CPUT offers wellness services, but incidents like this demand proactive measures.

Fraud charges under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act could land Joseph 5-15 years imprisonment, plus fines. Similar cases, like fake degree sales, have led convictions. SAPS investigation will probe accomplices, potentially ticket sellers.

CPUT may pursue civil damages for reputational harm.

To prevent recurrence:

• Biometrics: Mandatory fingerprint or facial scans at entry and stage.
• Digital Verification: QR codes on tickets linked to student portals.
• Trained Ushers: Staff to monitor seating and name calls.
• No-Shows Policy: Rescind tickets after grace period.
• Post-Event Audits: Cross-check photos with databases.

DHET could mandate national standards, enhancing credibility.

CPUT, formed in 2005 from technikon mergers, excels in applied learning. This scandal tests its image, but transparent handling could strengthen it. Alumni and officials urge focus on positives like entrepreneurship programs aiding SA's 32% unemployment.

X erupted with #CPUTFraud, trending locally. Posts decried lax security, shared videos, and supported Thandile. Influencers demanded accountability, pressuring CPUT for updates.

Radio 702 interviews amplified voices, turning personal loss into national discourse on higher ed integrity.

Photo by Hennie Stander on Unsplash

This incident underscores vulnerabilities but opportunities for innovation. Universities must prioritize tech-driven security, ethical training, and support systems. For students like Thandile, resilience shines—her diploma's value endures beyond one stage walk.

As SA's higher education sector grows, with 1.2 million enrolled (DHET 2025), safeguarding milestones ensures equitable futures.