Deputy Minister Gondwe Crackdown on Fake Colleges in Randburg: SA Higher Ed Enforcement Intensifies

Deputy Minister Gondwe's Bold Move Against Fake Colleges in Randburg

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, is set to spearhead a significant intergovernmental operation targeting bogus colleges in Randburg's Central Business District (CBD). Scheduled for Friday, 20 February 2026, this two-phase Bogus Colleges Awareness Campaign represents a pivotal escalation in South Africa's efforts to protect students from fraudulent higher education providers. Partnering with Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero, the initiative underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of post-school education amid rising concerns over unregistered institutions exploiting vulnerable youth.

Randburg, a bustling hub in Gauteng province known for its concentration of private educational providers, has long been a hotspot for such illicit operations. This crackdown aligns with broader national enforcement strategies, emphasizing verification of registration status and programme accreditation for private colleges. By involving multiple agencies, the event aims not only to inspect facilities on-site but also to educate the public on the risks associated with fake qualifications.

Understanding Bogus Colleges in South African Higher Education

Bogus or fake colleges, often referred to as unregistered private higher education institutions (PHEIs), operate without the necessary approval from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). These entities falsely claim to offer accredited qualifications under frameworks like the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) or General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-Framework (GENFETQSF), but their credentials hold no legal or professional value. Legitimate PHEIs must register with DHET and have their programmes accredited by bodies such as the Council on Higher Education (CHE), Umalusi, or the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

These fraudulent setups prey on the desperation created by limited spaces in South Africa's 26 public universities and 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. With only about 235,000 first-year undergraduate places available for the 2026 intake despite over 650,000 successful National Senior Certificate (NSC) matriculants, many turn to private options—only to fall victim.

Dr Mimmy Gondwe: Champion of Higher Education Integrity

Appointed Deputy Minister in July 2024, Dr Mimmy Martha Gondwe brings a wealth of experience from her time as a Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Political Philosophy from the University of Cape Town, she has prioritized regulatory enforcement in the post-school education and training (PSET) sector. Gondwe has repeatedly voiced her personal commitment to this issue, stating, “The problem with bogus or illegal colleges is that they not only rob students and their parents of their hard-earned money but also deprive them of the chance to obtain a legitimate qualification.”

Under her leadership, awareness campaigns have intensified ahead of the 2026 academic year, building on initiatives dating back to 2016 where approximately 50 such institutions have been shut down nationwide.

The Capacity Crisis Fueling Vulnerability

South Africa's higher education landscape is strained. Public universities maintain static enrolments around 1.1 million students, while private providers now account for over 20% of total higher education participation—a near tripling since 2010. However, DHET lists only about 146 registered PHEIs, leaving ample room for imposters to exploit the gap.

This mismatch peaks annually post-matric results, when unregistered colleges ramp up recruitment with promises of quick degrees, job guarantees, and low fees—red flags that Gondwe urges parents to heed.

High-Profile Shutdowns Paving the Way

Gondwe's track record includes leading the November 2025 closure of the Mhlabuhlangene School of African Medicine in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal—a notorious bogus PhD provider charging up to R18,500 for unaccredited doctorates. Similar operations in Durban left students demanding refunds after discovering invalid qualifications in March 2025.

Earlier interventions, like the 2025 Johannesburg blitz fining non-compliant colleges and Hawks raids in Randburg in 2023 shutting two fake schools affecting nearly 200 students, highlight Gauteng's vulnerability. These actions demonstrate a multi-agency approach now culminating in the Randburg event.

Inside the Randburg Campaign: A Step-by-Step Operation

The two-phase campaign kicks off with oversight visits to private colleges in Randburg CBD. Officials from DHET, South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Home Affairs, Department of Employment and Labour, and quality councils will scrutinize:

• DHET registration certificates.
• Programme accreditation status.
• Infrastructure compliance (libraries, labs, etc.).
• Staff qualifications and student contracts.

Phase two involves addressing matriculants at Ferndale High School on the dangers of illegal institutions, empowering the next cohort to make informed choices.

Red Flags: Spotting Fake Colleges Before It's Too Late

To avoid scams, prospective students should watch for:

• Online-only operations promising degrees in weeks.
• Misuse of DHET logos or names mimicking real universities.
• Guaranteed jobs or heavy discounts.
• No physical address or verifiable staff credentials.
• Exaggerated international ties without SAQA verification.

Gondwe advises immediate cessation of payments if enrolled at an unverified site and reporting to DHET or SAQA.

The Ripple Effects: Personal and Economic Toll

Victims face immediate financial ruin—fees rarely refunded without court battles via Small Claims or the Consumer Ombudsman—and long-term career barriers from worthless diplomas. Economically, fake qualifications erode workforce skills, inflate unemployment (already high among youth), and link to crimes like immigration fraud and money laundering.

One study highlighted how fraudulent credentials undermine South Africa's merit-based economy, costing billions in lost productivity.

Verification Roadmap: Ensuring Legitimate Pathways

Follow these steps for safety:

1. Visit DHET's website and check the Register of Private Higher Education Institutions (updated December 2025).
2. Verify programmes via SAQA.
3. Inspect facilities and contracts in person.
4. Report suspicions to DHET helpline: 0800 87 22 22.

For genuine opportunities, explore registered TVETs, universities, or legitimate privates via platforms like higher-ed-jobs and South Africa university jobs.

Multi-Agency Muscle: Partners in Enforcement

Gondwe's strategy hinges on collaboration: SAPS for raids, Home Affairs for immigration checks, and Employment and Labour for worker protections. A forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) with SAPS will formalize joint regulation, extending to campus safety issues like gender-based violence.

Photo by CLINTON MWEBAZE on Unsplash

Future Horizons: A Safer Higher Ed Landscape

This Randburg action signals intensified monitoring for 2026, with DHET's state-of-readiness visits nationwide ensuring PSET resilience. Strengthened private-public integration could absorb more students legitimately, reducing bogus appeal. For career aspirants, resources like higher-ed career advice and rate-my-professor offer trusted guidance.

Explore openings at university-jobs or post your profile to connect with verified employers.