In a recent warning, Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, voiced concerns over the growing number of unregistered private colleges operating in Durban.
These institutions, she explained, are taking advantage of students and their families by offering unaccredited qualifications that ultimately harm graduates’ employment prospects.
Exploitation of Students and Families
Dr. Gondwe highlighted the devastating impact these “bogus” colleges have on students and their families.
Many students rely on education as their ticket to a better life, with parents investing significant amounts of money to ensure their children receive a legitimate education.
Unfortunately, when these students enroll in unregistered colleges, they risk not only wasting their hard-earned money but also losing out on career opportunities.
“Some of these learners are the only hope for their families.
Their parents invest in their education, expecting them to gain legitimate qualifications and successful careers,” said Gondwe during the Bogus Colleges Awareness campaign in Durban.
She emphasized how unaccredited qualifications rob both the student and their family of the opportunity to thrive.
Durban as a Hotspot for Illegal Institutions
KwaZulu-Natal, with its massive student population, has become a hotspot for these unregistered institutions.
Many operate in the heart of Durban, tricking students into enrolling in programs that lack recognition in the job market.
This raises a serious concern about the credibility of qualifications being offered and the long-term damage to students’ futures.
Collaboration to Raise Awareness and Protect Students
To tackle this issue, Dr. Gondwe spearheaded an awareness campaign aimed at educating students about legal higher education institutions.
The campaign was supported by various organizations, including the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, the Department of Employment and Labour, and the Department of Home Affairs.
The goal was clear: to raise awareness about accredited institutions and ensure that students are not misled by fraudulent colleges.
Durban’s Responsibility as a University City
Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee in eThekwini, emphasized the responsibility the city holds.
With numerous universities, TVET colleges, and private institutions in Durban, it is crucial that students seeking higher education are aware of where they can safely pursue their studies.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that the thousands of people who come to our city to access higher education register with recognised and legal institutions,” Madlala explained.
Addressing Compliance Issues in Private Colleges
The awareness campaign also involved visiting several private colleges in the city.
While some of these institutions were registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training, officials discovered several compliance issues.
Concerns were raised about the fee structures and lack of proper refund policies, with some students expressing frustrations over financial losses and uncertainty surrounding their qualifications.
The Government’s Commitment to Protecting Students
Dr. Gondwe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting students from fraudulent institutions.
She clarified that while private higher education is essential, these institutions must comply with accreditation standards set by recognized bodies like Umalusi, the QCTO, and the Council on Higher Education.
“Their programmes must be accredited by quality assurance bodies,” Gondwe stated, highlighting that the government is taking steps to ensure that students are not taken advantage of by non-compliant colleges.
Taking Action Against Non-Compliant Institutions
As part of their efforts to protect students, government officials have pledged to provide support to those who have been affected by bogus colleges and to take appropriate actions against institutions that fail to meet compliance standards.
A Call for Stronger Regulations
The ongoing concerns about bogus colleges have raised a bigger question: Should the government implement stricter regulations to combat these institutions, or is a more aggressive approach necessary? The conversation continues, and the public is encouraged to share their thoughts on the matter.