A whistleblower’s warning last year was ignored. Fraudulent qualifications were allegedly sold since 2018, mainly to Congolese students.

The university launched an independent investigation that will examine both the alleged scheme and gaps in its internal processes, tighten oversight of admissions, registration, and certification systems, and rebuild public trust. 

The Vaal University of Technology in Vanderbijlpark. Photo: Facebook/NWU - North-West University 

Higher education minister Buti Manamela demanded a preliminary report from the university council on Friday (5/12) and requested details on why there was a year’s delay in acting on the whistleblower’s report, proof that consequence management is taking place, and immediate measures to ring-fence next year’s registration process.

“It is unacceptable for allegations of this magnitude, which threaten the integrity of our national qualifications framework, to be met with administrative delays,” he said. “If management knew about this a year ago, as alleged, simply investigating is no longer enough.

“We need to know why the perpetrators were supposedly left in the system to potentially corrupt the 2026 intake. The sale of degrees is a criminal offence. Should the university’s internal processes prove insufficient, it is a matter that the department will take to the Hawks.”

Systems integrity assessment

In response to the accusation, the university stated it was unaware of the whistleblower’s claims and any associated internal procedures until a media inquiry was brought to its attention in November. It will start an independent forensic investigation, which is to begin immediately and conclude within three months.

Apart from examining the allegations, the handling of the whistleblower report will also be probed. The university will undertake a systems integrity assessment of VUT’s admissions, registration, certification, and student records processes to identify any vulnerabilities in the system.

“The university views the allegations with utmost seriousness and will deliberate further on the matter at its meeting on Friday, 12 December,” according to the statement. “We urge all stakeholders to exercise restraint when commenting publicly on this sensitive matter, given its implications for our students, alumni, parents, funders, employees, and their families.”

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh