It says the Northern Cape’s vast landscape and limited access to established campuses have created opportunities for illegal pop-up colleges and unverified online institutions. The union warns the consequences extend far beyond financial loss.

Legitimate institutions must be registered with the DHET, and their specific programmes must be accredited by the Council on Higher Education, Umalusi, or another relevant Quality Council. Red flags include demands for large upfront payments, temporary premises, and an inability to provide a valid DHET registration number.

Waste of money

Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe said despite ongoing awareness campaigns, the department continues to receive calls from parents and students who have already enrolled at unregistered institutions. 

She warned registering with a bogus college is “a waste of time and money” and robs students of legitimate qualifications and employment opportunities.

“The exploitation of aspiring students by these ‘bogus colleges' is a profound injustice that extends beyond financial loss,” said Northern Cape PSA spokesperson Steve Ledibane. “Enrolling in an unaccredited institution results in a qualification that holds no professional value.

“The PSA maintains professional resilience must be underpinned by academic legitimacy, and we refuse to see our future public servants misled by fraudulent entities.”

The association encourages all residents of the Northern Cape and North West to consult the official DHET registers or contact the PSA provincial office for guidance on verifying an institution’s status.

Students are warned fraudulent institutions post advertisements on social media, and some even set up offices, classrooms, or other structures that appear authentic. They even distribute brochures that attempt to prove they are legit.

A way to spot the red flags at a bogus institution is to look at the quality of its infrastructure. Look at the quality of teaching and learning. Does it have computer labs, lecture rooms, and libraries?

Parents and students may contact the department’s call centre on 080 087 2222 to determine the legitimacy of an institution of higher learning before registering there, said Gondwe.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg