According to the Act, prospective students or job seekers could face up to five years in jail for misrepresenting their qualifications - even on social media.

Career and educational specialist Linda Meyer explained the South African Qualifications would also keep a national register to name and shame those who have misrepresented themselves on their CVs.

People must represent authentic qualifications, registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Action will also be taken on institutions if it is found that they have issued unregistered qualifications.

eNCA