The Department for Higher Education and Training (DHET) partnered with City of Johannesburg’s Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) Region F to host an awareness campaign against illegal private higher education institutions on Tuesday, 18 February 2025.
Led by Dr Mimmy Gondwe, the Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training, the campaign aims to educate individuals on the importance of verifying the accreditation and legitimacy of education providers before enrolling. Representatives from Umalusi, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, the South African Qualifications Authority, and the Council on Higher Education participated in the campaign, emphasising the importance of checking college registration.
Private education and training providers are required to register with the DHET, which regulates higher education institutions. This is to ensure that they operate within the law and to protect students from fraudulent activities and ensure their qualifications are recognised.
Deputy Minister Gondwe expressed enthusiasm for the campaign stating: “I’m pleased to collaborate with the City of Joburg and we need more campaigns like this. Other municipalities are coming on board. This campaign highlights the commitment of various levels of government to tackling illegality in higher education. By working together, we can empower learners and parents to make informed decisions when selecting colleges.”
She further stressed the importance of on-the-ground inspections, noting that many students who are unable to secure university placements turn to private colleges. Ensuring these institutions are complaint is crucial in protecting students, she said.
The department will share a list of accredited colleges with the City to strengthen collaboration between national and local government.
As part of the campaign, the Deputy Minister alongside by senior officials from the city’s Public Safety, Development Planning and CRUM departments, inspected two colleges in Braamfontein to assess their registration and compliance status. One college was found to be operating outside the scope of its registration, while another failed to meet the requirements of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act as well as the city’s Land Use Scheme of 2028. It also failed to submit a site development plan detailing its internal layout and building plans were not approved. It had also not obtained an occupancy certificate from the City. A Section 56 fine was issued for non-compliance.
Ward 60 Councillor Sihle Nguse said many students particularly those from rural areas are vulnerable and often unknowingly enrol in these illegal colleges. He called for stricter by-law enforcement as these colleges frequently set up makeshift advertising stands without proper approvals at the beginning of each academic year.
“The success of this campaign relies on collaboration between law enforcement, educators, and parents. Regular inspections and enforcement efforts will help ensure compliance,” said Cllr Nguse.
Students are encouraged to confirm a college’s legitimacy by visiting the DHET website at www.dhet.gov.za or calling its toll-free number on 0800 87 22 22.
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