The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has initiated proceedings to cancel the registration of three private higher education institutions: City Varsity, Damelin, and ICESA City Campus.
The Ministry confirmed the decision on Saturday, citing a prolonged and serious pattern of non-compliance with the Higher Education Act and its regulations. The action is being taken to “protecting students and upholding the integrity of the sector.”
Key Reasons for Cancellation Notice
The Ministry emphasized that its obligation is to ensure that private institutions provide quality education and demonstrate financial sustainability. The decision to issue the Notice of Intent to Cancel is based on two critical areas of failure:
- Failure to Submit Mandatory Annual Reports: All three institutions failed to submit their 2024 Annual Reports, despite being granted an extension until June 30, 2024, and a final remedial deadline set for June 6, 2025.
- Failure to Provide Essential Documentation: The institutions did not provide the Registrar with crucial documents, including:
- Audited Annual Financial Statements.
- Proof of financial surety/guarantees.
- South African Revenue Service (SARS) Tax Compliance Certificates.
- Occupational Health and Safety Compliance.
Cessation of Operations
Furthermore, the Department has received “reliable confirmation” that two of the institutions—City Varsity (Pty) Ltd and ICESA City Campus (Pty) Ltd—have already ceased operating and are no longer providing higher education services as defined by the Act.
Next Steps for the Ministry and Students
In accordance with the law, the Minister’s Notice of Intent to Cancel will be published in the Government Gazette. The institutions will then be given a legal opportunity to make representations against the decision.
Crucially, the Ministry stated its commitment to ensuring that affected students will be supported through appropriate academic and administrative arrangements as the process unfolds.
The Ministry underscored its unequivocal commitment to: “Acting decisively to uphold the integrity of the South African higher education system.”
