As thousands of young South Africans rush to secure university placements for the 2026 academic year, education experts are issuing a stern warning: unregistered and “bogus” institutions are on the rise.
Dr. Sanele Nene, Acting CEO of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), recently spoke on Newzroom Afrika to highlight a persistent crisis. Despite nationwide crackdowns, these predatory institutions continue to reappear under different names, leaving students with “worthless” degrees that are not recognized by employers or the government.
The Higher Education “Gold Standard”
To protect yourself, it is vital to understand the regulatory framework that governs South African education. Any legitimate institution must sit within this structure:
- DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training): The primary body where all private institutions must be registered.
- CHE (Council on Higher Education): The mandate-holder that ensures every program meets national standards.
- SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority): The final database where all valid, accredited qualifications are listed.
Recent Crackdowns: Damelin and City Varsity Under Fire
The government is taking decisive action against non-compliance. On December 13, 2025, the Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, issued a Notice of Intent to Cancel the registration of three well-known private institutions:
- Damelin
- City Varsity
- ICESA City Campus
Why were they targeted? The DHET cited a “prolonged pattern of non-compliance,” including:
- Missing Reports: Failure to submit 2024 Annual Reports despite multiple extensions.
- Financial Instability: Inability to provide audited financial statements or tax compliance certificates.
- Operational Failure: Reliable reports indicate that City Varsity and ICESA City Campus have effectively ceased operations.
Note for Current Students: The DHET has assured affected students that they will be supported through academic and administrative arrangements during this legal process.
How to Verify Your Institution (Before You Pay)
Before signing any contracts or paying registration fees, take these three steps to ensure your future is secure:
- Check the DHET Register: Verify that the private college is legally registered to provide higher education.
- Verify via SAQA: Visit the SAQA website to search for the specific qualification. If it’s not on the NQF, it’s not valid.
- Beware of “Remote Control” Learning: If an institution lacks a physical site or valid health and safety compliance, treat it as a red flag.
