Protect Your Future – Say NO to “Tjotjo” for University Space

The dream of a degree should never start with a crime. Following a sophisticated new scam that has already defrauded dozens of families, South African universities and the Department of Higher Education have issued a stern warning: There is no “back door” for admissions.

The Scam: How It Works

Fraudsters are posing as university officials, registrars, or influential student leaders (SRC members) to exploit students who are on waiting lists or were originally rejected.

• The Bait: Scammers claim they can “manually override” the system or use “reserved staff slots” to secure a place in high-demand courses like Medicine, Engineering, or Law.
• The Ask: They demand a “tjotjo” or “facilitation fee” ranging from R2,000 to R15,000, usually requested via instant money transfers (e.g., Cash Send or eWallet) to avoid bank traceability.
• The Result: Once the money is sent, the “official” disappears, and the student discovers their name is nowhere on the actual university database.

Important Facts Every Student Must Know

1. Zero Fees for Placement: No legitimate university official will ever ask for cash or a private transfer to secure a spot. All application and registration fees are paid directly into official university bank accounts.
2. Automated Systems: Admissions are handled through centralized, automated systems. Individual staff members generally do not have the power to “swap” names or leapfrog the waiting list for cash.
3. Legal Consequences: Paying “tjotjo” is a criminal offense. If caught, the student faces a lifetime ban from all South African public universities and potential criminal prosecution for bribery and corruption.

What to Do if You Are Targeted

• Verify: Only trust communication received via the official University Student Portal or an official .ac.za email address.
• Report: If someone asks you for a bribe, report it immediately to the university’s anonymous whistle-blowing hotline or the nearest SAPS station.
• Official Channels: If you are still looking for space, use the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) system—the only legal way to find remaining spots in the system.