Many students in East London are paying for fake studies. These students think they are registering for real qualifications. Later, they discover the college is not legally registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training.
This scam is more common than many realise. It often affects students from poor families who just want a better future.
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Mimmy Gondwe, visited Buffalo City to investigate. During her two-day visit, she spoke to young people who were misled and lost their money.
Some of these learners only realised they were scammed when no certificate came after graduation. Others found out when they tried to apply for jobs or further education and were told their qualifications were invalid.
From Parliament to your local street, we track it all on our news website
Government Steps In to Fight Back
The Department of Higher Education is now working with law enforcement and Home Affairs. Their goal is to shut down all illegal colleges across the country.
Deputy Minister Gondwe said that government cannot allow young people to be cheated like this. They plan to improve public awareness and make it easier to check which colleges are officially registered.
Students must check with the Department of Higher Education before joining any private college. The list of approved colleges is on their website or available by contacting them.
How to Spot a Fake College
Here are simple signs that a college may be fake:
| Red Flag | What It Means |
|---|---|
| No registration number | Likely not registered with government |
| Makes big promises without proof | Might be lying to attract students |
| Operates from a small house or shop | May not be a real institution |
| No graduation ceremony or paperwork | Fake qualifications, not recognised |
If any of these signs appear, students should report the college to the nearest police station or the Department of Higher Education.
Government Wants to Protect Young Futures
This crackdown is not just about arrests. It is about protecting students from financial and emotional pain. Many parents and learners use their last savings to pay for these courses.
The Department says it will also work with schools, community leaders, and the media to spread the message about fake institutions. Young people should not have to guess which colleges are real.
Deputy Minister Gondwe says this mission will continue until every fake college is closed and no more students are tricked.
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Hi, I’m Amandeep Singh, a content writer at Ramnath Intercollage. I share updates on jobs, internships, and scholarships across South Africa using official and trusted sources. My aim is to make every post easy to read and helpful for anyone looking to apply.
