PRETORIA, South Africa — In a significant move to uphold educational standards, the Department of Higher Education and Training has revoked the registration of four private institutions under the Educor banner, citing their failure to demonstrate financial stability and comply with regulatory requirements.
According to South African Government News Agency, Science and Innovation Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande, the affected institutions include City Varsity (Pty) Ltd, Damelin (Pty) Ltd, Icesa City Campus (Pty) Ltd, and Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd. The deregistration follows their non-compliance with the 2016 Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions and pertinent sections of the Higher Education Act.
The Minister elucidated that these institutions did not furnish annual financial statements and tax clearance certificates for 2021 and 2022, raising concerns about their financial viability. This lapse, coupled with a litany of student grievances regarding the quality of education, administrative inefficiency, and staff-related issues, precipitated the decision.
Among the cited complaints were substandard teaching, inadequate administrative support, underqualified personnel, alleged corruption, and issues relating to financial exploitation, including the mishandling of refunds and salary payments. Furthermore, misrepresentation in student enrollment figures and the abrupt closure of several campus sites due to financial mismanagement exacerbated the situation, reflecting poorly on the institutions' operational integrity.
The Quality Council of Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) accredited programs have also been implicated in these shortcomings, with both bodies struggling to rectify instabilities within the Educor network. The subsequent withdrawal of accreditation for selected programs by the Higher Education Quality Committee signifies a broader accountability and quality assurance intervention.
Dr. Nzimande disclosed that despite being given opportunities to address these concerns, the institutions failed to respond adequately, compelling the ministry to take decisive action. He detailed the repercussions of these closures, including sudden site shutdowns in various locations due to financial duress, which adversely affected students and staff.
Looking ahead, Educor is expected to facilitate a structured phase-out for current students, ensuring they receive the necessary reimbursements and assistance to transition smoothly following the institutions' deregistration. The emphasis will also be on addressing credit transfer and module completion challenges to safeguard students' academic progression and financial investment.
The Ministry's firm stance underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity and quality of higher education in South Africa, with the broader goal of protecting students and upholding sectoral standards.