Certification delay leaves graduate in limbo

Despite fulfilling all academic and financial obligations, Damelin College’s Boksburg campus graduate Antonio Maggi’s career has been put on hold due to a prolonged delay in receiving his diploma in civil engineering.

Hoping to achieve his personal goal of becoming a certified civil engineer, Maggi completed his course in 2022.
When he applied for the diploma in September 2022, he submitted his N4 to N6 certificates and documented his relevant work experience. He was told the certificate would be issued by April 2023—eight months later.

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As if the initial Covid-19-related delay in writing his final exams wasn’t enough of a setback, Maggi has still not received his certificate—or a clear explanation from the college—despite numerous emails and phone calls.

“I met all the requirements and obligations. I passed all my exams, paid my fees—the full amount of R60 000 on time, and applied for my certificate.
I followed up multiple times, sending emails and making phone calls to the administration, but they keep ignoring me. I feel totally stuck,” said Maggi.
“I reached out to the campus general manager, Gopaulkrishna Reddy; Joan de Beer, the head of the National Accredited Technical Education Diploma programme; and Michael Thurley, COO of Educor—but no one responded.”

Setback
Without the certificate, Maggi is unable to apply for jobs or move forward in his civil engineering career.
“We all know about the unemployment crisis in South Africa. I tried to better my life, but it feels like the time and money I spent at Damelin were wasted—almost like a scam.
“I can’t even prove I graduated. It feels like my two years of hard work meant nothing and the R60 000 I paid went down the drain. It’s very depressing.”
Escalated
Maggi said he escalated his grievances to the Department of Higher Education and Training, and the deputy minister’s helpdesk, but was told they couldn’t assist him because Damelin had not submitted the required documents.

He also contacted regulatory and accreditation bodies, including Umalusi, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, the Council on Higher Education, the South African Qualifications Authority, and the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud, but nothing has changed.
“I just want what I worked and paid for.

“Someone from the department needs to investigate these institutions, because it feels like they are preying on the vulnerable without consequences.

“Let’s not forget that some of Educor’s colleges, including Damelin, were shut down over unresolved issues like failure to submit financial statements and tax clearance, misrepresentation of student numbers, and sheer dysfunction and incompetence,” said Maggi.
“While I was the only part-time civil engineering student at the time, I believe there are other graduates going through the same situation.”

The college has not yet responded to our request for comment.
Are you a Damelin College graduate still waiting for your qualification? We want to hear your story—reach out and share your experience with us.

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