Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has considered submissions before him and issued a Notice of Intent to Cancel the registration of three private higher education institutions: Damelin, City Varsity and Icesa City Campus.

Berea Mail reports that Matshepo Seedat, the minister’s spokesperson, said: “This action follows a prolonged pattern of non-compliance with the Higher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997) and the regulations for the registration of private higher education institutions. The decision is therefore undertaken in the interest of protecting students and upholding the integrity of the sector.”

He added that the department has an obligation to ensure that private institutions deliver quality education and demonstrate financial sustainability. “The decision to issue the Notice of Intent to Cancel is based on the failure to submit complete statutory annual reports, failure to demonstrate financial and operational sustainability and evidence of institutional cessation.”

Institutions reportedly ceased operations

The department confirmed that two of the institutions, City Varsity (Pty) Ltd and Icesa City Campus (Pty) Ltd, have ceased operating and are therefore not providing higher education within the meaning of the act.

Moving forward, the Notice of Intent to Cancel will be published in the Government Gazette in accordance with Section 63(a) of the Higher Education Act. The institutions will be allowed to make representations, as required by law.

The department has promised to ensure that affected students are supported through appropriate academic and administrative arrangements.

The minister warned that institutions failing to meet their legal and educational obligations cannot be allowed to compromise the futures of the people they serve.

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