Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mimmy Gondwe spent time in the busy streets of Randburg on February 20, tackling a problem that is ruining the futures of many young people.

Read more: Region B CRUM continues with service delivery campaign around Randburg

She joined forces with several government departments, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), home affairs, immigration, labour, and the department of higher education.

Representatives from private colleges, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), and the council on higher education were also present to launch a new campaign aimed at shutting down fake colleges that have been popping up across Johannesburg.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mimmy Martha Gondwe, alongside MMC Sithembiso Zungu and the Crum regional director speak to the director of NCC, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mimmy Martha Gondwe speaks about Taalnet College in Randburg and Conditions of a classroom in one of the schools. Video: Nkazimulo Ncube #Randburg #Crum ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

These unregistered schools do more than just provide a poor education; they are often linked to criminal activities, and exist solely to take advantage of students who are trying to build a better life.
This group is working as one because these bogus colleges are a complex problem that requires a firm response from every level of government. In the past, officials often had to work undercover to find these places. Now, they are taking a much more direct and open approach. By walking into these buildings together, they are sending a clear message that there is no longer any place for these scams to hide.
The reality of the situation became clear when the team visited several sites in the area. At one school, on Kent Avenue, officials found that the institution was failing in almost every area and had no legal permission to operate.

At another college, on Bond Street, students had already handed over more than R5 000 for qualifications that the school was not actually allowed to offer. This loss of hard-earned money and precious time is exactly what the government is trying to prevent.

Gondwe explained that this is a battle being fought on many different fronts. She believes that, while these criminal elements have grown around the education system, the support of the police and other departments will make the campaign a success.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Home Affairs Provincial Manager Mamokubung Moroke speaks to the alleged director of one of the bogus colleges in Randburg and a room inside one of the schools. Video: Nkazimulo Ncube #Randburg #Crum ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North

The plan involves two parts, which include teaching the public how to spot a fake school and carrying out surprise inspections at suspicious locations.

Also read: Hawks close bogusschools in Ferndale

For now, the most important advice for any student or parent is to be cautious. Everyone is being urged to check that their college is fully registered and accredited before they sign any contracts or pay any fees. If something feels wrong, it should be reported to the authorities immediately.

This co-ordinated effort is the first of its kind in Johannesburg, and it marks a major step forward in protecting the dreams of young South Africans.

We asked two of the schools visited, National Computer College (NCC) and Taalnet College, for comment, but they declined.

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