The MMC for Health, Tshegofatso Mashabela, has recently stated the metro’s intention to ensure unsuspecting students do not fall victim to fake colleges this year.

The warning comes after the Public Servants Association (PSA) issued a similar statement, calling upon matriculants and their parents to properly vet higher institutions they are applying to or planning to attend before parting with their money.

These illegal institutions often mimic legitimate colleges, utilising sophisticated marketing to mask their lack of accreditation from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

“We are going to monitor colleges operating in the CBD that rely only on flyers. There is no way a fish and chips shop can suddenly turn into an institution of higher learning in a week.”

Mashebela advised parents not to allow their children to go to the city alone to look for space.

When learners become desperate, they start thinking that if they don’t get enrolled, they will have to return home, and that desperation is exploited,” Mashabela wrote on her social media.

As the Class of 2025’s National Senior Certificate (NCS) results are being released soon, many students find themselves seeking placement in the capital city, which is home to the largest number of higher learning institutions nationally.

Key red flags for these fraudulent institutions include temporary premises, demands for upfront payment, and lack of accreditation by bodies like the Council on Higher Education (CHE) or Umalusi.

Sergeant Thabang Nkhumise, spokesperson for Pretoria Central Police Station, had also recently cautioned students about phoney institutions or recruiters looking to take advantage of unsuspecting victims in and around the CBD.

“The community is still urged to be more vigilant as there will be more influx of people who will be job seeking, registrations of colleges and universities, and also those who will be seeking accommodation.

“Avoid carrying too much cash, and do not fall victim to bogus salespersons and institutions. Criminals in all forms will be scattered in the city trying to take advantage,” Nkhumise said.

For assistance, one can dial 08600 10111 or 122 on any network provider and follow the prompts to report a crime. Alternatively, use the MySAPS app anonymously for whistleblowing, or directly call the station on 012 353 5001.

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