POLOKWANE – Private colleges operating illegally in the city are set to be shut down by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on Thursday.

Crackdown on illegal colleges in Polokwane

Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe, alongside Mayor John Mpe, will lead a five-hour inspection with a team of experts tasked with assessing whether colleges in the city are properly registered and offer accredited courses.

The operation also forms part of an awareness campaign targeting areas where suspected bogus colleges operate.

Department spokesperson Sibusiso Stuurman said the initiative comes at the start of the 2026 academic year, when many learners are applying for or confirming placements.

The campaign follows similar operations recently conducted in Johannesburg and Tshwane.

Protecting students from bogus institutions

In the CBD, prospective students are often targeted through flyers advertising affordable courses with minimal entry requirements, leaving many vulnerable to unregistered institutions.

The campaign is being conducted in partnership with the police, as well as officials from Home Affairs, Employment and Labour, and public quality assurance bodies.

Gondwe warned that illegal colleges do more than provide substandard education.

“Bogus colleges are a complex problem that requires a firm response from every level of government.

“They are often linked to criminal activities and exist to exploit students seeking a better future,” she said.

She added that authorities are now taking a more direct approach.

“By walking into these institutions together, we are sending a clear message that there is no place for these scams to hide.”

In recent years, DHET has deregistered several private institutions for failing to comply with regulatory requirements such as submitting financial statements.

These institutions had campuses operating across South Africa, including in the city.