AS matrics await their results tomorrow and look to pursue their tertiary studies, the KZN MEC for Education Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni has cautioned students and parents to be extra careful and guard against being conned by bogus institutions of higher education when registering for the 2016 academic year.
As the rush to secure a spot at institutions of higher learning intensifies, delinquents will also be ready to take advantage of unsuspecting students.
For years, many students have found themselves paying hefty amounts of money to non-existent schools.
MEC Nkonyeni has advised parents to take an interest in the whole process of looking for an institution for their children.
‘Parents need to make sure that schools where they register their children are fully registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Department of Higher Education and Training.
‘Over the years we have seen people being scammed and this year, as government, we do not want to see the same thing.
‘To us, the future of our kids is all that matters and we want to make sure that we help and protect them to realise their dreams,’ said MEC Nkonyeni.
When registering at any institution of higher learning, students are advised to check the registration certificate of that institution.
The registration certificate issued by the Department of Higher Education and Training must be able to clearly show all the programmes each institution is accredited to offer.
If there is a programme that is not included in that certificate but which the institution promises to offer, students must know that they are being conned.
To check the registration of institutions of higher learning, students are urged to visit www.dhet.gov.za or call 0800 873 2222.
The website has all the names of institutions that are fully registered and operating legally.