The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) led by MEC, Tshitereke Matibe has cautions all Grade 12 learners (Class of 2025), as well as all National Senior Certificate recipients seeking further education and training opportunities, to remain vigilant against unlawful and unregistered higher education institutions. The Department, as a protector of consumers, strongly condemns institutions that claim to offer educational services without complying with the requirements of relevant statutory bodies, guidelines, and regulations. Such institutions often:
- Offer bogus or unaccredited qualifications.
- Charge exorbitant fees for unrecognised qualifications that are invalid for employment purposes.
- Refuse to refund registration fees or any portion thereof.
- Pose risks to public safety due to incompetence.
- Contribute to high unemployment rates.
The consequences of enrolling at bogus colleges or institutions are far-reaching and devastating. Prospective students are therefore advised to verify the legitimacy of institutions with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) before making any payments. By law, registered institutions of higher learning are required to openly and honestly disclose all programme costs, including registration fees, with no hidden charges. The Department urges all prospective applicants to thoroughly research institutions of their choice, confirm accreditation with the Department of Higher Education and Training, and carefully review refund policies before enrolling. January and February remain peak periods during which education consumers are deliberately misled, denied access to quality education, deprived of meaningful qualifications, and ultimately robbed of their future by fly-by-night colleges.
