By OBAKENG MAJE

Many prospective students desire to further their studies in various higher education institutions. Unfortunately as they grappling to register, some of them end up enrolling with bogus tertiary institutions without knowing, leaving them with invalid certificates of higher education and money gone to waste.

Now, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, through its Consumer Affairs Office, has issued a strong advisory to parents and students, cautioning them to be vigilant about unregistered higher education institutions.

The department spokesperson, Jerry Matebesi said they acknowledge the rising concern that prospective students face the risk of being misled by bogus institutions, potentially ending up with qualifications that are unrecognized and, in essence, worthless.

Matebesi said bogus institutions exploit the aspirations of students seeking higher education by capitalizing on their desire for academic credentials.

“The Consumer Affairs Office expresses deep concern over deceptive tactics employed by these institutions, including the use of names and logos that mimic legitimate universities. This creates a significant challenge for students trying to distinguish between credible and fraudulent entities.

“Unsuspecting students may unknowingly pay tuition fees to colleges that are not accredited, rendering the qualifications issued by these institutions worthless,” he said.

Matebesi further said the rise in fraudulent tertiary institutions is a critical issue that requires urgent intervention to preserve students’ educational ambitions and the integrity of higher education. He added that, this trend not only creates confusion but also has long-term consequences for students’ academic and career lives.

“One of the primary concerns is the misleading representation of these institutions. It is very important for consumers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities on the services offered to them.

“Thoroughly research the institution before enrolling to avoid falling prey to illegal or non-registered institutions. According to the Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008, consumers have rights, including the right to choose and the right to disclosure and information,” he said.

Matebesi said the department urges those who have fallen victim to these illegal operators to contact the Consumer Affairs Office at 018 388 5844/845 or visit the office located at the NWDC Building, Corner University and Provident Drive, Mmabatho.

“Consumers can also seek assistance from the departmental district offices located in Rustenburg, Klerksdorp, Brits, and Vryburg,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Consumer Affairs said: “We strongly encourage parents and students to verify the credibility of such institutions by contacting the Department of Higher Education (DHE) and also ensure the accreditation of courses with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before registering and paying tuition fees.

“Consumer Affairs said for easy verification, aspiring students should contact the Department of Higher Education at 012 312 5911, their toll-free number 0800 87 2222, or visit their website at http://www.dhet.org.za. Contact UMALUSI at 0860 35 66 35 or visit http://www.umalusi.org.za, or check SETA at http://www.saqa.org.za.”

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