Bogus colleges warned against dodgy dealings as police intensify crime-fighting efforts
Gauteng and KZN are among the top provinces facing challenges such as the proliferation of unregistered private colleges in the inner city, and registered private colleges that offer unaccredited programmes.
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JOHANNESBURG - Owners of bogus colleges across the country have been warned about their dodgy dealings as law enforcement doubles down on crime-fighting efforts at higher education institutions.
Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are among the top provinces facing challenges such as the proliferation of unregistered private colleges in the inner city, and registered private colleges that offer unaccredited programmes.
Earlier this week, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mimmy Gondwe met with police top brass to discuss solutions to the problem.
Gondwe said there were plans to help promote safer campuses and tackle crimes on campuses.
"I’ve often said that partnering with law enforcement agencies is crucial for the success of awareness campaigns targeting bogus colleges. When we encounter a non-compliant institution, we issue them with a notice letter demanding that they comply. We first give them an opportunity to comply, but if they continue to operate with impunity, then we go to the SAPS [South African Police Service] to open a case and allow the law to take its course."
Gondwe said police would begin with background checks and profiling bogus colleges.
"I’m really encouraged by the meeting we had with SAPS [South African Police Service], the Hawks and the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] and I believe it will help further regulating this space that higher education institutions occupy."