Higher Education Department Cancels Registration Of 4 Private Institutions

Higher Education and Training Department on Tuesday disclosed that it has canceled the registration of four Educor institutions, explaining that these institutes failed to submit proof of their financial viability.

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande revealed the names of these institutions - City Varsity (Pty) Ltd, Damelin (Pty) Ltd, Icesa City Campus (Pty) Ltd and Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd during a media briefing held in Pretoria.

Nzimande noted that the Educor institutions failed to submit their annual financial statements and tax clearance certificates for 2021-2022 years as proof of their financial viability.

According to the minister, these four private institutes did not comply with the 2016 Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions and the applicable sections of the Higher Education Act requirements.

The new regulations detail how to apply, the registration requirements, institutional responsibilities and the appeals process for those wanting to register a private higher education institution. Additionally, the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) under the Council on Higher Education (CHE) is in charge of accrediting higher education programs.

Nzimande said these four institutions were supposed to appeal with the department on or before Sept. 26, last year but then they requested an extension till Feb. 28. The minister pointed out that they are seeking a further extension.

"In addition to failing to submit evidence of their financial viability to the department, the four Educor brands can be deemed as dysfunctional and this is mainly measured against the daily complaints and grievances received from students, most of which remain unresolved," he added, SA News reported.

The minister said the complaints against them include poor quality of teaching and learning, lack of proper administrative support, poorly qualified staff, corruption and bribery, lack of response to requests for refunds and lack of professionalism.

Furthermore, the students also complained about the exploitation of poor students, non-payment of staff salaries and underpayment of staff salaries.

The minister has also accused the institutions of misrepresenting student enrolment, claiming 50,000 students in the system. Whereas, the 2022 annual reports indicated a total of 13,096 students enrolled.

Looking ahead, Nzimande said Educor will be given a deadline to phase out pipeline students and Educor would have to provide due reimbursements to students.

President Cyril Ramaphosa two weeks ago expressed his concern over the high rates of students dropping out of schools and colleges.