The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is warning students who are seeking study opportunities to remain vigilant against fraudulent private colleges that continue to operate illegally around the country.
In particular, the DHET has received several complaints from Thohoyandou, Venda in Limpopo regarding an illegal institution operating under the name – Professional Technical College.
Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the college is not registered as a Private Higher Education Institution (PHEI) or a Private College.
Furthermore, there is no evidence suggesting that the institution is accredited by the Quality Council of Trade and Occupations (QCTO) as a skills provider, as required by law.
Investigations are continuing to establish the validity to allegations that the college continues to operate illegally by offering unaccredited programmes or qualifications to unsuspecting students.
Subsequently, the Department will open a case with the South African Police Services followed by a letter of warning instructing the institution to cease operating with immediate effect and reimburse all its registered students.
Additionally, the college will also be placed on the Department’s list of unregistered private colleges and skills providers.
A full list of both registered and unregistered private higher education institutions, private Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and skills providers is available at: www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/DocRegisters.aspx
The Department urges prospecting students to stay alert and to always authenticate the accreditation credentials of institutions before deciding to enrol.
The Department is also contactable on the Call Centre number: 0800 87 2222
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