The Department of Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has confirmed that the department has cancelled the registration of four Educor institutions after failing to submit their 2021 and 2022 financial statements and not complying with the regulations. The four are City Varsity, Damelin, Icesa City Campus and Lyceum College.
“In line with these legal prescripts, on 26 July 2023, the Director-General, in his capacity as the Registrar of Private Higher Education Institutions, cancelled the registration of the following Educor Institutions,
City Varsity, Damelin, Icesa City Campus and Lyceum College.
“These cancellations were carried out in accordance with the 2016 Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions and the applicable sections of the Higher Education Act,” said Nzimande during a media briefing in Pretoria.
Nzimande also accused the institutions been dishonest, for misrepresenting the number of registered learners, but it has since emerged that it has only 13 096 learners.
The minister described the institutions as dysfunctional following many complaints and grievances received from students, most of which remain unresolved.
“These complaints relate to poor quality of teaching and learning, lack of proper administrative support, poorly qualified staff, corruption and bribery, lack of response for requests for refunds, lack of professionalism, exploitation of poor students, non-payment of staff
salaries and under-payment of staff salaries,” explained the minister.
Nzimande expressed concern that some of the institutions closed suddenly for reasons of failure to pay rent, staff salaries and/or the municipality, leaving learners and staff stranded. The minister set the following strict guidelines for the future of the
learners.
“Educor will be given a phase out period in which to phase out pipeline students, Educor would have to reimburse students where it is due, the latest numbers of enrolled students as per the 2022 annual report is 13
096, not 50 000, as Educor claims.
“One challenge for students is the transfer of credits considering the Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Accumulation Transfer policy. Another challenge could be students repeating some modules or paying
extra fees,” emphasised Nzimande.
The minister also outlined some of the key obligations on the cancellation of the registration of the institutions.
“Inform its students within 14 days from the date of the Registrar’s notice that its registration has lapsed or been cancelled and notify the students of the arrangements that will be made to safeguard their interests in
terms of this regulation. Issue to each enrolled student a copy of his or her academic transcript, reimburse or compensate any enrolled student who has a lawful claim
on the institution as a consequence of its ceasing to operate from funds established as contemplated in regulation.
“Make adequate arrangements for affected students to complete their programmes at a comparable public or private institution,” said Nzimande on some of the obligations.
Meanwhile, the minister urged the affected staff members to seek the assistance of the Labor Court and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, to resolve the impasse.
