VUT Council Faces Criticism Amidst Concerns over Degree Irregularities

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Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has voiced concerns regarding allegations of a degree-selling syndicate at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), which reportedly involves foreign nationals.

The Minister has expressed concern regarding allegations that senior management may have had credible whistleblower evidence for over a year without taking necessary action, despite the Ministry’s initial position to wait for the University’s internal investigation results.

“It is unacceptable for allegations of this magnitude, which threaten the integrity of our National Qualifications Framework, to be met with administrative delays”.

Minister @ButiManamela directs Vaal University of Technology Council to account for delayed action on "Degree Syndicate" allegations.https://t.co/KZ1xCQkcoK pic.twitter.com/igPsT0hxYS

— HigherEducationZA (@HigherEduGovZA) December 3, 2025

“If management knew about this a year ago, as alleged, simply ‘investigating’ is no longer sufficient.

“We need to understand why the perpetrators were supposedly allowed to remain in the system, potentially jeopardizing the integrity of the 2026 intake,” the Minister added.

VUT Council to submit a preliminary report

The Minister has directed the VUT Council Chairperson to submit a preliminary report by Friday.

The report must address the following concerns: the reasons for a purported 12-month delay in responding to a whistleblower’s report, evidence of active “consequence management,” and immediate steps to safeguard the 2026 registration process from potential manipulation.

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The Minister reiterated that the sale of degrees is a criminal offence.

He further said should the University’s internal processes prove insufficient, It is a matter that the Department will take to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).