Educational Shake-Up: Key Private Institutions Face Deregistration

Share the Article:

Minister Buti Manamela intends to cancel the registration of City Varsity, Damelin, and ICESA City Campus after reviewing submissions, putting their future as private higher education institutions in jeopardy.

This action follows prolonged non-compliance with the Higher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997) and Private Institution Registration Regulations, the Ministry of Higher Education and Training confirmed.

Matshepo Seedat, spokesperson for the minister, said the key ground for the decision is therefore undertaken in the interest of protecting students and upholding the integrity of the sector.

“The Department has an obligation to ensure that private institutions deliver quality education and demonstrate financial sustainability. The decision to issue the Notice of Intent to Cancel is based on a number of critical factors.

“Three institutions failed to submit their 2024 Annual Reports, even though an extension was granted until June 30, 2024, and a final deadline was set for June 6, 2025.

“Institutions failed to prove financial and operational sustainability by not submitting required documents to the Registrar, including audited statements, financial guarantees, tax compliance certificates, and Occupational Health and Safety compliance proof.

NoI to cancel to be gazetted per Education Act

Seedat cited evidence of institutional cessation and revealed that City Varsity (Pty) Ltd and ICESA City Campus (Pty) Ltd have ceased operating and are no longer providing higher education under the Act.

Outlining the next steps, Seedat highlighted that the Notice of Intent to cancel will be published in the Government Gazette in accordance with Section 63(a) of the Higher Education Act.

She added, “The institutions will be given an opportunity to make representations, as required by law. The department will ensure that students affected by this process are supported through appropriate academic and administrative arrangements.

ALSO READ | Five Gauteng Schools Champion Recycling and Community Upliftment

“The Department is firmly dedicated to safeguarding students by preventing enrolment in financially and operationally unstable institutions, guaranteeing that higher education providers adhere to all legal and quality assurance standards, and decisively maintaining the integrity of South Africa’s higher education system.

“Institutions that fail to meet their legal and educational obligations cannot be allowed to compromise the futures of the people they serve.”