Look out for bogus colleges

Limpopo matriculants who failed to register at colleges and universities for 2014 are scurrying to secure a place at alternative higher education institutions across the province.
The Limpopo police department has, however, urged matriculates to ensure the institutions where they wanted to study were registered. Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Fanie Masemola, said this week that they have observed with serious concern the mushrooming of unregistered Training Colleges in the major towns of the province. He said that his department, together with education officials, will build up special investigative teams with the aim to close all “bogus institutions” that might be operating or are about to operate in Limpopo.
“We want to ensure that those who are running illegal colleges are apprehended and receive harshest punishments. We are aware that the majority of applicants at legitimate universities and colleges may not be accepted and out of desperation, may fall victim to such bogus institutions. It must be noted [that] anyone arrested and found guilty of running a bogus institution faces 10 years imprisonment or can be fined [for] R250 000 or both.” said Masemola.
Parents and all prospective students are urged to call 0800 265 266 to establish whether higher education institutions are in fact registered. Police have also appealed to the public to blow the whistle on unregistered colleges.