Thousands of South African Students Left in Limbo as ‘Dysfunctional’ Colleges Owned by Educor Banned.
- By Caroline Ameh
South Africa’s Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has ordered the closure of four private colleges owned by Educor, a major education provider in the region. The decision, affecting thousands of students, comes after allegations of fabricated exam results and financial irregularities surfaced.
The affected colleges—Damelin, CityVarsity, Icesa City Campus, and Lyceum College—have been accused of failing to submit audited financial statements since 2020. Minister Nzimande described the institutions as “dysfunctional,” citing numerous unresolved complaints from students and staff.
Among the grievances reported were poor teaching quality, administrative deficiencies, lack of professionalism, non-payment of staff salaries, and corruption allegations. Furthermore, Educor allegedly inflated student enrollment figures to conceal a declining student population.
Minister Nzimande revealed that some students’ exam marks were falsified, a serious breach of educational integrity. The colleges also failed to provide audited financial statements and obtain necessary tax clearances.
The Department of Higher Education and Training initiated the deregistration process in July 2023, culminating in the recent ban. Over 13,000 students are affected by the decision, with many facing accommodation challenges.
Education authorities have advised affected students to seek enrollment in alternative institutions. Meanwhile, parents are demanding answers and refunds for tuition fees.
The South African Union of Students has applauded the move, emphasizing its benefit to students’ interests. Similarly, the South African Federation of Trade Unions has criticized Educor for alleged mistreatment of employees and students, advocating for long-overdue accountability.
Educor is yet to respond to inquiries regarding the allegations.
