Cape Town – The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has warned parents, learners and communities to remain alert to bogus and fly-by-night education institutions operating illegally in the province.
According to the department, these unregistered institutions continue to exploit vulnerable families by offering unaccredited programmes and making false promises of quick qualifications and guaranteed results.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka said such institutions pose a serious threat to learners’ futures.
“These unregistered institutions often make false promises of guaranteed results, quick qualifications and unauthorised certificates, thereby exploiting vulnerable learners and families,” Hlomuka said.
He stressed that institutions operating without registration are not recognised by the department and that their programmes hold no legal standing. “Such institutions are not accredited by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education and their programmes are not recognised,” he said.
MEC for Education Warns Against Bogus and Fly-by-Night Education Institutions pic.twitter.com/FEW2NnqdaH
— KZN Education (@DBE_KZN) January 16, 2026
Hlomuka urged parents and learners to verify the registration status of any education or training institution before enrolling. “Verification can be done through the department’s district offices examination sections or by contacting relevant departmental officials for guidance,” he said.
The department has noted an increase in complaints linked to illegal education providers targeting learners seeking alternative schooling options. The MEC warned that the department would take action against those operating outside the law.
“The department will not hesitate to act against individuals or institutions that prey on our communities by offering illegal and unrecognised education services. We encourage the public to report any suspicious institutions to the nearest education office,” Hlomuka said.
The department said it remains committed to protecting learners and ensuring access to credible, quality and legally recognised education across KwaZulu-Natal.
Dr Shaheeda Essack, Director of Private Higher Institutions at the Department of Education, outlined key red flags that parents and learners should look for.
“An increasing number of higher learning institutions are exploiting South African students, leaving many with worthless qualifications,” she said.
WATCH | An increasing number of higher learning institutions are exploiting South African students, leaving many with worthless qualifications. Dr Shaheeda Essack from the Department of Education unpacks the issue and advises parents on what to check before enrolling learners. pic.twitter.com/jeuUEQgW6a
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 11, 2026
National warnings by education authorities, who repeatedly stress that qualifications obtained from unregistered or bogus institutions cannot be used for employment or further study, and often leave students with financial loss and dashed hopes.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, prospective students and parents are advised to verify a college’s registration status, check for legally recognised accreditations and confirm that programmes are listed on official government registers before paying any fees.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
