“Students, beware of all the fly-by-night learning institutions”

Date: 08 January 2015   Read: 284

With learners waiting for their matric results, some crooks are strategising how to rip off parents and steal their hard-earned cash.

Most learners wish to study far away from their homes or places of origin - something not bad at all for exploring the world. But be warned: that there are crooks who target those who fail to get admission at acknowledged higher learning institutions.

Let me use this opportunity to advise learners and parents to verify this before making any decision. Go to Umalusi, Department of Education and the relevant SETA or any other authorised qualifications bodies’ websites to check the accreditation status of the institution where the student wishes to enrol. Check the status and qualifications that the institution is eligible to offer.
After doing an analysis of this, then you can make a well-informed decision.

So many people have lost their last cent by paying tuition fees to institutions that are not recognised by education bodies. Some institutions offer certain qualifications that they are not registered to offer whilst others are not accredited at all.

It is also important to check the qualifications of the lecturers to avoid being misled by non-experts. It is the legal obligation of both learners and parents to verify all critical information before making any decisions to avoid regretting the consequences of ignorance. It is painful seeing some people carrying useless qualifications that  can disadvantage them in the job-hunting process.

Remember to consult the Department of Higher Education for further assistance in case you need some necessary information.  The department is the custodian of qualifications and they can answer all relevant questions that maybe helpful to those who are in need.

Education is precious and society at large has a pivotal role to play in exposing all fly-by-night institutions. 

The proverb “your children are my children” should guide us in building a prosperous society. In case someone knows about any fly-by-night institutions, just alert the public. We can’t shield the perpetrators and blame the police in everything because organised crime is a societal problem that needs us to root it out.

I wish all the learners good a future in their education journey. 

- Rofhiwa “Mabizana” Phaswana.