Education and training quality assurer, Umalusi, is seriously concerned about “the mushrooming of bogus online schools,” as well as the increase in the reported cases of fake certificates being sold to unsuspecting members of the public.
In a statement issued on Friday, Umalusi said it is currently working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) on various cases that concern unaccredited institutions that have admitted students into non-existing programmes.
The quality assurer stated that such institutions circulate fake Umalusi accreditation certificates or fake emails purporting to be accredited by Umalusi.
The CEO of Umalusi, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, warned that some institutions issue students with fake letters bearing the Umalusi logo, which are purported to be legitimate registration letters.
In addition, the institutions make students write exams using old question papers accessed from the websites of provincial education departments.
“To date, Umalusi has not accredited any online school to offer any of its qualifications. In the same vein, Umalusi is not aware of any such institution having been registered by any provincial education department,” Rakometsi said.
Umalusi urges the public to visit its website to verify the accreditation status of an independent school or a private college. The public is further urged to report any case that involves operating an illegal institution to the relevant provincial education department.
The selling and buying of fraudulent certificates can be reported through the tollfree number: 0800 408 409.
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