Victory Training College and the Institute of Health and Social Care Studies in Johannesburg have been dubbed bogus operators by the Department of Higher Education (DHET).

“The number of bogus colleges has decreased this year‚” said Director: Private Higher Education Institutions of DHET‚ Dr Shaheeda Essack. She said that compared to 2016‚ there is more awareness and knowledge regarding illegally operating institutions this year.

Victory Training College and the Institute of Health and Social Care Studies were reportedly found to be bogus colleges during an intense five-day inspection campaign conducted last week by the DTET in partnership with local law enforcement authorities in Braamfontein and the Johannesburg city centre.

The campaign was aimed at exposing fraudulent colleges.

Authorities‚ including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Higher Education‚ have repeatedly warned students about bogus colleges. Last year 11 bogus colleges were shut down in Johannesburg last year.

 Dr Essack said that colleges that are found to be operating illegally or those offering unregistered courses are investigated by the DHET and then referred to the SAPS for further investigation.

“Parents and learners can Verify with the Department of Higher Education and Training by calling 0800 872222 in order to avoid falling victim to these illegally operating institutions‚” she added.