The decision by the Department of Higher Education and Training to revoke the registration of Damelin, CityVarsity, Icesa City Campus, and Lyceum College as private higher learning institutions has left hundreds of thousands of students potentially stranded. This move comes after the department’s director general, Nkosinathi Sishi, announced the cancellation of registrations due to these institutions’ failure to submit audited financial statements since 2020, as mandated by the Higher Education Act.
These educational institutions, which are all under the ownership of Educor, the largest private education provider in Southern Africa, have not met the accountability requirements set by the department. Educor oversees 10 educational brands across more than 60 campuses and sites both domestically and internationally.
The South African Union of Students supports the department’s decision, stating that it is in the best interest of students. They note that the process of deregistering Educor’s private institutions began in July 2023 and culminated in the recent decision. The union emphasizes the lack of effective management or governance within these institutions for the past few years, suggesting a failure to correct issues and restore credibility.
In November 2023, the South African Federation of Trade Unions raised concerns about maladministration at Damelin and its sister colleges, highlighting issues such as non-payment of salaries to employees. Saftu’s spokesperson, Trevor Shaku, criticized Educor for disregarding the rights of its employees.
Students at Damelin, particularly those at the Braamfontien campus, express concern about the impact on their education. Many students view private institutions like Damelin as a fallback option, especially for those who are unable to secure admission to universities after matriculation.
While the deregistration decision has caused uncertainty, students are assured that they will receive academic transcripts and assistance with transferring to other institutions. The student union urges calm among students and clarifies that the deregistration does not affect those who have already obtained qualifications from these institutions.
The deregistration of Damelin, CityVarsity, Icesa City Campus, and Lyceum College as private higher learning institutes by the Department of Higher Education and Training has sparked significant concern and uncertainty among students, staff, and stakeholders alike. With hundreds of thousands of students potentially affected, the ramifications of this decision are wide-ranging and complex.
One of the primary issues at the heart of this matter is the failure of these institutions to fulfill their financial reporting obligations. The requirement to submit audited financial statements is not merely bureaucratic; it serves as a critical accountability measure to ensure the financial stability and integrity of educational institutions. By neglecting to provide these statements, Damelin, CityVarsity, Icesa City Campus, and Lyceum College have raised serious questions about their financial management practices and transparency.
Furthermore, the implications extend beyond financial matters to encompass broader concerns about governance and oversight within these institutions. The lack of effective management structures and governance mechanisms, as highlighted by the South African Union of Students, suggests systemic issues that have persisted for an extended period. Such deficiencies can erode trust in the educational system and undermine the quality of education provided to students.
The decision to deregister these institutions also raises important questions about the role and regulation of private education providers in South Africa. While private institutions play a significant role in expanding access to education and providing alternative pathways for students, they must operate within a framework of accountability and quality assurance. The deregistration of Damelin, CityVarsity, Icesa City Campus, and Lyceum College underscores the need for robust regulatory mechanisms to safeguard the interests of students and ensure the credibility of private education providers.
The situation is further compounded by allegations of maladministration and labor rights violations, as raised by the South African Federation of Trade Unions. Reports of non-payment of salaries to employees highlight broader issues of workplace rights and labor practices within these institutions. Such allegations not only reflect poorly on the institutions themselves but also raise concerns about the welfare and rights of their employees.
Amidst the uncertainty and disruption caused by the deregistration, it is imperative to prioritize the interests and well-being of students. For many students, these institutions represent more than just places of learning; they are spaces of opportunity and aspiration. The sudden loss of accreditation and the potential disruption to their education can have profound consequences for their academic and professional trajectories.
In light of these challenges, it is essential for all stakeholders, including the Department of Higher Education and Training, Educor, students, staff, and regulatory bodies, to work together to find constructive solutions. This may involve measures to support affected students in transitioning to alternative institutions, ensuring the protection of labor rights for employees, and strengthening regulatory frameworks to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Ultimately, the deregistration of Damelin, CityVarsity, Icesa City Campus, and Lyceum College serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of accountability, transparency, and effective governance in the education sector. By addressing the root causes of these issues and working collaboratively to uphold standards of excellence and integrity, stakeholders can strive to rebuild trust and confidence in South Africa’s private higher education landscape.
