Umalusi warns employers and institutions of higher learning of rise in fake qualifications.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

The council which sets and monitors standards for general and further education, Umalusi has urged employers, as well as institutions of higher learning, to verify the qualifications of their employees and students, following an increase in cases of fake certificates.

Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi said that, despite efforts to curb it, the country is seeing a large number of fake certificates “issued by scammers or fraudsters who are [often] not employees of Umalusi,” in exchange for money.

So far, 11 suspects have been arrested, including having the Hawks arrest an employee of the Department of Higher Education back in December 2023 for fraudulently issuing a diploma certificate for cash.

“Umalusi remains concerned about unaccredited private institutions that continue to register candidates, fully aware that they are operating unlawfully, “said Rakometsi.

These institutions distribute fake Umalusi accreditation certificates or fraudulent emails claiming to be accredited by the body. Some institutions provide students with false letters that bear the Umalusi logo, which are presented as authentic registration letters.

Furthermore, these institutions make students take exams using old question papers downloaded from the websites of provincial education departments.

To curb this practice, the body urges the public to verify if an independent school or a private college is accredited by them, by looking on Umalusi’s website.

Umalusi is currently collaborating with the South African Police Service (SAPS) on various cases related to unaccredited institutions that have enrolled students into non-existent programs, as well as people selling fraudulent certificates.