SAQA urges South Africans to verify institutions

SAQA has cautioned South Africand about the prevalence of fake institutions, both within the country and abroad. It’s important for them to verify the legitimacy of colleges or universities before enrolling to avoid obtaining fake qualifications.

In a collaborative effort showcased during a joint media briefing on Monday, key stakeholders including the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA), Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), Council on Higher Education (CHE), and Umalusi, rallied to address the pressing issue of bogus institutions and fraudulent qualifications.

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SAQA CEO URGES PUBLIC: VALIDATE INSTITUTION

Nadia Starr, CEO of SAQA, urged the public. She emphasised leveraging the authority’s website as a crucial tool for validating educational offerings’ credibility.

“Whilst SAQA does not deal directly with accreditation… the SAQA searchable website database is… a useful tool for self-vetting the offering of learning institutions,” she said.

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In addressing concerns surrounding fake qualifications, Starr shed light on SAQA’s meticulous verification process, stating, “When it comes to fake and fraudulent qualification achievement, SAQA is front and centre.”

She outlined the steps involved, from confirming registration on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to validating individual achievements.

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Starr stressed the repercussions of misrepresentation, affirming that SAQA collaborates closely with relevant authorities to tackle instances of inauthentic qualifications.

FAKE QUALIFICATIONS CAN LEAD TO PROBLEMS

She warned, “Misrepresentation qualifications can lead to legal repercussions for both the individual and the employer.”

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Starr urged the public to exercise diligence when considering educational opportunities, both at home and abroad.

“In the context of burgeoning academic fraud and misrepresentation, we hope this information will help the public make informed choices,” she remarked.