Quality Assurance Body Umalusi is concerned with the increase in the rapidly growing number of online schools in South Africa. The accreditation body warned that some of these institutions have not been accredited and are especially offering bogus qualifications.
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.
The body found that several online schools in South Africa are deceiving members of the public by circulating fake accreditation certificates. They also noted that students are also being issued emails bearing Umalusi’s logo purporting to be legitimate registration letters.
In addition, the institutions make students write old question papers accessed from the websites of the provincial education departments.
Umalusi CEO MS Rakometsi revealed that no online school in South Africa has been accredited by Umalusi to offer any of its qualifications. They are also unaware if any online schools have registered with any provincial education departments.
Concerned members of the public can visit Umalusi’s website to verify the accreditation status of any independent school or private college in South Africa.
Fake Matric Certificates
Umalusi is also warning members of the public against purchasing qualification certificates. The body noted an increase in the reported cases of fake certificates being sold to unsuspecting members of the public.
The practice of buying or selling fake certificates is a criminal offence and is punishable by law.
Umalusi is the only institution in South Africa legislatively mandated to issue certificates of learner achievement. This includes the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Senior Certificate, National Certificate (Vocational) and the General Education and Training Certificate.
No other body or person is allowed to issue any of the certificates.
The body also encouraged all employers in the private and public sectors to verify their current or future employees’ qualifications through the agencies Umalusi has contracts with. Information about these agencies can be found on Umalusi’s website.
Reporting Illegal Activity Regarding Fake Certificates.
Umalusi called on members of the public to report any case that involves operating an illegal institution to the relevant provincial education department.
The selling or buying of fraudulent certificates can be reported through their toll-free number contactable on 0800 409 409. Alternatively, they can send an email to umalusi@whistleblowing.co.za.
