Johannesburg – The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, has issued a Notice of Intent to Cancel the registration of three private higher education institutions following what the Department describes as a prolonged pattern of non-compliance with the law.
The affected institutions are City Varsity (Pty) Ltd, Damelin (Pty) Ltd, and ICESA City Campus (Pty) Ltd.
According to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the decision was taken after the Minister considered submissions placed before him and is aimed at protecting students and upholding the integrity of South Africa’s higher education sector.
Prolonged Non-Compliance with the Law
The Department stated that the institutions failed to comply with the Higher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997) and the Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions, despite repeated opportunities to remedy their shortcomings.
Key Grounds for the Decision
The Notice of Intent to Cancel is based on several critical factors, including:
Failure to submit statutory Annual Reports
All three institutions failed to submit their 2024 Annual Reports, even after:
- An extension granted until 30 June 2024, and
- A final remedial deadline set for 6 June 2025.
Failure to demonstrate financial and operational sustainability
The institutions did not provide essential compliance documentation, including:
- Audited Annual Financial Statements;
- Proof of financial surety or guarantees;
- Valid SARS Tax Compliance Certificates; and
- Occupational Health and Safety compliance documentation.
Evidence of institutional cessation
The Department has received reliable confirmation that City Varsity (Pty) Ltd and ICESA City Campus (Pty) Ltd have ceased operating, meaning they are no longer providing higher education as defined by the Act.
Next Steps in the Process
The Notice of Intent to Cancel will be published in the Government Gazette in line with Section 63(a) of the Higher Education Act. The institutions will be afforded an opportunity to make representations, as required by law, before any final decision is taken.
The Department has also assured the public that affected students will be supported through appropriate academic and administrative measures to minimise disruption to their studies.
Commitment to Students and Quality Education
DHET reaffirmed its commitment to:
- Protecting students from enrolling in institutions that lack financial and operational sustainability;
- Ensuring all higher education providers operate within the legal and quality assurance framework; and
- Acting decisively to safeguard the credibility of South Africa’s higher education system.
“Institutions that fail to meet their legal and educational obligations cannot be allowed to compromise the futures of the people they serve,” the Department said.
