The three educational brands in the Educor group will finally be de-registered by the Higher Education and Training Department, after two years of uncertainty - subject to representations from the group. This means that the well known brands, Damelin, ICESA and City Varsity will no longer be able to trade as colleges, or enroll any more students when this is finalised.
The former Minister Dr Blade Nzimande originally suspended the registration of the colleges in the Educor group for a number of non-compliance reasons, and also as the result of complaints from many students and staff. That was in early 2024, but then later in the year the colleges were temporarily re-registered and able to carry on business.
This latest intention to de-register the colleges comes just before the start of the academic year, so is well timed to avoid students and they families paying for courses that may not be able to be delivered. The Department was criticised when the original announcement was made in March 2024 as this was just after the major registration period for the year.
Minister Buti Manamela explained in an official statement that he will be revoking their registration because of a, 'prolonged pattern of non-compliance' with the relevant laws. However the institutions will be allowed an opportunity to state their case to the Minister.
The official statement goes on to explain that the Department believes that City Varsity and ICESA City Campus are no longer operating.
The announcement comes in time to warn students and their families if they are considering registering with Damelin for studies in 2026.
Under the South African Constitution there is a right to operate private colleges and institutions that must at least be at the same level as public universities and colleges. However these private colleges have to register with the government, and have to comply with various tasks in an effort to ensure their viability.
This 'registration' with the national government is intended to ensure that the colleges have sufficent financial resources to deliver their courses over a period of years. This is to protect students who are paying fees to these colleges and will lose out if the colleges are not able to complete their courses.
In addition private education institutions also have to be 'accredited'. This process is more focused on the academic nature of the courses and is intended to ensure that the degrees and diplomas awarded by these institutions are at least the same standard as those from public universities and colleges.
