According to reports, authorities have shut down the Mhlabuhlangene School of African Medicine in Ladysmith after discovering it was operating illegally and issuing unaccredited qualifications — including a so-called PhD in Healing Science and Facilitation priced at R18 500.
The action forms part of an ongoing crackdown on bogus colleges in Ladysmith and across the country. The operation was led by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, supported by officials from SAPS, SAQA, the CHE, Home Affairs, the Department of Employment and Labour, and Alfred Duma Local Municipality.
During the inspection, officials found that the institution had never been registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) but continued to market a wide range of programmes, from an R8 500 Diploma in African Medicine to its unaccredited PhD offering.
None of these qualifications have standing with any recognised regulator.
Dr Gondwe confronted the owner directly after staff confirmed the school was still enrolling students. She then instructed the institution to close with immediate effect, and the DHET subsequently opened a criminal case at the Ladysmith Police Station for operating without registration.
Speaking on the broader clampdown, Dr Gondwe cautioned students to remain vigilant, saying many unregistered institutions lure learners with impressive-sounding courses that hold no value. She stressed that her concern is not with African or traditional medicine itself, but with entities misleading the public by issuing qualifications that are neither recognised nor legitimate.
Furthermore, Dr Essack Shaheeda, Director of Private Higher Education, said the current campaign is focused on exposing fake colleges, informing the public about accredited study options, and strengthening joint enforcement operations.
She also noted the cooperation of SAPS, SAQA, CHE and local authorities in identifying institutions that repeatedly ignore registration laws.
The closure of the Ladysmith operation highlights the scale of the problem — and the ease with which unregistered providers attempt to pass off unaccredited courses as legitimate higher education. Officials say more action will follow as they continue identifying institutions operating outside the law.
With student numbers rising across the provinces, government agencies are increasing public-awareness efforts to help parents and learners verify accreditation before enrolment. The message from authorities remains clear: colleges that deceive students or bypass South Africa’s higher-education regulations will face legal consequences.
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FAQs:
The institution was offering unaccredited courses, including a PhD in Healing Science and Facilitation, without legal registration.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, led the intervention with support from SAPS, SAQA, CHE, Home Affairs and Alfred Duma Municipality.
No. None of the qualifications issued by the college are accredited or recognised by South Africa’s higher education regulators.
The Department of Higher Education and Training opened a formal case at the Ladysmith Police Station for operating without registration.
Students should verify institutional registration with DHET and confirm programme accreditation through SAQA or the Council on Higher Education.
One Response
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