The Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, has welcomed the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Council’s decision to launch an independent forensic investigation into allegations of a syndicate selling fraudulent degrees and registrations to foreign nationals.
The allegations first came to public attention following media enquiries in November 2025, despite reportedly being raised by a whistleblower in August 2024. In response, VUT Council Chairperson, Professor MJ Radebe, confirmed that the matter had never been formally tabled before the University Council until recently.
“It is deeply concerning that the oversight body of the institution was kept in the dark regarding allegations that threaten the core academic integrity of the university,” Minister Manamela said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Minister has endorsed the Council’s resolution to reject a preliminary report submitted by University Management, describing it as “wholly inadequate.” The Council has committed to an immediate independent forensic investigation to examine both the alleged syndicate and the timeline of management’s response to these claims.
While the investigation is expected to take up to three months, the Minister stressed that the upcoming 2026 academic year cannot be compromised by the same vulnerabilities. To that end, Manamela has requested a supplementary brief from the Council detailing interim measures to safeguard the registration process.
“We have asked the Council to confirm specifically how they will verify the credentials of foreign nationals and applicants claiming ‘recognition of prior learning’ during this registration window,” the Minister said. “We also expect immediate consequence management for any staff members implicated, to prevent them from accessing the university’s IT systems while the investigation is underway.”
The Department of Higher Education and Training emphasised that the integrity of South African qualifications is sacrosanct. Minister Manamela pledged full support to VUT in identifying and rooting out any criminal elements operating within the institution.
The allegations have raised serious questions about internal oversight and governance at VUT, with the potential involvement of staff members in facilitating fraudulent registrations. The forensic investigation is expected to provide clarity on both the extent of the syndicate’s operations and the role of university management in addressing the matter.
The Department continues to urge vigilance across all higher education institutions to ensure the credibility of South African qualifications, particularly in light of growing international scrutiny.
