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The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has issued a Notice of Intent to cancel the registration of three major private colleges. These are Damelin, City Varsity, and ICESA City Campus. The move follows long-standing non-compliance with national higher education laws and regulations .
The department says the decision is aimed at protecting students and maintaining trust in South Africa’s higher education system.
Why the Department is taking action
According to the media statement, the institutions failed to meet requirements under the Higher Education Act and related registration regulations. These rules apply to all private colleges operating in South Africa .
Key concerns raised by the department include:
- Failure to meet academic quality standards
- Ongoing issues with financial sustainability
- Repeated breaches despite prior engagement
- Risk posed to current and prospective students
As a result, the minister has formally started the legal process that could lead to deregistration.
Colleges affected by the notice
The Notice of Intent applies to the following institutions:
| Private Institution | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Damelin (Pty) Ltd | Notice of Intent issued |
| City Varsity (Pty) Ltd | Notice of Intent issued |
| ICESA City Campus (Pty) Ltd | Notice of Intent issued |
These colleges remain registered for now, but their status could change after the legal process concludes.
What this means for current students
The department has stressed that the process is not immediate closure. Students are urged to remain calm while the institutions respond to the notice.
However, students should:
- Monitor official updates from their campus
- Keep copies of academic records and proof of payment
- Avoid new enrolments until clarity is provided
- Follow announcements from the Department of Higher Education and Training
Further guidance is expected once the institutions submit representations to the minister.
What happens next
The Notice of Intent allows the affected colleges to respond formally before a final decision is made. The minister will then consider all submissions before acting.
The department says it will communicate student protection measures if deregistration proceeds.
