A flyer promoting the university. Photo: Twitter. A flyer promoting the university. Photo: Twitter.
The department of higher education and training is investigating a suspected bogus university in Pretoria, Pretoria East Rekord reports.
In a statement, the department said it was investigating the “international university” on allegations it was operating illegally in Pretoria Central.
Department spokesperson Madikwe Mabotha said the department had received several complaints about the university.
“Prospective students and the public suspected the institution, operating under the name Shepherd Bushiri University, might be bogus,” said Mabotha.
He said the university was operating in the Old Mutual Building, between Francis Baard and Steve Biko streets in Arcadia, Pretoria.
Mabotha said preliminary investigations had established the institution was not registered with the department.
“It is neither registered as a private college or private higher education institution as required by law.”
“We also established it is not accredited to offer the courses advertised on its Facebook page.”
The advertisement indicated it offered courses in accounting, business administration, nursing, aviation, theology, sciences and IT.
“The department treats this case very seriously, and has approached law enforcement authorities to assist with further investigations.”
The department had since instructed the university to cease any illegal operations with immediate effect.
The university was allegedly owned by millionaire prophet Shepherd Bushiri.
Earlier this year, the department shut down unauthorised institutions in Johannesburg, and warned prospective students to verify with the relevant authority if an institution of higher learning was accredited prior to registration.
“Prospective students must be vigilant and verify and institution’s credentials with the department before enrollment.”
The list of registered private higher education institutions, private colleges and skills providers are available on the department’s website www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/DocRegisters.aspx.
Mabotha said the department could also be reached via its call centre on 0800-87-2222 for further enquiries.
The university could not be contacted for comment at the time of going to press.
– Caxton News Service
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