PROJECT: PREVENTION OF AND SOLUTIONS TO BOGUS EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (PART 2)

Isabel Spies
6 days ago
4 min read

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Over the years, the Department of Higher Education and Training and law enforcement

have identified specific bogus providers that operated without lawful registration or accreditation.

In Johannesburg, Victory Training College and the Institute of Health and Social Care Studies were officially declared bogus after inspections exposed their illegal operations. Law‑enforcement actions in Gauteng also shut down unregistered providers such as Shepperd Academy, Central College of Business and Computer Studies, and other similarly unlawful training centres that charged fees without delivering recognised qualifications. In other instances, church‑linked operators (e.g., entities connected with Calvary University) were found issuing fraudulent theology degrees that held no legal recognition.

Please read our initial project for more context:

https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-bogus-and-fly-by-night-education-institutions-in-south-africa-part-1

1. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

ALWAYS VERIFY BEFORE ENROLLING:
- DHET Register – Private colleges and higher education institutions.
- SAQA – Qualification verification.
- CHE – Higher education accreditation.
- Umalusi – Matric and school-level programmes.
- Professional Councils (where applicable):
  - SACE, HPCSA, ECSA, PSIRA, etc.
If it is not listed, treat it as a major red flag.

2. COMMON RED FLAGS:

Pressure to pay immediately.
No verifiable physical campus.
Vague or generic course outlines.
Certificates promised in weeks or months.
Heavy reliance on social media advertising.
No written refund policy.

3. WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A BOGUS INSTITUTION:

STEP 1: GATHER EVIDENCE -
- Collect:
  - Institution names and aliases.
  - Physical and online addresses.
  - Contact details.
  - Advertisements and screenshots.
  - Proof of payment.
  - Contracts, enrolment forms, certificates.
STEP 2: REPORT TO AUTHORITIES:
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET):
  - Contact number: 0800 87 2222.
  - Email: callcentre@dhet.gov.za
  - Subject: “Report of Suspected Bogus College”.
  - Attach all evidence.
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA):
  - Report false accreditation or NQF claims.
- South African Police Service (SAPS):
  - Open a fraud case.
  - Obtain a CAS number.
- National Consumer Commission (NCC):
  - For false advertising and non-delivery of services.
- Professional Councils (if applicable):
  - SACE, HPCSA, ECSA, PSIRA, etc.

4. IF YOU ARE A VICTIM:

Stop payments immediately.
Do not use the qualification on your CV.
Keep all communication and proof.
Seek legal advice if large sums are involved.
Report the matter, even if embarrassed.
Collective reporting strengthens enforcement and protects others.

Bogus and fly-by-night education institutions represent a serious, ongoing criminal threat that exploits hope,

financial vulnerability, and systemic pressure points within South Africa’s education sector.

These operations cause financial devastation, legal exposure, career destruction,

and long-term reputational harm to victims, while undermining national development.

Specialised Security Services urges the public to verify before enrolling, report suspicious institutions without delay,

and understand that silence enables repeat victimisation.

If you believe you have been a victim of a bogus or fly-by-night education institution,

or require a professional investigation, you are urged to contact:

MR. MIKE BOLHUIS

Contact number: +27 82 447 6116

All information is handled confidentially, and investigations are conducted with discretion,

professionalism, and due regard for the law.

Your report may prevent countless others from becoming victims.

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Fax: 086 585 4924

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv