Minister Moves to Cancel Registration of Non-Compliant Colleges
The Minister moves to cancel registration of non-compliant colleges as the South African government takes a firm stand against private institutions. These colleges have failed to meet their legal and educational obligations. Consequently, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has issued a formal Notice of Intent to cancel the registration of three major institutions. These are Damelin, City Varsity, and ICESA City Campus.
This decisive step follows a thorough review of submissions and a history of regulatory failures. Furthermore, the announcement signals a significant shift in the Department of Higher Education‘s approach. They are now enforcing compliance more strictly.
Buti Manamela Takes Decisive Action
Minister Buti Manamela did not take the decision to issue the Notice of Intent lightly. He highlighted that his primary motivation is student protection. Additionally, he aims to preserve the sector’s integrity. For years, some private institutions have promised quality education but failed to deliver the necessary administrative and financial results.
Matshepo Seedat, the minister’s spokesperson, explained the situation’s gravity. “This action follows a prolonged pattern of non-compliance with the Higher Education Act,” Seedat stated. Therefore, the department acted to protect students and uphold the sector’s integrity.
The core issue lies in these institutions’ sustainability. The Minister moves to cancel registration of non-compliant colleges because an educational institution needs a solid financial foundation. When colleges fail to demonstrate this, they put students at risk.
The Scope of Private College Non-Compliance
The crackdown focuses on three specific entities under the Educor umbrella: Damelin, City Varsity, and ICESA City Campus. The allegations of private college non-compliance are serious. According to the Department of Higher Education, they based the decision on several critical factors:
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Failure to Submit Annual Reports: All three institutions failed to submit their complete statutory Annual Reports for the 2024 academic year.
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Financial Instability: The colleges failed to demonstrate financial and operational sustainability.
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Missing Documentation: The institutions did not provide mandatory documentation to the Registrar. This includes audited annual financial statements and valid SARS tax compliance certification.
Most damning is the revelation regarding operational status. The department confirmed that two of the institutions, City Varsity and ICESA City Campus, have effectively ceased operating. Thus, they are no longer providing higher education as defined by the Act.
Expert Reaction to the Closures
Dr. Felicity Coughlan, Chief Academic Officer at Newbridge Graduate Institute, provided industry insight. She discussed why the Minister moves to cancel registration of non-compliant colleges now. She described the situation as unfortunate but perhaps inevitable.
“You may recall that something very similar happened just over 18 months ago,” Coughlan noted. She referred to when the minister previously threatened to deregister the Educor group. Her comments highlight a shared frustration in the sector. The regulations are clear and simple to follow for well-run institutions.
“Simply not complying is an indication that there are some serious flaws,” she added. “You don’t get notice of deregistration unless you’ve defaulted more than once.“
Impact on ICESA City Campus and Students
The inclusion of ICESA City Campus in the cancellation list is significant for students in KwaZulu-Natal. The brand has historically held a strong presence there. Naturally, uncertainty arises when a Minister moves to cancel registration of non-compliant colleges. This can devastate currently enrolled learners.
However, the Department of Higher Education has moved to reassure the public. They promised to support affected students through “appropriate academic and administrative arrangements.” Typically, this involves teach-out plans. These plans help students transfer credits to other compliant institutions to complete their degrees.
Minister Buti Manamela issued a stern warning. He stated that institutions failing to meet their legal obligations cannot compromise the futures of the people they serve. This suggests the department prioritizes students’ rights over commercial interests.
The Legal Process Moving Forward
The process does not end immediately with the announcement. As the Minister moves to cancel registration of non-compliant colleges, strict legal procedures must follow. This ensures fairness and adherence to the rule of law.
The department will officially publish the Notice of Intent in the Government Gazette. This aligns with Section 63(a) of the Higher Education Act. Following this publication, Damelin, City Varsity, and ICESA City Campus may make representations. This gives them a final window to argue their case or prove their viability.
However, the department asserts that City Varsity and ICESA City Campus have already ceased operations. Therefore, a successful appeal seems unlikely for them. The focus now shifts to managing these shutdowns to minimize collateral damage.
Maintaining Integrity in Higher Education
This move implies a tightening of standards across the board. The Department of Higher Education is sending a clear message: financial sustainability is mandatory. The requirement for SARS tax compliance certification ensures that colleges are responsible corporate citizens.
Dr. Coughlan noted it is “sad that another 18 months have passed.” This suggests the sector has awaited finality on the Educor issue for some time. By acting now, the Minister moves to cancel registration of non-compliant colleges to prevent further decay of trust in private qualifications.
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Conclusion
As the Minister moves to cancel registration of non-compliant colleges, the South African higher education landscape faces a necessary correction. The closure of legacy brands like Damelin and ICESA City Campus marks the end of an era. However, it also signals a commitment to quality assurance.
Students and parents should remain vigilant. The Department of Higher Education advises verifying the registration status of any private college before enrolling. For students at Damelin, City Varsity, and ICESA, the coming weeks are critical. The department will soon roll out its support mechanisms. The cancellation of registration is a drastic tool. Yet, as Minister Buti Manamela made clear, it is necessary to protect the value of education in South Africa.
Mainstream Media References
1. SABC News: Minister moves to cancel registration of non-compliant colleges
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Date: December 13, 2025
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Key Coverage: This report confirms Minister Buti Manamela’s issuance of the Notice of Intent to cancel the registration of Damelin, City Varsity, and ICESA City Campus. It quotes the Department’s reasons, including the failure to submit annual reports and evidence that some campuses have ceased operations.
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Link: Minister moves to cancel registration of non-compliant colleges
2. EWN (Eyewitness News): Higher Education Dept to deregister City Varsity, Damelin & ICESA City Campus
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Date: December 13, 2025
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Key Coverage: EWN provides details on the “prolonged pattern of non-compliance” cited by the Department. It includes the insights from Dr. Felicity Coughlan regarding the rigorous but necessary nature of the legal requirements and the impact on students.
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Link: Higher Education Dept issues notice to deregister City Varsity, Damelin & ICESA
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