Higher Education and Training issues notice to pull plug on Damelin, City Varsity and ICESA

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has issued a notice of intent to cancel the registration of Damelin, City Varsity and ICESA City Campus after what government says is a long trail of non-compliance.

According to the department, the decision follows repeated failures by the three private higher education institutions to comply with the Higher Education Act and its regulations.

Ministerial spokesperson Matshepo Seedat said the action follows a prolonged pattern of non-compliance with the Higher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997) and the Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions.

“The decision is therefore undertaken in the interest of protecting students and upholding the integrity of the sector,” Seedat said.

Seedat said the institutions failed to submit their 2024 statutory annual reports, despite being granted an extension until 30 June 2024 and a final remedial deadline of 6 June 2025.

The institutions also failed to prove that they are financially and operationally sustainable.

“The institutions did not provide the Registrar with required documentation including audited annual financial statements, proof of financial surety or guarantees, SARS tax compliance certificates and occupational health and safety compliance,” Seedat said.

According to the ministry, City Varsity and ICESA City Campus have also stopped operating.

“The Department has received reliable confirmation that two of the institutions, namely City Varsity (Pty) Ltd and ICESA City Campus (Pty) Ltd have ceased operating, and are therefore not providing higher education within the meaning of the Act,” Seedat said.

Seedat said the notice of intent to cancel the registrations will be published in the Government Gazette, as required by law, and the institutions will be given a chance to make representations.

“The Department will ensure that students affected by this process are supported through appropriate academic and administrative arrangements,” Seedat said adding that the ministry remains firm on protecting students and safeguarding the sector.

“Institutions that fail to meet their legal and educational obligations cannot be allowed to compromise the futures of the people they serve,” Seedat said.