SOUTH AFRICA

Fake qualifications a major concern, says minister

Misrepresentation of qualifications is a major concern in South Africa in the public and private sectors, according to Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor, writes Bekezela Phakathi for Business Day.

Speaking in a heated debate on the National Qualifications Framework Amendment Bill last week, Pandor said the bill strengthened the ability of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to verify qualifications. The bill also provides for the naming and shaming of frauds who claim fake qualifications in an online public register administered by SAQA.

“The bill does not impose an intolerable burden. We have an extensive learner database within SAQA with over 20 million learner records on what is a digital database, which can be accessed fairly speedily. We believe this legislation and its requirements are enforceable,” said Pandor before the National Assembly voted to pass the bill. There have been many scandals recently over public servants and top executives with bogus qualifications.
Full report on the Business Day site