Higher Education Minister Demands Answers From VUT Over Fake Degree Scandal

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has ordered the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to provide a detailed explanation by Friday regarding alarming allegations of a fraud syndicate operating within the institution. The minister’s firm stance comes amid an ongoing internal probe into accusations that an employee has been selling fake degrees to foreign nationals, including Congolese students.

The alleged scheme has raised serious concerns about the integrity of VUT’s academic systems and the university’s ability to safeguard its administration processes from corruption. According to reports, the accusations against the implicated employee stretch back as far as 2018, with key insiders claiming that warning signs were ignored for several years.

The investigation at VUT was triggered by information provided by a whistleblower who reportedly raised red flags about illegal registrations, irregular admissions, and improper awarding of qualifications. The whistleblower’s reports suggested that fraudulent student records may have been created and processed under the radar, enabling individuals to obtain illegitimate degrees from the institution.

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Despite the seriousness of the allegations, senior university officials are now under scrutiny for allegedly failing to act on the whistleblower’s information in a timely manner. This alleged inaction has become a central point of concern for Manamela, who believes the university should have responded far more decisively.

According to Manamela’s spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat, the minister is deeply troubled by indications that senior management may have been aware of the whistleblower’s concerns long before the university formally launched its probe. Seedat said Manamela finds it unacceptable that credible allegations of fraud could have been overlooked for over a year.

“He is disturbed by allegations that senior management may have been in possession of credible evidence from a whistleblower for over a year without taking decisive action,” Seedat stated.

This revelation has not only cast doubt on the effectiveness of VUT’s internal governance but has also prompted urgent intervention from the ministry.

In response to these concerns, Manamela has written to the VUT council chairperson, demanding clear explanations and a full breakdown of the events that led to the alleged administrative failures. The letter reportedly requests responses on several key issues, including accountability measures, internal controls, and the university’s long-term plan to prevent similar misconduct.

Seedat confirmed that the minister’s letter includes demands for:

• A detailed explanation for what appears to be a 12-month delay in acting on the whistleblower’s report.

• Proof of consequence management, demonstrating that steps are being taken to discipline or remove individuals found to be complicit in the alleged scheme.

• Immediate safeguards to protect the 2026 registration cycle from manipulation or corruption.

The minister’s intervention signals growing frustration with the pace and transparency of VUT’s internal investigation.

The allegations, if proven true, could have significant implications for the credibility of South Africa’s higher education system. Universities play a critical role in safeguarding academic integrity, and any lapse—particularly one involving the alleged sale of fake degrees—threatens to undermine both public trust and international confidence in the country’s qualifications framework.

For Manamela, ensuring accountability is not only a matter of addressing possible wrongdoing at VUT but also a way to protect the broader sector from reputational damage.

With the Friday deadline fast approaching, VUT’s leadership faces intense pressure to respond comprehensively to the ministry’s concerns. The university must demonstrate that it is capable of adequately investigating internal misconduct, enforcing disciplinary action, and restoring confidence among students, staff, and regulatory bodies.

The minister’s insistence on robust accountability measures also signals a wider push within the department to tighten oversight and strengthen governance practices at South African higher education institutions.

As VUT navigates the fallout of these allegations, the institution finds itself at a crossroads. The outcomes of the investigation—and the university’s ability to cooperate fully with the ministry—will likely shape its public image for years to come. For now, all eyes remain on the university council as Manamela awaits answers that could determine the next steps in this fast-developing scandal.

Source- EWN