Damelin, City Varsity and ICESA face potential closure over non-compliance

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has issued a notice of intent to cancel the registration of three private colleges.

The move affects Damelin, City Varsity and ICESA City Campus, following a pattern of non-compliance with the Higher Education Act.

The department said the step is aimed at protecting students and maintaining the integrity of the private higher education sector.

The Department of Higher Education said the institutions failed to meet basic legal and financial requirements, including the submission of statutory annual reports.

Officials confirmed that all three colleges did not file their 2024 annual reports, despite multiple extensions and a final remedial deadline earlier this year.

The minister also found that the institutions failed to provide audited financial statements, tax compliance documents and proof of financial sustainability.

The department said it had received confirmation that City Varsity and ICESA City Campus have ceased operations, meaning they are no longer offering higher education as defined by law.

The notice of intent to cancel will now be published in the Government Gazette, with the affected institutions given an opportunity to make representations.

The department said measures are being put in place to support students should the cancellation process proceed.