Minister Manamela Gives VUT Deadline To Address Fake Degree Scandal Or Face Hawks

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has issued a stern warning to the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), demanding clarity on allegations of fraud and corruption or risk involvement from the Hawks.

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The alert follows an internal investigation at VUT into claims that an employee sold fraudulent degrees to foreign nationals. These allegations reportedly date back to 2018.

Concerns have emerged that senior management may have been aware of whistleblower evidence for more than a year without taking action.

VUT Urged to Address Irregular Admissions and Illegal Registrations

Minister Manamela has set a deadline for VUT to respond to these serious concerns by Friday. The focus is on possible illegal registrations and irregular admissions that could have far-reaching implications for the institution.

“The minister reiterates that the sale of degrees is a criminal offence.

“Should the university’s internal processes prove insufficient, it is a matter that the department will take to the directorate for priority crime investigation (Hawks),” said Matshepo Seedat, spokesperson for the Ministry of Higher Education.

Hawks Could Intervene if University Fails to Report

Seedat added that failure to submit a preliminary report to the minister could place VUT directly under law enforcement scrutiny.

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