SAQA warns matric class of 2025 against fake institutions ahead of results release
Mapaballo Borotho
- SAQA has warned the class of 2025 matric pupils to verify institutions and qualifications to avoid falling victim to unregistered colleges.
- The warning comes as Umalusi prepares to release matric results, with officials confirming an exam breach in Pretoria involving 40 candidates.
- SAQA has urged affected learners to stop payments, report cases, and explore legitimate alternative study pathways.
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has urged the class of 2025 matric pupils to remain vigilant and verify institutions and qualifications before making any application or registration payments.
The warning comes at a time when parents and prospective students are particularly vulnerable to misinformation from unregistered institutions seeking to exploit the urgency to secure study opportunities.
This comes as Umalusi prepares to officially release the matric results, despite the many challenges learners faced during the examination period.
SAQA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Makhapa Makhafola, congratulated matriculants in advance as they prepare to take their next steps in higher education.
“This is a significant milestone, and SAQA acknowledges the hard work, resilience and determination demonstrated by learners, their families and educators throughout the 2025 academic year,” Makhafola said.
He also encouraged learners who did not achieve their desired results not to lose hope, noting that programmes such as the Second Chance Programme provide opportunities to improve subjects and complete the National Senior Certificate.
Pupils who discover they are enrolled at unregistered institutions have been advised to stop making further payments and immediately report the matter to SAQA or the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Learners are also urged to keep all documentation and proof of payment and seek guidance on legitimate alternative study pathways.
Makhafola said SAQA works closely with DHET, Quality Councils, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to investigate cases of misrepresentation related to qualifications and National Qualifications Framework (NQF) claims. Where institutions are found to be operating illegally, appropriate action will be taken.
Meanwhile, Umalusi has approved the release of the 2026 matric results, which are set to be published on Monday.
The quality assurance body confirmed during a briefing in Pretoria on Friday that an examination breach in the city implicated 40 candidates, with investigations still underway.
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