Question NW1625 to the Minister of Higher Education and Training

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27 June 2017 - NW1625

Profile picture: Bucwa, Ms H

Bucwa, Ms H to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

With regard to the arrests of three suspects who allegedly arranged places for students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s medical school in exchange for money, what (a) (i) disciplinary or (ii) other action will be taken against students who allegedly obtained their places through bribery and (b) steps will his department take to determine if such bribery has occurred at other higher education institutions?

Reply:

(a)(i) The Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997 as amended) is the legal framework within which the Department of Higher Education and Training, and public higher education institutions operate.

Universities are entirely responsible for their admission policies in terms of Section 37 of the Act.

In addition Section 36 of the Act states that: every student at a public higher education institution is subject to such disciplinary measures and disciplinary procedures as may be determined by the institutional statute or the institutional rules.

Therefore, with reference to the above sections, universities themselves must determine the admissions requirements for students, and any disciplinary processes for students who may have obtained their places through bribery, as alleged.

(ii) Notwithstanding the legal framework, I take this matter very seriously as it poses a grave danger to the credibility of the country’s education system. I commend both our law enforcement agencies and the institution concerned for working together to rid the higher education system of this scourge. In the specific case mentioned, the Department will request reports from the institution on the actions taken regarding those found guilty after the investigations are concluded.

(b) The Department will engage with all University Vice-Chancellors, raising the concerns around corruption into application and admissions processes; urging all universities to look into their processes and where findings are made, to take decisive action. Any concerns that the public has or further information on any alleged corruption regarding admissions fraud, should be reported to the Department for further investigation.

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

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DIRECTOR – GENERAL

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QUESTION 1625 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

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