City Varsity and Damelin are in the crosshairs of the Department of Higher Education yet again. Along with Educor Holdings’ other Lyceum and ICESA City Campuses, the department says the private education facilities ‘can no longer fulfil their mandate.’
This follows issuance of a Notice of Intent to Cancel the registration of the private colleges by Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela. The minister says the department has taken the decision in the interest of the students. And it follows a long pattern of non-compliance with the department’s Higher Education Act.
END OF THE ROAD FOR CITY VARSITY AND DAMELIN?
Back in March 2024, Educor’s ICESA City Campus, Lyceum, City Varsity and Damelin colleges faced similar difficulties with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The action related to Educor’s inability to provide audited financial statements for 2021/2022, which is a contravention of the Higher Education Act.
As a result, the minister described the hopelessness that enrolled students felt as the ‘worst sin of all.’ Thousands of students learned their fate at the end of the first quarter. While many registrations were cancelled, only some students were allowed to complete their programs at equivalent institutions. Meanwhile, all those affected had to be reimbursed, costing Educor millions.
WHAT’S THE MATTER IN 2026?
By August 2024, City Varsity and Damelin colleges were reinstated with the DHET, but the long-term damage had already been done. Because, once again, Educor was unable to submit audited financial reports for 2024. Even after a remedial deadline was pushed back to June 2025.
Moreover, the department insists that City Varsity and Damelin colleges have failed in other departments. Like being able to ensure operational sustainability, occupational health and safety compliance. Educor, was also dealt a heavy blow recently, when the CCMA ruled it has to pay former employees over R1.3 million for unfair dismissal.
“Institutions that fail to meet their legal and educational obligations cannot be allowed to operate. They compromise the futures of the people they pretend to serve,” concluded the department.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR CITY VARSITY AND DAMELIN?
So, what happens next for the embattled ICESA City Campus, Lyceum, City Varsity and Damelin colleges? The department will issue a Notice of Intent to cancel their registration in the Government Gazette. And from there, all relevant institutions will be allowed to make representations. Although the minister admits that ruling against the deregistration would be ‘unconscionable due to its gross governance and compliance failures.’
But what do you think? Is this the final nail in the coffin for ICESA City Campus, Lyceum, City Varsity and Damelin colleges? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below …
