Johannesburg – Three prominent private higher education institutions, City Varsity, Damelin, and ICESA City Campus, face closure for failure to comply with rules governing their operations.
Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has issued a Notice of Intent to Cancel the registration of the three private higher education institutions.
The Department of Higher Education and Training said: “This action follows a prolonged pattern of non-compliance with the Higher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997) and the Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions”.
The department said the minister’s decision to close the institutions was undertaken to protect students and uphold the integrity of the sector.
Key Grounds for the Decision
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes on Saturday, 13 December 2025, the department said it has an obligation to ensure that private institutions deliver quality education and demonstrate financial sustainability.
The minister’s decision to issue the Notice of Intent to Cancel the registration of the errant colleges was prompted by their failure to submit complete statutory Annual Reports.
All three institutions failed to submit their 2024 annual reports, despite an extension being granted until 30 June 2024, and a final remedial deadline set for 6 June 2025.
They also failed to demonstrate financial and operational sustainability.
These institutions did not provide the Registrar with required documentation, including:
- Audited Annual Financial Statements;
- Proof of financial surety/guarantees;
- SARS Tax Compliance Certificates;
Occupational Health and Safety Compliance.
Evidence of institutional cessation
The department revealed that it has received “reliable confirmation” that City Varsity (Pty) Ltd and ICESA City Campus (Pty) Ltd have ceased operating, and were not providing higher education “within the meaning of the Act”.
Next Steps
The department said the Notice of Intent to cancel will be published in the Government Gazette in accordance with Section 63(a) of the Higher Education Act.
The institutions will be given an opportunity to make representations, as required by law.
The department said it will ensure that students affected by this process are supported through appropriate academic and administrative arrangements.
Commitment to Students and Quality
The department said it remains unequivocally committed to:
- Protecting students from being enrolled in institutions that cannot demonstrate financial and operational sustainability
- Ensuring that providers of higher education operate within the legal and quality assurance framework;
- Acting decisively to uphold the integrity of the South African higher education system.
“Institutions that fail to meet their legal and educational obligations cannot be allowed to compromise the futures of the people they serve,” warned the department.
