UKZN Scam Latest: University warns against fraudulent centres

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has warned the public that it is neither affiliated to nor endorses any, so-called ‘matric upgrade centres’ or ‘schools’, no matter what names they use or affiliation they purportedly represent to have with the university. 

UKZN acting executive director for corporate relations, Normah Zondo said in a statement on Tuesday that certain ‘operators’ were claiming to be linked to UKZN.

“It has again been brought to our attention that operators are representing, on various social media platforms, that the University is linked to their centres or schools. This is not only false, but also misleading as UKZN has no association with any of these centres or schools,” Zondo said.

 “We have in recent days been inundated with queries about specific entities, and we wish to categorically distance UKZN from any and all such entities.  We call on all 2020 Grade 12 pupils, their parents, and guardians to be cautious about such entities,” she said.

Zondo added that none of the entities could offer services to secure or assist with admission or residence accommodation at UKZN.

“Any money paid over to such entitles, or to private individuals purportedly representing these entities, offering such services, will be lost, and the university cannot accept any responsibility for this,” Zondo said.

Applications to UKZN for the 2022 academic year must be made through the Central Application Office (CAO) on www.cao.ac.za.

Zondo said that the university may be in a position to offer limited spaces in certain programmes for the Second Semester of 2021, and once these have been advertised, applications would need to be made for entry into the second semester via the CAO

“The public is warned to report any such entities, including any individuals purportedly acting on their behalf, that use the UKZN name/logo or inadvertently link themselves with the University by name and/or branding or advertising advice and/or guidance on application to UKZN to the relevant South African Police Authorities. This conduct is a crime and criminal prosecution must follow,” she said.

“The University will take firm legal action against any entity and/or individual who unlawfully represents that they are affiliated to the UKZN, and/or conducts themselves in the manner described>

 Concerned members of the public can call the UKZN Fraud Hotline Toll-free: 0800 203 285 OR email: ukzn@tip-offs.com

For more information about ‘upgrading your matric’ contact the Department of Basic Education at www.education.gov.za, the KZN Department of Education at www.kzneducation.gov.za, or the high school where last  registered for the  2020 NSC examinations. Also, see information about the DBE Second Chance Matric Support Programme at https://www.gov.za/services/second-chance-rewrite-matric.