Key Points:
- Gauteng woman arrested for submitting fake teaching qualifications from UNISA.
- Mpumalanga woman allegedly earned R1.2 million using forged matric and B.Ed degree.
- SACE and law enforcement warn against document fraud in education.
Woman Caught Submitting Fake Teaching Documents at SACE Office
CENTURION, South Africa — Police arrested a woman from Gauteng on Tuesday after she allegedly attempted to register fake teaching qualifications from the University of South Africa (UNISA). She submitted the documents at the South African Council for Educators (SACE) headquarters in Centurion, Tshwane.
SACE confirmed that the woman presented falsified academic credentials and a forged SACE registration letter. As a result, the council immediately reported the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS). They also alerted the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for further verification and investigation.
“The council urges all applicants to stop submitting fraudulent documents,” SACE said in a statement. “Our systems are designed to detect forgeries and ensure that only qualified educators enter classrooms.”
This latest incident underscores the growing concern over fake teaching qualifications South Africa. Authorities are now enforcing stricter vetting procedures and carrying out on-the-spot arrests for offenders.
SACE Warns Public Amid Surge in Credential Fraud
In response to recent cases, SACE strongly advises individuals with fraudulent certificates to avoid visiting its offices or applying for teaching posts. According to the council, officials now verify all submitted credentials using updated systems and protocols.
Furthermore, SACE emphasized that anyone caught using fake documents will face immediate legal consequences. The council remains committed to preserving the integrity of the education system and ensuring that only qualified educators serve in South African schools.
Mpumalanga Woman Earned Over R1.2 Million With Fake Degree
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, police arrested 41-year-old Ntombelanga Pretty Labane from Mpumalanga. She allegedly worked as a teacher since 2016 using fake academic records.
Authorities revealed that Labane never passed matric. However, she used a forged matric certificate to gain admission to Walter Sisulu University. There, she obtained a Bachelor of Education degree and earned over R1.2 million while teaching.
A whistleblower who knew her academic history reported the case to the Public Service Commission (PSC). Following the report, the PSC launched a full investigation. They later referred the matter to the Hawks’ serious commercial crime unit in Secunda in 2022.
“The PSC referred the case to the Hawks’ serious commercial crime unit in Secunda in 2022,” said Hawks spokesperson Capt. Dineo Sekgotodi.
Investigators discovered that Labane had written matric exams in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Unfortunately, she failed all four attempts. Instead of trying again, she forged a certificate by copying another person’s registration number and results.
Officials admitted they failed to identify the fraudulent certificate earlier. They explained that schools and district offices lacked the tools needed to verify the authenticity of education documents at the time.
This shocking discovery reinforces the urgent need to crack down on fake teaching qualifications South Africa. Law enforcement and education regulators continue to work together to protect the country’s classrooms from unqualified educators.
